79 Reasons to Exercise Even if You Aren’t Feeling Resolved

We all have days when motivation fails us. Luckily, as humans we are able to talk ourselves into doing things we know are good for us even when the “don’t wannas”’ strike. I hope you’ll borrow these reasons the next time you need one to get up and get moving. Did I miss one you use on yourself? Please share it so I can add it to my list. And repeat after me. “I exercise because…

1. Exercise boosts our immune system
2. It makes me feel confident
3. It helps me get stronger
4. Exercise helps combat depression
5. I’ll feel proud of myself
6. I have goals I want to reach
7. It improves my heart health
8. I want a great butt
9. It prevents diabetes
10. I want to be a good example to my kids (partner, neighbor, dog…)
11. I want to feel good in my clothes
12. It reduces my risk of cancer
13. My body was made to move
14. I want to look healthy
15. It lifts my mood
16. I want to stand taller
17. It reduces back pain
18. It feels good
19. It makes me feel accomplished
20. I spend most of my day on my butt
21. Dieting only works so much
22. It strengthens my bones
23. It’s a great way to spend “me” time
24. It helps me de-stress
25. It can enhance the benefits of professional mental health care 
26. I want to be strong
27. I want to take care of myself
28. I am grateful to my body
29. It strengthens my legs (arms, core, feet, hands, tongue…)
30. I want to push myself
31. I am capable of more than I ever imagined
32. Moving my body feels good
33. It keeps my mind sharp
34. It helps banish bloating
35. It helps me sleep better at night
36. It gives me energy
37. I want to stay healthy as I age
38. Exercise improves balance
39. Sweat is sexy
40. I want to live longer
41. I want to get better at my job
42. Exercisers earn more money
43. I’m more likely to eat better when I exercise
44. I want to breathe easier
45. I want to see the scale drop
46. Exercise improves my sex life
47. I am worth it
48. Being fit makes everything in life better
49. I promised myself that I would
50. I deserve a better life
51. It’ll help me drink more water
52. I want to do real push-ups
53. It reduces my healthcare costs
54. I’ll miss fewer days of work
55. I want to create a new future for myself
56. It’ll help me like what I see in the mirror
57. It makes clothing shopping more fun
58. Exercising can be fun
59. It’ll make my skin glow
60. It’s a good way to spend time with my friends
61. It’ll help prevent age related metabolic slowdown
62. It reduces my blood pressure
63. I want to fit into an airplane seat
64. It strengthens my spirit
65. It’s an inexpensive way to entertain myself
66. I need a reason to wear those new workout clothes 
67. I’m tired of being tired
68. Not working out isn’t working
69. It’s a great way to spend time outside
70. I made a commitment to myself
71. I’m tired of starting over
72. There will always be another wedding, vacation, or reunion
73. It improves cholesterol
74. It boosts metabolism
75. It prevents age-related muscle loss
76. A fit body is more likely a healthy body
77. Everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
78. I want to be stronger than any excuses
79. The only workout I ever regret is the one I skip

There are hundreds of great reasons to move your body. Some big, some small. Some sort of amusing and some deadly serious. If you are having trouble finding reasons that work for you, I hope you’ll let me or your own trusted health professional know. Helping you find your list is exactly what we are here for.

Erika Taylor is a community wellness instigator at Taylored Fitness, the original online wellness mentoring system. Taylored Fitness believes that everyone can discover small changes in order to make themselves and their communities more vibrant, and that it is only possible to do our best work in the world if we make a daily commitment to our health. Visit facebook.com/erika.taylor.303 or email erika@tayloredfitness.com.