I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with exercise. There are times when I’m fully committed, jogging or following workout videos, but then I hit a slump. Recently, I realized that physical activity needs to be a steadfast part of my life. The challenge was finding the motivation that resonates with me. Unlike some who are driven by the desire for a “beach body,” that’s just not my jam as a busy mom in my 40s. I craved deeper reasons to get moving, so I compiled this list of ten compelling motivations to work out.
1. Improved Mood
This is paramount for me. When I’m consistent with my workouts, I notice a significant uplift in my mood. As I navigate the complexities of middle age, I find that exercise effectively combats feelings of anxiety and mild depression. If I start to feel a bit down, I know it’s time to get active—it’s like a reset button for my mental state.
2. Better Sleep Quality
Sleep is essential, especially for parents, right? Regular exercise can enhance the quality of your sleep over time. While the interruptions from kids may still occur, I find that I feel more rested and require less sleep when I’m actively working out.
3. Heart Health
We’ve all heard the warnings about heart disease, especially since it remains a leading cause of death among women. Taking care of your heart is crucial, and regular exercise can significantly contribute to cardiovascular health.
4. Unexpected Energy Boost
It may seem contradictory, but using energy through exercise often leads to increased overall vitality. By challenging your heart and improving circulation, you’ll feel more energetic throughout the day. Just ease into your routine to avoid soreness.
5. Enhanced Sexual Health
Surprisingly, exercise can positively impact your sex life. Improved circulation can enhance sexual function, and working out helps balance hormones, which can lead to a greater sense of arousal. Plus, feeling fit often boosts confidence, which is always a plus.
6. Cognitive Benefits
Exercise is linked to improved memory and cognitive function. While I can’t say I’ve noticed a dramatic increase in my IQ, I do experience less mental fatigue and fog when I incorporate regular workouts into my week.
7. Muscle Maintenance
As women age, we naturally lose muscle mass, especially if we aren’t active. Starting in our 30s, our bodies begin to shed unutilized muscle. To combat this, it’s essential to keep moving—use it or lose it, right?
8. Stronger Bones
Just like our muscles, our bones weaken with age without regular exercise. Working out helps strengthen bones, which is crucial in preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
9. Increased Comfort
Regular physical activity makes everyday movements—sitting, standing, walking—much more comfortable. You may even find your clothes fitting better, which is a liberating feeling!
10. Gratitude for Mobility
If you can move, you should. Many individuals would give anything to have the ability to walk or run freely. I experienced a condition during my pregnancy that made simple movements painful, and it taught me to cherish my mobility.
The key takeaway from my journey into regular exercise is that it doesn’t have to take hours out of your day. Aim for 20-30 minutes of movement daily, whether it’s a dance party with your kids or a brisk walk when you can find a moment. We were designed to be active. Pick an activity you enjoy and stick with it. Your body, mind, and partner (see No. 5) will appreciate it!
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Summary
Exercise offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond physical appearance. From mood enhancement and better sleep to heart health and increased energy, the reasons to incorporate regular physical activity into your life are compelling. As a busy parent, finding manageable ways to stay active can lead to a happier, healthier life.