Rewards

Two weeks ago, I wrote about something clicking in me to get off the couch and back to running.

Well, it's still sporadic.  I don't want you to think that it was just that easy.

I do believe, however, that there are many phases to motivation.  The ultimate is being motivated for the reward of exercise itself.

How do we get to that point?

We can force ourselves, or we can do it... stealthfully :)

"If I exercise today, I will eat ice cream when I get home." - paraphrased Jennifer (from my SLIMnasium Facebook page).

"If I exercise today, I will get my chocolate milk at the end." - paraphrased Bethany (also from my SLIMnasium Facebook page).

I love those ideas!!!  They totally work!!

Here is my dream:

"If I exercise today, I will buy myself a book." - paraphrased me, if I were ever rich.

"If I exercise today, I will feel so much better." - even better if it were me.

"If I exercise today, I will have exercised."  BRILLIANT!  My goal again.  And to me, the ultimate motivation.  Self-sustaining, cheap, and almost addictive.

They say the benefits of exercise are extensive, but you will never know unless you try. 

For example, the body will benefit from increased oxygen flow, your skin as well, and therefore the aging process, I am convinced (not so much if you forget the sunscreen :)).  But there are so many benefits to it, you will develop your own list - and one of those reasons will keep you going. 

What is it for you?