I was always a very skinny kid…
There was even a time where my mother preferred that I be fat instead of skinny because I was so thin. When I bought clothes, they never fit the way I wanted to, no matter how small the size.
People tried to take advantage of me because of my size and not necessarily in a physical way but they felt that there was no physical threat for their actions. I was athletic but I always wanted to look like an athlete.
One day in November 2011, I made a choice to change my life and I never looked back.
After a few months, I started to see my physique change and I became excited. Two years of working out later and after gaining over 50 pounds, I had a body that made people gravitate toward me.
5 Reasons Why Exercising Changes Your Life
Some told me that they believed in themselves because they saw what I did. I decided to become a personal trainer to help people who were in the position that I was in. I wanted to be the proof that anybody could get their dream body.
I still have goals and aspirations but exercise changed my lifestyle forever and I could not imagine living without it. Now, let me tell you how exercise can change your life.
1. You Will Have Something To Work Toward
Working toward a goal is so important in life. Goals give you focus and a sense of purpose. They allow you to measure your progress from the past to the present and where you would like to be in the future.
A person who works with no goal is like an archer with no target. Living without goals is pointless and a waste of effort. People who have goals are seen to be more determined and less distracted.
In terms of physical fitness, a goal can provide a visual or physical mark of which you would like to achieve. You can even compete against yourself. The goal of each workout should be to do better than the last workout.
Of course you may compare your body, strength, or endurance to another person, but understand that you must run your own race and not the race of anybody else. Do not get caught up trying to be like other people because everyone has different starting points.
Without a goal in fitness, you would never know when to change up your routine or continue what you are doing.
2. You Will Have More Self-Confidence
We hear it all the time;
“when you look good, you feel good.”
While that is true, it is also deeper than that. Achieving goals of lifting certain weight or losing pounds can create results that spill over to other parts of your life.
You may feel more confident in that test because you know that when you put your mind to running two miles, you achieved it and now you feel like you can achieve anything. Also, when your physique starts to positively change, you will fit into clothes in a different way.
The clothes will not wear you but you will wear the clothes. That shirt that was once just a V-neck t-shirt now is a frame for your excellent chest.
3. You Will Feel Better
Research shows that when people exercise, endorphins are released that lead to feelings of happiness and accomplishment.
An early morning workout can be the difference in a productive day or a day where you slept in too late. When you start to make progress, you will feel even more motivated to continue and even to help others achieve their fitness goals.
Helping people can create positive feelings as well.
4. You Will Be Healthier
Many of us dread going to the doctor because we do not want him or her to find something wrong with us. Well, more exercise means less trips to the doctor.
Many diseases that plague Americans, are very preventable with just exercise. According to Mayo Clinic, regular exercise is known to help improve heart health and can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
5. You Will Be Noticed More
I talk about this in more detail here but understand that a great physique will make you more attractive and not just to the opposite sex.
The majority of the compliments I receive are from other males. When people notice you, they will become intrigued with your lifestyle and want know what your workout routine is like, what do you eat, and even what you do for a living.
Summary
A recap on the reasons why exercising changes your life:
- You will have something to work towards
- You will have more self-confidence
- You will feel better
- You will be healthier
- You will be noticed more
So now you know the benefits of the fit life.
I wish that all of you could feel what it is like to be in great shape.
It will not always be easy waking up early to work out, passing up on delicious, unhealthy meals that your friends and family will eat right in front of you, and making time for the gym when you are exhausted but it will all be worth it.
So take the step on the road to becoming the best version of yourself and watch your life change before your eyes.