For so many of us, working out has been seen as a negative, painful experience in our life. The focus has been on shrinking our bodies, getting abs, or other physical signs of “fitness”. While having a fit physique is certainly something to be proud of, today I’m going to share a list of reasons to train that DON’T include changing your body and vanity metrics. Mindset shifts are so important when beginning new habits. If working out regularly is new to you, and has been painful in the past, I want you to remember this list when exercising.
- Bring your groceries inside in less trips – Okay, we’re starting a little silly here, but there is so many benefits like this that strength training can add to your life! Training your muscles to be strong isn’t about the way it looks, it’s about the convenience and health it adds to your life. Small tasks that used to leave you out of breath could start to feel good!
- Walk up flights of stairs without getting winded – Phew, I know I’ve been there. When I’m not looking after my cardiovascular health, I notice the difference. Keeping your heart healthy and strong will lead to ease in these tasks!
- Good posture – If you’re wondering why posture is a big enough reason to be on this list, check out my blog post on core strength to see why. Our core is a vital part of our health, including spinal health, digestion, breathing, posture and more!
- Prevent injuries – Taking it back to Murphy’s Law here – a body in motion tends to stay in motion, whereas a body at rest tends to stay at rest. The less we move our bodies, the more prone to injury we become. This is especially important to keep in mind as we age. We want strong bones, muscles, and organs to prevent common injuries. Prevention is key!
- Mental Health – Exercising is one of your best actionable tools to improve mental health. Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing, have been proved to reduce anxiety and depression.
There’s a much bigger picture when it comes to exercise. Sure, a 6 pack might be nice, but aging gracefully and in optimal health is the real goal!
You’ve got this!
About Author
Heather Hausman is a dedicated and passionate fitness professional with expertise in personal training, corrective exercise, and yoga instruction. With years of experience in the industry, Heather has developed a reputation for her commitment to helping individuals improve their overall health and well-being.
As a certified personal trainer, Heather possesses a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. She specializes in designing tailored fitness programs that address specific needs and goals, taking into account individual strengths, limitations, and any existing injuries. Heather's approach focuses on functional movement patterns, corrective exercises, and strength training, aiming to optimize her clients' physical performance and reduce the risk of future injuries.
In addition to her personal training expertise, Heather is a certified corrective exercise specialist. She has a keen eye for identifying muscle imbalances, postural deviations, and movement dysfunctions. By assessing and addressing these issues, she helps her clients restore proper alignment, enhance mobility, and achieve optimal movement patterns. Heather's corrective exercise programs are designed to promote long-term muscular balance, joint stability, and overall functional fitness.
Furthermore, Heather is a dedicated yoga teacher, guiding her clients on a journey of physical and mental well-being. She combines her knowledge of yoga philosophy, breath-work, and mindfulness with her understanding of biomechanics to create well-rounded and transformative yoga experiences. Heather's classes focus on improving flexibility, strength, balance, and inner calm, fostering a holistic approach to fitness and overall wellness.
Heather is known for her empathetic and supportive approach, creating a safe and encouraging environment for her clients to achieve their fitness goals. She believes in the power of education and empowers her clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Heather's genuine passion for helping others, combined with her expertise in personal training, corrective exercise, and yoga instruction, makes her a trusted and invaluable resource for individuals seeking to improve their physical and mental well-being.
