4 Non-Cliche Reasons to Get Your Butt in the Gym... TODAY!

​Going to the gym is all about losing weight, right? WRONG! But for some reason that is still the #1 reason most people are in there. In case you need a reminder, I compiled a short list of reasons that have nothing to do with losing weight, but they’re just as important!
 
1. Endorphins
Right off the bat let get into the best one, endorphins! Endorphins are neurotransmitters (chemicals that pass signals from one neuron to the next) and interact with receptors in your brain that reduce perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling in the body. In turn, these endorphins can assist in diminishing anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem and improve sleep! That runner’s high isn’t just in your head… well it is, but chemically.
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2. Managing stress will be a breeze
This one goes along with the #1, but I thought it deserved its own category, stress. With our lives in our palm we are always connected, jobs are no longer 9am – 5pm because you can work from home and there is a constant social obligation to always be available via text and social media. This takes a toll on our health including our sleep, mood, immune system, etc. Students are being hit with stress now more than ever as well, 90% of students reported feeling overwhelmed or panicked about their workload, while 50% of those students felt straight up hopeless. Stress is an inevitable part of life, and we may not be able to eliminate it, but using exercise to manage stress is one of your best options. Even 10 minutes of exercise can be enough to trigger endorphins making it an ideal coping mechanism.

3. Running around with your (or your friends’) kids will be easier
It’s always a blow to the self-esteem when an 8-year-old asks you to play tag and you can only last 5 minutes without getting winded. Seriously, I would give anything to have the energy that my niece has. By exercising you’ll increase your aerobic capacity, which means they might be the first one to call it quits next time.

4. Summer is in 3 months
Now I know what you’re thinking, “this blog wasn’t supposed to be about losing weight, so why is this summer deadline important”? Well, I don’t mean that in terms of getting the perfect summer bod in time, but along with the heat comes bbqs, vacations and ice cold drinks (did somebody say mojitos?). It’s easy to give into temptation and fall off track, but by starting your fitness journey today, you’ll be better equipped to say no to the summertime indulgences. Additionally, this gives you 3 months to solidify your routine so that it’s easier to schedule your gym time once summer hits. This will allow you to feel confident while workout at home or outside if need be while on vacation. That family hike or friends baseball tournament won’t seem too intimidating now either, and a beach confident body will just be an added bonus.
 
At the end of the day it is all going to come down to your specific reason for choosing to live a healthier lifestyle.
What is your motivation to get your butt to the gym?
​Email me and let me know!

Carissa Truax

Nexus Health and Training Personal Trainer