Tell Us: Why do you exercise?

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
Sep 15th 2008 8:30AM

Categories: Fitness

I once exercised only to make up for the extra calories I ate. I didn't love working out. I just did it. I considered it a requirement, a rule I sometimes broke -- for months at a time even. Then something clicked. I got it. And now, exercise is no longer my obligation. It's my choice. A personal responsibility. I like exercise. No, I love it. This is why I do it.

It makes up for the extra calories I eat.
It fuels my day with energy -- I'm an AM exerciser.
It motivates me.
It makes me feel accomplished.
It makes me feel healthy.
It makes me feel strong.
It helps me maintain my weight.
It's give me time alone.
It allows me to role model a behavior I hope my kids will embrace.
It keeps cancer away -- research says five hours of weekly strenuous exercise helps prevent breast cancer recurrence.

And that's just a start.

Why do you exercise? Tell us, and we'll share your answers in a post.

Comments (4)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

jenn08carter 9-15-2008 @ 12:33PM

I exercise for all of the reasons posted,, but mostly because I FEEL SO GOOD PHYSICALY & MENTALY WHEN I AM THROUGH! I just got finished with a weekend of couch potato-ing because I didn't feel well,, now I feel worse thinking of all the exercise I didn't do!! I can't wait to get started today!!

Natalie 9-15-2008 @ 1:16PM

I enjoy it.
Makes me feel good.
Makes me look good.
Is healthy.
Allows me to eat more.
Gives me goals to achieve (get stronger, get faster)

bucky 9-15-2008 @ 2:05PM

at 79 i seriously uppped my strength building exercises 6 months ago. push ups bridging and squats. the results have been amazing. feel better than i did at 40.

Bob Harkins 9-20-2008 @ 9:35PM

I hate how I look. Ad 58 year old male, my profile resembles that of being 3 months pregnant. My energy level is slipping. I had to move my waist size to a 38 to be comfortable. I intend to get back my fitness starting now. I've been in and out of gyms for 25 years and now I intend to stay. I'll get back to ya in 6 months. = )