For many people, exercise is nothing more than a way to lose weight or tone the body, but this is the wrong mentality to have. Everyone should be exercising more often for their physical and mental health and wellbeing. When you can change the way you think about exercise, you are more likely to commit to it long-term.

1- Exercise for Health

One way to switch your mindset about exercise is to remember how beneficial it is to your health. It is so easy to think about exercise just as a way to lose weight or reach your fitness goals, but it is so much more than that. If you only think exercise is good for weight loss, you won’t be as dedicated to it, especially after you reach your weight loss goals.

Instead, remove weight loss completely from your exercise. Think about it as a way to stay healthy, get fit, and live a longer life. Exercise is wonderful for your physical and emotional health, from helping improve your cardiovascular health to reducing your stress and anxiety.

2- Exercise for Energy

Exercise is also amazing for your energy levels, which is another way to think about it differently. It may seem counterintuitive, but for more people, exercising in the morning or afternoon actually gives them more energy instead of making them more tired. The next time you are deciding if it is worth it to put in a workout when you aren’t really feeling motivated, switch your mindset and remember it will boost your energy and make you more productive.

3- Exercise for Mental Wellbeing

Don’t forget about your mental health! As we mentioned, exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It can feel hard to actually get up and move your body when you are stressed or having a bad mental health day, but it is so worth it. Something as simple as dancing in your living room, going for a walk, or lifting weights will completely transform your mood.

4- Exercise for the Social Aspects

You can also turn exercise into a social activity where you participate in it with friends or family members. Go for a weekend hike with friends, take a yoga class with your sister, join a gym and meet new people who have the same health and fitness goals as you do. When you invite others along with you, your mentality about exercise completely changes.

Dear readers, don´t see exercise as a heavy burden or just a way to lose weight or tone the body, but as a way to find yourself and relax.

Anne-Vasthi!