Why exercise?

sun_fish

Started: As a teen mom I wanted to get out of the house so started walking with the baby in a stroller. Now that baby is 36. I continued to walk, even when obese, and just always liked how it made me feel. I added yoga for the same reason around 17 years ago, I liked how my body felt afterwards. I started strength training per doctors orders to increase bone density 3 years ago.

Now: I love feeling stronger from lifting weights, and I love seeing the progression as I'm able to lift more. I have more confidence. I love that as I age, I can do more things for myself (like going to Home Depot and lifting a bag of potting soil by myself). I love that lifting has made my yoga practice better. I love that I can pick up my grandkids easily and run around with them. I love that my body is looking better than I ever have. I added in hiking once a week and enjoy being outside.

When I don't or can't exercise for more than a week or so, I feel lethargic, my joints hurt, I don't have much energy, and I don't sleep well.

sunman00

started; I weighed 98.5kg Christmas 2012, I was munching a handful of peanuts whilst sipping beer & asked my nephew how he'd lost weight? "simple, eat a little less, exercise a little more" Jan 4 2013 I walked 3 miles (which seemed like going half way round the world) and joined MFP & began counting calories. I lost 52lb in 52 weeks this way.

now; having got down to 75kg I wanted to get in shape, I'm still walking, 30-40 miles per week, but I get in the gym 3 days per week, I have a PT who manages my programme & teaches me correct form, & I LOVE IT, especially dead lifting, makes me feel SO strong in my whole body.

I'm 55 & have never felt this fit in my life.

symba1130

Started: I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my first daughter. When she was 18mths old I started MFP and working out, classes, cardio, 5k's, etc and I started to really enjoy it. 18mths later I was 2lbs away from goal weight, got pregnant with baby #2 and started all over again. And to add - I really wanted to feel confident in the way I looked.

Now: Still working on losing the last bit of weight from baby #2 (19mths old now), but this has turned into life for me. Teaching my kids to move as a part of life to be healthy. I also picked up lifting and SL5x5 about 6 months ago and I became addicted to the high. And still working on feeling good about this body of mine from the outside.

GiddyupTim

I played sports as a kid, but then I got away from it.
I was a 19-year-old male when I started "exercising." I started lifting weights and I started running. I suppose the first few times I went out I had the idea of improving my looks. But i found right away that I liked the feeling. I liked the feeling of running down the road. I like that feeling you have after you finish lifting, and you get in the sauna or a hot tub, etc.
That is still why I do it. I like the feeling. I also like working at something hard trying to get better.

brdnw

started: i got out of shape after college and go to 285. I then decided i was going to go to the gym every day and said that i was going to get to 'fitness magazine shape', i didn't say it was a goal, i said i would.

now...still same goal 4 years later, i've gone to the gym practically every single day since then. and w\the goal well, it sure is taking longer than i hoped ha.