Why Should We Work Out? Robin Howard 2008-08-07

Why Should We Work Out?   That question might seem silly, but for many of us, it is not that easy to answer.  For me, as a runner, my answer would be to look and feel strong; not like the stick-thin actresses you see in Hollywood, or pencil-thin models you see on the runway.  I love to look into my “Runners World” magazine and see these beautiful women who look totally “buffed”.  For the last 2-3 years, my inspiration has been Jillian Michaels, of “The Biggest Loser”.  Not only is she a total motivation to all who work with her, but she also has a fabulous physique that most women would die for...no, not a 22 inch waist and large bust, but great defined legs, a six-pack for abs, and  arms that would put Linda Hamilton’s  (Sarah Connor in The Terminator) to shame.  To me, that is what I would love to look like.  And basically, I would guess most men would like that look in a women too!   Through much of my readings, I have found that there are basically four reasons most of us work out:   We want to lose weight.   I have found that when I was training for a marathon, I actually gained 1-2 lbs at the end of it.  I was  so hungry all of the time, and my body is craving the fuel it needs to go the long distance.  I found that if you mix your routine up so that your body does not get used to one kind of workout, you will have success.   Although I do not need to lose weight, I have found that I am less likely to get into that “plateau” if I add in some strength training, and cross training with my running.  Strength training will build muscle, which speeds up your metabolism and burns more calories.  I incorporate Pilates, elliptical training, biking and swimming into my cross training.  We want to de-stress (i.e. not go crazy as a result of our daily life) If you have stress in your life (and who doesn’t), it is really imperative to get out and do something!  Wake up 30 minutes earlier and take the dog for a walk.  It’s a great start to your day, and the added oxygen to your brain will clear up your thoughts and make you more productive at work.  I have heard that many novelists had their best inspirations during their runs.  If mornings are too jammed-tight, then force yourself to leave your desk during lunch and take a 30 minute walk.  Bring your walking (or running) shoes to the office and get out and enjoy the day.  Your mental health is just as important as your work.  Pack a healthy sandwich and eat it after your walk.  The added exercise will raise your metabolism to help burn your lunch off, and you will be refreshed to face the rest of the work day.   There have been studies that stated that exercise lifted moods and reduced fatigue.  Remember the saying, “pay yourself first”?  How about “work yourself first”?  We want a good quality of life (i.e. free from illness and disease) I have found that the more I work out, the better I feel, and the more I want to put good “fuel” into my body, and eliminate the bad “fuel”.  Smoking will not only slow you down, and raise your risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer, but you will probably not have too many people who would want to work out with you, due to the lingering tobacco smell that stays attached to your body, hair and clothes.   I still occasionally drink (I love a cold beer at a sporting event), but am now more aware of how I feel the next workout after drinking too much.  My attitude is “why work out, if I continue to put bad stuff back into my body”.  I always tell my son, who plays collegiate hockey, “Your output on the ice depends on your input to your body”; i.e. crap in, crap out.  I’m not saying don’t go out and have fun, but be moderate and think twice before you light that cigarette, take those drugs, or eat that high-fat burger. We want that life to be long There are many articles out there that conclude that physical activity reduces the risk for lots of illnesses and physical ailments, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.  It is important to be consistent with your training.  Having a goal will help keep you on track.  There will be days that you just don’t feel like doing anything.  If that’s the case, then take the day off, don’t beat yourself up.  However, make sure that you make up for it throughout the rest of the week.  The hardest part is getting out of your warm bed.  Then, it’s as easy as left foot, right foot (one foot into your shorts, then the other).  Once that is accomplished, you are halfway there.    There are many ways to burn those calories and increase your endurance.  If you can’t make it to a gym, buy a pedometer and attach it to your belt.  Set a goal of a certain number of steps each day, and try to increase it each week by 5%-10%.  Sometimes, seeing a tangible number is great inspiration to keep moving.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park far away in the parking lot.    Use your imagination.  Instead of sitting inside and reading a book, get an audio book and put it into your MP3 player and listen while you walk/run/workout.    Believe me, I have not always been athletic.  I didn’t start running/jogging until college.  The key is being consistent and having a goal.  Whether it is a race, reaching a mileage or weight milestone, or reaching the top of that 14er.   Make that goal specific, not just to “be in better shape, but an actual number.  Have that goal be realistic. If it isn’t, it can lead to some setbacks and disappointments.  Put a deadline to that goal and keep it documented with a journal or log.  If you follow this routine, you will find that you will be successful, healthy and strong.   Right On!!!   Robin Howard     (Robin is Co-Owner of QuotesMadeSimple.com and an avid runner who has dedicated her life to fitness and training for marathons)