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?
I totally get what you are saying about washing your face at night! I hate doing that…especially when I’m tired and right before bed and I sooooo enjoy the opportunity to wipe of my makeup and wash my face right in the shower! I’m with you on that one! :-)
I am SO with you!
If I run/bike/swim I sure as heck deserve more than one little piece of my own apple pie…and vanilla bean ice cream…in one sitting ;)
Love the recipe too! I go a little squash-crazy this time of year, and the husband will appreciate a little variety.
Right now – my motivation for working out is to fit into and look awesome in my wedding dress.
My general motivation for working out is to stay healthy, sane, and continue to eat like a young boy!
That’s so strange…I made this meal last night w/ slight variations based off your post last year! I added some dried cranberries right before popping under the broiler, which definitely did not suck :)
Ooo that sounds amazing! Great idea!
That is tooo funny- I had the SAME thought about working out and eating just the other day!! “I workout….so that I can indulge in all my foodie behaviours”
Seriously- my man and I are planning a long weekend and the thing we both get most excited about, more than the camping or sights is the new resteraunts we research before the trip! We send eachother emails with links saying things like “All vegetarian Indian place with fresh hot samsoas” or “check out the vegan velvet cake on this link, lets stop here!!” hehe….so we NEED to work out!!
So the Dr’s don’t yell! LOL!
I like to exercise in the late afternoon as well. I also like showering after that because it makes mornings so easy. Added bonus – I don’t have to use that dang hair dryer and can let my hair air dry.
All smart reasons for working out! I’ll be honest, I hate the gym. But, I have discovered a love for hot yoga…so much so that I show up to the studio EARLY. I’m with you on the mental health part :)
One word – dessert!! :-)
My number one reason for working out is to help with the stress of college life, and ofcourse helps so when I overindulge on the weekends:) that panini sounds amazing and the stuffed acorn squash looks so delicious!
I definitely am with you on #1-#4, but honestly I LOVE washing my face at the end of the day!
If I didn’t work out….I’d be 900 lbs!! It definitely keeps the weight in check.
Love your plates…too cute!
I work out because if you don’t use it, you lose it and I want to be stronger in my old age!
SO hard to pick just one! Can I have two reasons? If so, I’d totally say for mental health and to feel strong and healthy. There is nothing better than feeling like you can go out and take on the world—both mentally and physically! All of your reasons are spot on :)
The stuffed squash looks (and Tartine sounds) amazing. Yum!
I started working after I started reading your blog- you made it sound so rewarding! Now I actually look forward to it.
Ps-honeycrisp sale @ hyvee!
To eat cake and frosting — and any and all other sweets. It is a weakness so working out is a necessity.
My #1 reason to workout is to try to keep up with your yummy mouthwatering recipes! I’m not even a squash person but dang it, you mesmerized me again!
First, I LOVE your blog.
Second, I am having trouble understanding this washing your face in the bathtub at night issue… I just wash mine at the sink…. Am I missing something? :)
Haha I just caught that. I must be missing something too. :-)
I wash my face over the tub otherwise the entire sink gets soaked. I have bad aim apparently!
Exercise for me is MOST importantly definately for my mental clarity and self worth! You have to take care of you first before you can take care of those you love.
A VERY close second would be all sweets!!!!!!!!! Lately for me that has been Lemon Tree! Holly buckets this frozen yogurt is to die for! Red velvet cake, carrot cake, chocolate, REESES PB cup, and many more flavors in the form of fro yo…..pure genius!!!!! Not to mention it is help yourself buffet style so ummmm……..PERFECTION!!!!!!!
Shucks…..I think I may need to go there now!!!!
For my health! Physical and mental :) I also like it when I can shower after a workout and wash my face so I don’t have to before bed!