Secrets to Motivation
Copyright 2001 by Rachel Keller
If fitness is so important, why are so many out of shape? Ask around and you may get several different reasons, but lack of motivation is probably the main culprit behind each excuse for not exercising.
Yes, it may be hard to fit exercise into your schedule. (We all could use more hours in our busy schedule.) But time is just another excuse since we all make time for what is really important in our lives.
I have a family and many other responsibilities, but I make time for fitness because I have seen the benefits of exercise in my life. Yes, I get tired when I run, jump rope or do aerobics, but I know that my fitness routine gives me the energy to keep up with my three very active young sons.
I exercise because I wish to remain healthy and thin so my husband and children can be proud of me. During my pregnancies, I gained quite a bit of weight (even though I exercised) but exercise helped me lose all that weight. It also helped me stay healthy and fit throughout my pregnancies. I never once had high blood pressure or any swelling. My deliveries were quick, and I had my last two babies free of medication or pain killers.
Even now, I have freedom from the monthly discomforts that many women experience. My blood pressure is extremely low. During the day my resting heart rate is usually in the low 50s. (It is even lower first thing in the morning.) My body is strong, healthy and free from sickness.
Exercise will help me maintain my independence as I grow older. I don't want to become a couch potato (or a burden) as I age. Instead, I hope to enjoy my grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Even though I love to exercise, I will admit that some mornings I would rather spend that extra hour (or more) writing, playing on the computer, or getting caught up on my never-ending to-do list. Yet, I know that I will accomplish so much more if I spend even just a few minutes maintaining my fitness level. Usually, by the time I've run a mile or done a few minutes of my aerobic routine, I am thankful that I decided to get out of bed and get moving. By the time I'm finished, I'm feeling tired but great. The euphoria lasts for a couple of hours and I can't wait until my next run!
Probably my greatest motivator, however, is YOU! Yes, I enjoy being physically fit. I like glancing in the mirror and seeing a thin me. I look forward to the great feeling I get after finishing a routine. I cherish the medals I've won in my races. I have fun exercising, and I want to be healthy and independent as long as possible. But you---the readers of Time for Fitness and Blessings for Life--motivate me to keep going. (After all, something would be wrong if the webmaster of Time for Fitness never exercised!)
I wish I had a secret potion I could give each one of you to motivate you! (I would quickly become famous!) I know it's not always easy, but motivation must come from within. I cannot force you to exercise and neither can anyone else. Although your doctor may tell you to do so, and a medical condition may bring you to the point where you finally start, only you can make the decision to begin and stay with it.
Finding something you enjoy may be the most challenging part, but once you get into the habit of exercising and start seeing results, you too will become excited and may even grow to love exercise. I have and I don't want to quit!
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