“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” — Gloria Steinem
As I sit in a coffee shop in San Francisco, I reflect on why I work out. Yes, reducing belly fat is nice. Looking great in clothes feels good. And, of course, being healthy matters. But for me, the real motivation is strength. I want my body to be an asset, not a liability.
I want to stay strong enough to enjoy visiting my daughter in San Francisco. Why is this so important? She lives in a third-floor walk-up—49 stairs (yes, I’ve counted them). Even though I’ve learned to pack light, my suitcase still weighs 28 pounds, and I haul it up every single one of those stairs. The MUNI escalators often break down, meaning more stairs to climb, plus the constant hopping on and off buses and trains.
I want the strength to hike up Powell Street and meditate inside Grace Cathedral. The climb to Nob Hill is a challenge, but the panoramic view of the city and bay, and a relaxing break in the grand lobby of the historic Fairmont Hotel, make it all worthwhile.
I don’t want to wonder if my body will let me go where I want to go or do what I want to do. Many people, as they grow older, weaker, and larger, allow their world to shrink. I might slow down, but I don’t plan to stop. I refuse to let my body become a liability. I want it to be the vehicle that takes me where I want to go.
Exercise Shouldn’t Be a Chore
Over 100 years ago, Wallace Wattles wrote:
“Do not fall into the rut of exercising for your health. Everyone is the better for a little all-around use of the muscles every day; and the best way to do this is by engaging in some form of play or amusement.”
He emphasized exercising for fun, not as a forced chore. Ride a bike, play a game, garden, or find a hobby that keeps you moving. His philosophy was ahead of its time and, though lifestyles have changed, it still holds value today.
The problem is, we’re constantly bombarded with the latest fitness trends promising to be the “must-do” solution for getting in shape. How many programs have you started and quit? How much money have you spent on gadgets, classes, or DVDs that now gather dust?
As a personal trainer, I’m often asked, “What’s the best exercise?” My answer is always the same: “The one you’ll actually do.”
If you don’t enjoy an exercise program, you won’t stick with it.
Finding Joy in Movement
I’ve logged endless hours on treadmills and machines because “it was good for me”—and hated every minute. Sure, intervals burn more fat, but I despised them. Then, while training for a half-marathon, I discovered I actually enjoy walking and running outside. Some days I take long, steady walks; other days, I challenge myself to sprint to the next light pole. It became a playful, enjoyable form of interval training.
I don’t love group exercise classes, but I do enjoy lifting weights and feeling myself grow stronger. Perhaps you love to dance but don’t like crowds—crank up the music at home and dance your heart out. Hate the gym? Consider a private studio or work with a personal trainer for a more intimate setting. Some people thrive on solitary workouts; others need the camaraderie of a class or workout buddy.
The key is trying new things. You might surprise yourself. I tried boxing and fell in love with putting on gloves and punching the heavy bag. My technique isn’t perfect, but it’s fun—and it gives me a killer workout.
Go into exercise with the mindset of, “I should do this because it’s good for me”, and you probably won’t last long. But if you find something fun, something that brings you joy, you’ll stick with it. No matter your personality, fitness level, or ability, there’s an activity out there for you. You just have to find it.
Play Every Day
There’s a campaign encouraging kids to “Play 60 minutes a day.” That advice applies to adults too. If we committed to playing an hour a day, we’d be healthier, fitter, happier, and far less stressed.
Go play. Have fun. Find movement that makes you smile.
Whatever your motivation is—it’s personal. A client in her 80s once said to me, after I explained the importance of strength training, “I’m vain. I want to look good.”
And that’s perfectly fine.
Know your why. Let that drive you.