What do YOU get from exercising?

[April]

I'm planning on starting a regular regimen of exercising tomorrow morning. In the past it was all about losing weight, but that's not my goal this time, or at least if it is, I'm in denial. I know I'd like to get into better shape, but I'm mostly happy with my body the way it is (looks) now, and I seriously don't want to beat myself up for it not being a perfect size X. Anyway, I'm hoping that exercise will help me to burn off some of the stress that I accumulate throughout the day. I'm also hoping it will give me more energy to get through my average day, and will help regulate my sleep cycle.

What benefits do you reap from exercise?

[revelsunrise]

Hmmm...maybe you'll inspire me to start exercising more! I could stand to burn off my extra energy.

Oh...and I already think you're perfect. You are absolutely gorgeous girl. And your avatar doesn't do you justice.

[blinkered]

Mainly good health, but also pleasure .... I wouldn't enjoy the competitive sports anywhere near as much (or compete at as high a level) if I was unfit. It also gives me a much greater sense of well being, I am much happier with the way my body looks (would still like that flat stomach though) and the exercise helps to maintain that. But the main thing is the enjoyment e.g. being able to spontaneously go out for a bike ride with a chain gang, keep up with them and enjoy it.

[CountessKerouac]

I feel good and fit after a nice work out...plus stronger! :nana:

[clickman]

I feel like I have more energy and can do more afterwards.

[FafaFrappy]

Nothing beats the feeling of a post workout shower! I always feel sooooo good afterwards! :D

[MsRuthieB]

I feel really good. More confidence, less depression, less joint pain. I feel more awake, alive. It feels good to breath the air while I walk to work after my workout. I'm proud that I'm doing something good for my body and spirit. It's the first thing I do everyday..treat myself good! :yeah me: :up:

ETA: April..I work out at FitWorks in the Colonial Arcade off of Euclid in the morning. I can get you a free two week pass if you want to try it out. I'm usually working out from 6:30 to 7:30 and at work by like 8:30. It's a really good gym. Clean lockerrooms and great equiptment. Just let me know..

[zoebird]

i just love the way my body feels when it moves. it's kinda tantric i guess. :) so, all forms of exercise are like this for me.

also, i dsilike competition, but i love the journey and exploration of my physical manifestation through movement. I love to set goals and reach them in my given training. it's just more fun that way. :)

[Christy]

I despise exercise, but I do enjoy the physical benefits such as visible results (toning, loss of fat), as well as the increased energy, better sleep, etc. I enjoy feeling fit and that I can do almost anything, but I really hate it. I mainly do it for the toning and fat loss. I did enjoy yoga. I should get back to that.

[Gashlycrumb]

Exercise makes me feel like one tough bitch (most definately after my martial arts class). I love to be pushed. To challenge myself. I'm all about being a strong woman. Just call me Sydney Bristow.

Exercise puts me in a positive frame of mind and gives me a tight body (seemingly a miracle since I'm almost 32 now). I work in front of a computer 8 hrs/day, 5 days/wk, doing mental work, so it's a pleasure to push my body physically. Not to mention it seems to make most stress just fall away.

Did I say it makes me feel like one tough bitch?:tame:

[colorful]

To me, exercise is like sex. You aren't always in the mood to do it, but once you are doing it you always enjoy yourself, and afterward you feel sooooo good! ;)

Motivation to get out there and exercise is a problem for me sometimes, but once I am doing it I am so glad that I am. I love taking walks with my son, breathing in the fresh air, getting my blood pumping. When I get back I always feel amazingly refreshed and at peace.

[Formerbaboon]

6 pack abs..

I'm on my way there!!

[zoebird]

geez, maybe it's just me--but i'm always in the mood to have sex. . .perhaps i was a guy in a past life. . .

[Cissy]

To me, exercise is like sex. You aren't always in the mood to do it, but once you are doing it you always enjoy yourself, and afterward you feel sooooo good! ;)

Ha, I love that, even though I wouldn't have any experience in the sex area :p Reminds me of the quote "Pizza is like sex - even when it's bad, it's still pretty good" :p

I just finished working out actually. I never actually want to do it, but afterward, I feel really good for accomplishing something, and really relaxed.

[April]

Thanks for all the responses! I actually did make it to the gym today, put in a whimpy-to-moderate workout, and I feel pretty good.

Ruthie- FitWorks looks neat, but I already have a membership with Bally's. Thanks a bunch for the offer, too. :)

Gashlycrumb- That's awesome that you feel like such a tough bitch. :tame: That's definitely a benefit I'm gonna go for. :rockon:

Revelsunrise- Thank you! You're a sweetheart. :smitten:

[Formerbaboon]

To me, exercise is like sex.

Same here..

[Coney]

Excersise helps me burn off the stress of having a government that's trying to take over the world by killing people but calling it "freedom" ( sorry, a little pissed here, the RNC is it town...what a military lockdown.)

I feel strong when I'm in shape. That's what I like the best. It helps my brain stay focused, too.

[silverundertone]

i just know it makes me feel better...
..and i feel extremely guilty when i dont exercise..

[NDvegan85]

I feel good about myself afterwards and I feel strong. It also helps me sleep better (although still not good) and helps control my depression. And it keeps me motivated to eat healthfully.

[colorful]

geez, maybe it's just me--but i'm always in the mood to have sex. . .perhaps i was a guy in a past life. . .

no, you just haven't had kids yet :lol: It's amazing what exhaustion, sleep deprivation, the smell of dried spit-up/drool on you (and/or your partner) can do to a libido! ;) straying off topic, so back on...

morning excercise gives me a lot of energy for the day. If you can, exercise first thing in the morning. You'll be amazed how it changes your outlook on the day and how you feel like you have a leg up on everyone else! :yes:

[cyk]

I like exercising because it gives me more self-confidence. I also like being able to do things and not be so out of breath or shape. Like moving furniture, running around all day, etc. I also like push myself also, even though I'm lazy nowadays, and don't feel like exercising much. Its a goal, and like any other goal - you feel good once you accomplish it - especially when it is hard to acheive.

If I play basketball with my cousin (very rarely though) my tactic is to run around and just let him get out of breath because he is so out of shape, and I then can proceed to school him in the art of basketball - since he is so tired and can no longer keep up with me. :vebo:

[epski]

I find the mental calm that comes with a more physically active lifestyle to be at least as important as simply feeling strong and capable.

[Christy]

I do it because I have to. I think overall is alleviates stress, but there was one time it made it worse. I'd had a particularly ****ty day and decided to do a kickboxing workout. Well, I think I ground my teeth the whole time, and threw my punches too hard. I was even more tense after.

[eggplant]

Exercise doesn't always feel so good when you're not fit, but after you've been doing it for awhile, it feels great! I just love feeling really powerful and strong and fast (at least it feels that way). I love the way, now that I'm fit, my breathing and heartbeat feel really steady and healthy. I love the meditative aspect of exercise, whether it be running, hiking, swimming, lifting weights, etc. I sort of lose myself in it. I also like how it keeps me trim, how it helps my digestion and my skin stay healthy. I also like how my bf always comments on how muscular my legs are...

[SystmDwnGrl2]

Nothing beats the feeling of a post workout shower! I always feel sooooo good afterwards! :D

this is very true!