My reasons for working out on a regular basis are wide and varied, but when I put pen to paper cursor to word doc, these 5 reasons rise right to the top:
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1. So I can eat all the glorious, olive oil brushed, prosciutto laced, cheese stuffed paninis from adorable, affordable, accessible new French places in town that I want!
Some co-workers and I hit up Tartine…an adorable, affordable, accessible new French place in town…for lunch today, and the Prosciutto Panini I ordered was so crispy, I’m certain they heard my first bite down in Texas. I must know how they do this. These are the things that keep me up at night.
2. See #1.
3. For my physical health. Gotta’ keep the ol’ ticker and other vital organs in tip top shape.
4. See #1. For my mental health. I’m not a running is cheaper than therapy! type person, but you can’t argue with a feel-good flow of endorphins brought on by a good sweat sesh. Self made medicine, for the win!
5. So I don’t have to wash my face before bed. It’s true. Having to wash your face before bed is seriously the pits, but if you workout in the evening then take a shower – voila! – no splish-splashing when you’re half asleep at 10pm later that night. Sometimes it’s all I need to think about to push myself into that workout I’m dreading…
Like tonight, for instance. Oooo, that sandwich at lunch was absolutely mouthwatering, but definitely heavier than what I usually devour around noon on a normal day. When 5pm rolled around I was absolutely dragging – feeling heavy and lethargic.
The thought of hunching over the bathtub scrubbing my face in 5 hours, inevitably getting my hair, t-shirt and bathroom floor soaking wet, proved too much to bear though, and was just the push I needed to get out the door for a 4 mile run on the trail.
It was slow, but it was good. And HOT! I don’t think I’ve told you, but we have been rocking 80 degree weather here all week. The Midwest likes to keep you on your toes like that.
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What is your #1 reason for working out?
Chocolate…nuf said!
I workout simply b/c I love moving my body! I honestly feel restless if I haven’t worked out and am forced to sit most of the day.
Sounds like Tartine was great — I’d JUST heard of it this week!
Mmmm, that looks fantastic! I am so with you on #5, it’s so great to be able to hop into bed all clean and fresh without having to pull on a headband (I have long hair) and get all soapy before bed.
I work out for my own sanity. I can definitely tell when I’ve had a few days in a row that are lacking in activity. I just don’t feel as great, mentally or physically.
Washing your face before bed is the worst…especially in the winter when you’re cold and all you want to do is get snuggled into bed.
I love working out for how it makes me feel! It makes me feel strong and empowered and GOOD.
Also, is it thanksigivng time yet? Because I am now craving stuffing like woah!
I am so glad I am not the only one that drowns the bathroom and myself in the process of washing my face.
What a good idea! I usually just throw in a bunch of brown sugar and butter and cook mine for dessert. This sounds like a great change of pace!!
I TOTALLY agree with you about washing your face before bed…I love when I workout and take a shower at night…it makes my bed time ritual so much better!
my #1 reason is DEFINITELY dessert. i eat a pretty indulgent dessert, guilt free, almost every night! bypassing a face wash, though, is up there!
For my sanity, and to balance out the occasional transgressions into those higher calorie, less than zero nutritional value goodies :)
I’m new here (great blog. BTW) so I also wanted to say thanks for the awesome sounding squash recipe, it’s been added to the “TRY ME” list!
#1 for sure! That squash recipe looks amazing- especially on a chilly, rainy day like today. Thanks for sharing!
That squash looks amazing! I workout because I truly love it. I always have and have built my jobs around exercise. I was a personal trainer, aerobics instructor in the early to mid 90’s, and a PE teacher before becoming a SAHM. It’s so fun to get out there and move! I would recommend cutting the carbs at lunch to skip that mid-afternoon slump. It’s helped me tremendously.
Hard to believe that the weather this week has been warmer than some days in Sept. It’s a beautiful fall in Iowa!
Oh dear. I am #4. But #1 for sure, too.
The squash looks delectable. I’m planning something similar with apples, caramelized onions, and sausage. YUM! I give you major credit for sacrificing a honeycrisp. I’ve got to go buy an granny smith or something for cooking. I have strict rules about honeycrisps.
Working out= wine w/o the guilt!
Love the reasons! And, that acorn squash looks yummy… I picked one up this weekend and was trying to come up with a good recipe! Thanks for providing one!
Haha—I am definitely the same way about washing my face! And in the winter, when I have to take off my sweatshirt to do it and strip down just to a T-shirt so my sleeves don’t get wet, I’m shivering and it’s extra miserable. :)
Haha, I love your reason for not washing your face at night. I work out every day mainly for my own sanity but also so I feel okay about eating whatever the hell I want. I could NEVER diet or count calories but I know i have enough motivation to get in a good workout every day. Plus I know how great I feel after every single one.
All great reasons… but esp #1!
So I can eat a crap ton of food and wash it down with a beer.
my #1 reason would be the same as yours! =)