Exercise and its purpose

Do you have or want a fitness routine?  When you fall off the wagon, what do you say to yourself? When you keep putting off starting a routine, what do you say to yourself?

It’s been proven in studies (time and time again) that exercise in any form can relieve stress, maintain a healthy weight and diet, improves sleep, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and strengthen the heart.  For me, it definitely helps my mental and emotional well-being, as well as the physical.  I’m not a big “gym-goer”, so my fitness routine usually consists of yoga, dance (hip hop, and other forms), pilates, biking, walking, and other forms of cardio-conditioning. I love taking classes for the variety and the community.  

So why at times do I find myself beating myself up if I skip a day or two? The intention is there, but I think I forget why I really do it.  Why do I follow an exercise routine?

First off, I know it’s good for my health and physical body.  Physiologically, it’s great for circulation, respiration, digestion and the immune system.  It boosts my energy, so I can do the things I want to do.  It increases the serotonin levels in my brain to help keep me lively and upbeat throughout the day.  

Those are all great things!

But, again, why do I beat myself up if I skip a day or two?

I was on the phone with a friend, who had a similar situation.  She talked about why she makes herself be this “work-out queen.”  When she said that, a light went off and I could so relate to that statement.  While she continued to tell me about it, I began to realize that whenever I don’t feel like exercising or even while I’m exercising, my soul purpose is missing.  The reason why I do it anyway.  I also realized that I force myself sometimes and that really just makes me not want to do it even more.

These are all good questions to ask myself.  So, now, what can I do and say to myself when I start beating myself up?

Let me start with this instead: What do I WANT to say to myself?

-I am a healthy woman
-I am beautiful and perfect just the way I am
-I love and accept myself in all experiences, moods, and situations that may arise
-Exercise is creative and playful

Now, that makes me feel good.