During my college years I worked out several times a week to help stay in shape or attempt to lose weight. I remember feeling like I had to workout to help get rid of the "unwanted empty" calories I consumed the previous night. I saw exercise as punishment for my other unhealthy behaviors. I would spend hours on the elliptical or treadmill or in a kickboxing class because I felt those were the exercises that would burn the most calories. I don't remember every truly enjoying exercise during that time of my life.
It has been a few years now since college and my lifestyle has changed quite drastically. I have explored several other types of exercises from Zumba to running a marathon to yoga. I have discovered what activities I truly love and crave. My body craves yoga mentally and physically. I look forward to going to my hot yoga classes and hate when I have to miss one. As much as I love yoga, I also know that I need some type of cardiovascular exercise to balance me. So I have found that I love to read my Kindle while on the elliptical or go for a run along the beach or take a long bike ride on my beach cruiser. These are activities that I enjoy and see as renewing.
I see exercise as a reward for my body now instead of punishment. I see it as something that will refresh me after a long day of work and give me the energy I need to get through the day. Exercise is something that is going to help keep my body strong and fit and energetic as I age. I look forward to it. I crave it. I need it. I love it. The key to staying active is finding what you truly enjoy because we always find time in our lives for the things we enjoy. What activities do you enjoy?
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