Thursday, January 16, 2014

Why I SWEAT

Today when my alarm went off at the crack of stupid (4:15am...), I rolled out of bed, but couldn't help thinking why the hell I was getting up so early. Although the idea of going back to bed was more delicious than ice cream (do I even remember what ice cream tastes like?), I drank my water, ate my oats, and got on my bike. A few spins later and I started to remember exactly why I do what I do 6 days a week. 

I love exercising. It's tough, and it takes time out of my day, but it's so rewarding. Every day that I can lift heavier, go farther and go faster is a mini victory. Every workout I push through when I'd rather go eat a (cheeseless) pizza, makes me happy and feel accomplished. Every time I hop off my bike, step inside from my run, or walk out the gym doors, I do so with a smile on my face. It starts my day off right, and gives me good reason to eat a bunch. Sweating feels GREAT, as long as you can shower after. 

Early morning, covered in sweat. THIS is when I feel my best. 

This is what most weekdays look like for me:

4:15am: Hop, fall, drag myself out of bed, depending on the day. 
5:00am: Workout starts!
6:00am: Workout done. Efficiency!
6:40isham: Leave for work.
7:30am-4:30pm: Work
5:30ishpm: Home 

I spend two hours a day DRIVING. And then I spend the next 8-9 hours sitting. If I wasn't working out, when would I move?? There's enough research out there that's made it clear that being sedentary isn't healthy. The LEAST I can do for myself is move for an hour a day. 

People call me crazy, constantly. I try SO hard to ignore it, but it gets to me sometimes. I could go years without exercising and no one would bat an eye, but waking at up 4:15am to exercise before work? Everyone freaks out. This is SO backwards. This is what I have to do right now, I've debated other options, and this works best for me. Maybe one day I'll be able to get up at 6am, and that would be great, but right now, this is what works. I'd sooner go to bed early, get up early and workout than stop exercising. 

This led me to wondering why people don't exercise, mainly those with sedentary jobs. It's good for EVERYONE. I don't care if you're overweight, underweight, normal weight, or have a perfect diet, nothing replaces or negates exercise. Just like you can't out-exercise a bad diet, you can't out-healthy eat no exercise. 
I always hear people talk about not having the time. It's about making the time. I get up EARLY. Why? Because that's when I can make the time for myself. Getting up early and getting it out of the way first thing also helps, since it's easier to find excuses to skip the gym after work.
Other excuses? People just don't like it. I find this very hard to believe. I have tried so many different kinds of exercise, and I refuse to accept that there are people that hate every single kind of exercise. I've done fitness classes, boxing, running, walking, weight lifting, circuit training, cycling, swimming, zumba... it goes on and on! Even now I get bored of what I'm doing and switch it up. I can't fathom what excuse could be good enough NOT to be physically active if you're otherwise healthy.You don't have to get up before the sun and push yourself as hard as you can, but every little bit helps. Throw in a workout video for thirty minutes, go for a walk, go for a hike, hit the weights twice a week. It's about whatever works for YOU.

Alright, I'll end my rant with the thought that I truly believe the world would be a better place if everyone knew what an exercise high felt like. 

Do you workout? Why?
Why don't you workout?

2 comments:

  1. LOVE LOVE LOVE this post. literally took the words right out of my brain!! you said it all perfectly and i can absolutely relate! it's crazy to think there's SO many people that would read something like this is literally just NOT get it. not feel it. nothing. and i LOVE that i know exactly what you mean.

    keep kicking ass girlfran!

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    1. I don't understand it! It baffles my mind every day that people don't exercise, and I wish I could make them understand the feeling!

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