When you set out on your journey to self-betterment, what were your goals? Were you determined to fit in that dreamy dress before December? Pushing toward becoming a Pilates pro? Fixated on flexing your fierce muscles four times a week? Maybe you were motivated to meal-plan your way to health? Riled up by the idea of running a race posthaste?
Whatever goal drives you, there are bound to be days when you're just not feeling it. Between stress at work, shuttling kids back and forth between activities, getting dinner on the table, enjoying a happy hour, walking the dog and remembering to pick up the dry cleaning, daily life has a funny way of getting in the way of our goals and motivation no matter how determined we were at the start of the journey. On the days when the couch is calling your name or the thought of eating another kale chip makes you want to cry, even the most inspired vision board is futile. On those days, you'll be happy you bookmarked this list.
Don't Throw in the Towel Just Yet
- Remember how you felt on day one? Let's not do that again.
- Exercise keeps your mind sharp, which is especially important if you want to keep beating your kid at Trivial Pursuit as you age.
- The way your clothes start to fit better.
- If you quit now, you won't be able to relate to the internet's never-ending collection of "That's so me!" healthy living memes.
- The satisfaction that comes from a solid Sunday afternoon meal prepping Instagram-worthy lunches for the week.
- The endorphin rush after a solid sweat session is unparalleled.
- It's really important that you know that, if challenged, you could compete in an impromptu arm wrestling competition to start your own trucking company.
- People who exercise often are at the lowest risk for heart disease.
- The feeling after lifting a heavier weight than last time.
- You look really, really good in those new black yoga pants you just bought and wouldn't want them to be wasted at the bottom of your dresser drawer, now would you?
- You're inspiring your kids.
- You're inspiring your neighbors every time you take a jog through the neighborhood.
- You're inspiring your spouse.
- You're inspiring your friends.
- You're inspiring the checkout person at the grocery.
- You're inspiring strangers who see you in the park, at the gym, in the pool living your best, healthiest life.
- As Florence + the Machine sings, "It's always darkest before the dawn." Don't forget that this is just an off day, not an off life.
- If you really value your ZZZ's (and, let's be real, who doesn't?), consistent exercise can help improve the quality of your sleep.
- Complaining about being sore is the most satisfying kind of complaining.
via GIPHY - Despite the extra trips to the bathroom, your body really does feel better when you're well-hydrated throughout the day.
- It's difficult to feel really stressed out when you're mastering your Sirsasana pose.
- Do it for those "Wow! You look great!" reactions.
- And the "When did you lose so much weight?" stares.
- And the "I wish I had your dedication!" declarations.
- You're not only beefing up your biceps—your heart muscle gets stronger with regular physical activity, too.
- Dessert tastes better when you get a workout in sometime that day.
- You're taking steps to lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes.
- Are you willing to give up feeling like Wonder Woman or Superman when you execute a perfect deadlift at the gym?
- You've just perfected the perfect avocado toast with a poached egg.
- Future You will thank you, since regular exercise lowers your risk of functional limitations and imbalance later in life.
- Your dog loves that you're taking regular walks with him.
- A cart full of greens, eggs, fruits, lean meats and quinoa fills you with more pride than pushing a cart full of sugar cereals, frozen meals and potato chips.
- You're not alone! The SparkPeople community is here and ready to offer encouragement just when you need it most.
- Are you ready to quit because you're bored to tears? Switch up your routine with a new recipe, workout class, exercise tank or workout buddy! Getting comfortable is the enemy of progress.
- You already told all 400 of your Facebook friends that you’ve joined a gym and started eating healthier. You don’t want to have to avoid the questions when people ask how it’s going.
- That feeling of sheer exhaustion, lungs-going-to-burst, just-can't-anymore burn is always followed by the sweetest relief and a sense of warrior pride.
- Believe it or not, but sweat can actually keep your skin clean and keep you from getting sick.
- Two words: Runner's High. Or Pilates High, Yoga High, HIIT High. Whichever "High" gets you out the door.
- Your gym or boot camp buddies will worry about you if you suddenly stop showing up.
- Are you really going to say no to a natural way to boost productivity and energy levels?
- That perfect workout playlist you've been adding to for years doesn't deserve to be abandoned with such indifference.
- If these SparkPeople members can do it, why can't you too?
- You'll get more out of your vacations if you don't have to avoid strenuous walking.
- There are tons and tons and tons of healthy recipes you haven't even tried yet.
- Take a minute to reflect on why you started this journey in the first place. Look back on that decisive moment as life changing and commit to it all over again.
- Admit it—you kind of love leg day anyway.
- If you quit now, what will you do with those great sneakers you fell in love with when you started on this health journey?
- Wellness is having a moment right now—jump on the bandwagon and you'll be the trendiest lady or dude around.
- Remember that all it takes is just 10 minutes a day to be a better you tomorrow, next week, next month and next year.
- Did "Rookie of the Year" star Henry Rowengartner quit when he broke his arm and came out on the other side with "tight tendons"? No, he got to work and helped the Chicago Cubs win the World Series. If Henry wouldn't quit, neither can you.
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