Why having the right intentions is so important. In fitness. And in life.
We've all read the articles. We've all heard the people. We've all known the studies. Doing daily exercise is good for your health, both physically and mentally.
But I would like to add that doing exercise is just the start. Doing exercise with the right intentions is the next step to developing a lifestyle of fitness.
Anybody can go through the daily motions of going to the gym or taking a walk. But not everybody engages in exercise with a purposeful intention. And that makes all the difference.
Why? Because it shows how much you love yourself.
When you engage in purposeful exercise, you are thinking about how each motion affects your body.
When you engage in purposeful exercise, you become fully aware of how your body is changing.
When you engage in purposeful exercise, you are developing a relationship with yourself that understands your strengths and weakness.
Learning all of these things about yourself shows how much you love and care for your body.
If you are only going in the gym, doing your thing, and getting out without actually thinking about how your legs felt during that stair climb, or how your heart beat changed in the treadmill, or how that extra weight made you feel different, then you are not keeping progress of your own development.
It is easy to start a fitness routine just thinking about losing that extra weight, or wanting to gain those six packs, or seeking to look like that one model figure. But those are ephemeral visions.
As human beings, we should seek to start a fitness routine that makes us feel alive. Everyday of our lives. A fitness routine that helps us feel empowered, confident, and beautiful.
That intention becomes even more important as we age, since we need to start adapting to the changes in our bodies.
As we age, we need to continue creating the motivation to keep moving, unless you want to slowly lose your independence. As we age, we need to learn how to show love towards our changing bodies, because nobody else will do it for you.
Why do I exercise?
I exercise because I love how I feel energized after a workout.
I exercise because I love being able to maintain my body's range of motion and stability as I grow older.
I exercise because I love the mental strength I build up and the confidence I gain in myself after I follow through with my workout plans.
Exercise is self-care, not just another point to check off from the to-do-list.
Exercise is a lifestyle.
What are your thoughts? Why do you exercise? I would love to hear from you!
Trust the process. Live the commitment