Why I Exercise: Real People on What Keeps Them Going

• Age: 46
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Job: father, athletic performance coach, and speaker

I exercise to honor life. I have lost loved ones that [have inspired] me to keep myself and others LIVING and MOVING!

I believe we do not OWN our bodies; rather, we borrow them for this human experience. I want to keep this vehicle clean, tuned up, and running on great fuel. That way, I can keep enjoying the open road with my loved ones!

I have a morning ritual. The first 2 hours of my day are for me. If I can love myself as best I can, then I can also do it for others. But if I can’t do it for myself, what makes me think I can truly give it back to others? Lesson: Your oxygen mask first!

I’m a dragon in the Chinese horoscope. I am in awe of the legend of the dragon spirit that spewed fire into the skies so that rain would fall to the dry lands. I live this and love it. I just want to be there for people to reveal the happiness found in movement and games.

Happiness is not something to get or buy. It’s inside you. If you move and play a little bit every day, you give yourself the opportunity to reveal and attach to your inner child. Never forget that little, happy bugger.

• Age: 62
• Location: Sag Harbor, New York
• Job: yoga teacher, studio owner (Yoga Shanti) for 23 years, author of “Yoga For Life”

I practice yoga so that the daily stresses and difficulties have a way to release from my muscles, and to reverse my reaction to stress. I practice yoga to train my mind not to be so habitual. I practice yoga to keep my body supple as I age. I practice yoga to develop intimacy with my body and to get to know who I am at a deeper level.

I fit it in because it is my lifeline and my life.

What inspires me to keep going is because — emotionally and physically — I feel like crap when I don’t.

So often, exercise is used to beat yourself up as if you are mad at your body and need it to be “better.” Faster, Bigger, Harder, Louder will only lead you down a rabbit hole of believing that you aren’t enough.

And then, when you start comparing your performance to someone else’s, the joy of moving your body is gone.

I’m not saying that it’s not fun to be able to do a pose or lift more weight or have a faster time. I’m saying that the process needs to be done with kindness and compassion, and the expectation of a rainbow at the end road should not be the goal.

Because next time there may not be a rainbow, and you return to “I suck. I’m just not good enough.”

• Age: 31
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Job: certified personal trainer

I believe in the saying “How you do one thing, you do everything.” Fitness and exercise really embody this saying. Exercise provides structure and momentum throughout my week. It is the foundation of my productivity and creativity.

If I skip a workout or become less active on a particular day, my energy level and ability to serve others is severely compromised.

I always do my workout first thing in the morning. I feel accomplished and mentally sharp after a morning workout. Also, if anything changes throughout the day, my workout is already locked in, so I’m not stressed about fitting it in.

Being obsessed with the process and continuously learning is always an inspiration. There is never an end goal with fitness — or anything for that matter. Goals are great, but refining your process is where the real magic keeps me on my A-game as well!

How you do one thing is how you do everything.

Everything in our behavior is connected across all disciplines and facets of life. I love this quote because it reminds me of excellence in everything despite how small or big the task or project is.

• Age: 35
• Location: New York City
• Job: founder of Le Sweat TV

I exercise because of “successful aging.”

When you are in your twenties, you don’t listen to people tell you how the body changes as we age (I mean, I didn’t listen). When I hit 30, I started noticing my body not responding to exercises or just being a little “creakier” throughout the day.

I also came from the mentality that doing 15 indoor cycling classes a week was healthy. I’ve learned that strength training is what makes an impact, both for weight loss and from a performance perspective.

I have a 10-minute mobility routine that rivals my morning coffee. I’ve realized I can work out less, maybe 2–3x a week, by being consistent in my mobility routine.

My workouts are everything I do for my app, Le Sweat TV. So, in addition to my daily mobility, I also film 3–5 classes, 20–30 minute classes, a week for my app, which is my routine.

If you don’t use it, lose it.

My fiance and I are settling down this year and finally having kids (at 35).

And from my postpartum clients and understanding the struggle that accompanies getting back into the swing of things post-pregnancy. That’s what keeps me motivated — being stronger during, and on the other side of, pregnancy.

My most famous saying is “Yes or Yes” (yes, I even trademarked it!). What “Yes or Yes” means to me is saying yes to the challenge. In this case, it says yes to waking up, doing my mobility, and making sure I stay active every week.

• Age: 31
• Location: San Diego, California
• Job: health coach, functional exercise specialist, and justice organizer

Intentional movement and exercise are my primary tools for coping with stress. They provide an outlet for creative physical energy, and I find inspiration and focus after a movement or exercise session.

If I’m having a very busy week that is challenging the time I have for exercise, I think about the following questions: When was the last time I moved my body intentionally? Does my body feel tight or restricted? Do I feel stressed or restless?

If by answering these I realize I haven’t moved intentionally in 2 or more days, my body indeed feels restricted, or my stress levels are high, my main focus then shifts to preserve my body’s functionality as a whole.

I choose to prioritize a 15-minute walk or stretching session at some point during that day and increase the amount of time and sessions progressively as my responsibilities ebb and flow. I continuously check in with my body and self to identify what my needs are.

The freedom I feel in my body after moving or exercising intentionally.

Every single effort counts.

I exercise because it allows me to be a better version of myself physically and mentally. It positively enriches all aspects of my life, both personally and professionally.

Through exercise, I’ve developed success traits such as work ethic, discipline, confidence, and accomplishment. It also gives me what feels like unlimited energy and the ability to do daily tasks and recreational activities almost effortlessly.

I fit it in not by finding time but by making time.

I make sure the amount I exercise is sustainable and realistic for my goals, lifestyle, and preferences without taking away from other life priorities. The number of days I exercise and the duration per session fluctuates throughout the year for this reason.

What inspires me to keep going is the example I set for others — being a role model, inspiring, motivating, and educating clients, club members, friends, family, and even strangers. It also gives me the experience to be a more valuable coach.

“If you’re not going all the way, why go at all?” — Joe Namath

• Age: 36
• Location: San Francisco, California
• Job: personal trainer and studio owner

I work out to conquer goals. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I work out — a feeling that I beat what was possible in the prior workout. Strength training and running are my favorite ways to train. I’m always shooting for faster and stronger.

Since business owners typically work 12-hour days, this is tricky. I try to work out when I’m not seeing clients, around 1–2 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Signing up for a 10K helps me stay focused on keeping my mile time down.

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” — Tommy Lasorda

• Age: 44
• Location: New York City
• Job: founding MIRROR trainer

I learned early on not to take health for granted. After almost becoming diabetic at age 27, I realized that poor choices could catch up to you at any age. So having a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, diet, and mental health was key to pursuing a fruitful life.

Thankfully, fitness is my job, so I work out while I teach my MIRROR classes and train the things I love to do when I’m off. As an avid fan of obstacle course races, I try to fit in runs and cross-training wherever I can.

My ultimate life goal is to become successful enough where I can retire my mother and take her on her dream vacation. So bringing out the best in myself and others will help me reach that point.

The boxes we put ourselves in, they open from the inside. It’s your choice to step out of the limitations you put on yourself and to step into your greatness.

• Age: 58
• Location: Durham, North Carolina
• Job: Club Pilates instructor at Club Pilates; health professions simulation educator, training clinicians and others on teamwork, communication, emergency response, and leadership skills.

I discovered exercise in my early twenties and very quickly became what was then called an “aerobics instructor.” Ever since then, I have loved all forms of exercise, including cardio and weight training. I discovered Pilates in 2017 and entered teacher training.

I believe exercise has saved me throughout my life, as it has kept me healthy, happy, and able to bounce back from any adverse situation.

Seven years ago, I had a massive pulmonary embolism followed by a cardiac arrest, and I recovered quickly and fully. I believe my commitment to regular exercise certainly helped me get better and continues to keep me healthy!

Since I have been avidly exercising and teaching for over 30 years, I do not know how I could not fit it in. Exercise is a way of life for me.

I love teaching Pilates and helping others see the many benefits that a consistent exercise practice can have on their body, mind, and spirit!

Refrain from imposing labels and self-limiting beliefs on yourself, such as “I am not flexible” or “I am weak.” Instead, focus on what is available to you today and what you can do, and you will likely surprise yourself!

• Age: 32
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Job: health and fitness coach

There are many “whys” as to why I exercise, and the last reason for it would be aesthetic.

Movement for me in the last 10 years has not only been the outlet that healed my major depressive disorder but also the outlet I utilize to stay mentally healthy and care for my overall well-being.

I was a very unhealthy young woman with body dysmorphia, and one who grew up with cultural predispositions to an unhealthy lifestyle and illness.

The way anyone gets up every day to brush their teeth is the same way I fit in time to exercise. Not only because it is my career and what I teach but because it is the outlet that allows me to continue to change lives the way I did mine.

Movement is a lifestyle for me, not a chore.

Every year, I reach a new perspective about life. I never want to find myself back in the place I found myself 10 years ago. There’s never been a moment in the last 10 years that I’ve gotten bored of movement, because there’s levels to everything you do and what you learn.

I went from not moving at all to becoming well rounded in most disciplines of training amongst some of the most amazing athletes in the world. How can I not be inspired to keep going and see how much potential I can unlock every day?

People that make no mistakes are those who have made every mistake in the book; don’t be afraid to fail. You never lose, either you win or you learn to grow stronger.

• Age: 26
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Job: lead coach at Row House Chicago

Exercising and fitness is like a religion to me. I don’t know where I’d be without fitness. The best way to start my day or end my day is with an activity that brings me such joy.

It really depends on what I have going on for the day. Some days when I’m coaching classes in the morning, I’ll have my own workout later in the afternoon. When I have classes to coach in the evening, I’ll add in a run or HIIT workout at home in the morning.

Now when I have multiple classes in a day, like, classes in the morning and evening, then those will be my workouts for the day since we work out with our members in classes.

What inspires me to keep going is the enjoyment I get from it. It’s like coffee for some people. If I don’t have a workout in my day, my day is ruined. I can’t go a day without exercising or even at least a stretching routine.

Of course, the benefits of exercising are another reason that keeps me going, but for me, it’s more than just physical.

Being a trainer and helping people see that exercising is more than just trying to look good, but also feeling good, is another thing that keeps me going. Also, being a role model for what I believe in.

When I hear members say they’re too old or feel that it’s too late to get back into shape, I tell them: You’re forever young and shouldn’t let age define you.

I also say it’s never too late to start becoming a healthier and better you. You have to want it, and with a little push from a good friend, you’ll get it, and it can be at ANY moment of your life! You deserve happiness at every second of your day.

• Age: 32
• Location: New York City
• Job: OB-GYN chief resident

I exercise so that my body is ready and able to handle any physical challenge that comes my way. Fifty-mile bike ride with my friends? No problem! Three-mile jog on a Sunday morning? Sure, let’s do it! Hike Angels Landing with no training? Yes, please!

The way I fit exercise into my busy schedule is by waking up early. Most days, I wake up around 4:30 a.m. so that I can get in a 20–30-minute workout. A morning workout gives me a tremendous amount of energy to start my day off right.

It also gives me peace of mind to know that I already took care of my workout first thing in the morning, allowing me to do other things when I get home from work.

On days when I don’t do a formal training session, I bike to and from work, which is a lovely, stress-free way of traveling.

The desire to explore the world with my husband when I retire is what drives me forward. When I say explore, this includes hiking, climbing, swimming, biking, etc. Exercising and keeping my body healthy is the only way to keep my dream alive!

Don’t compare yourself to others. We all start somewhere and have different journeys. Be the best version of yourself and live your life fully.

Sara Lindberg, BS, MEd, is a freelance health and fitness writer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in counseling. She’s spent her life educating people on the importance of health, wellness, mindset, and mental health. She specializes in the mind-body connection, with a focus on how our mental and emotional well-being impact our physical fitness and health. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Livestrong, Active.com, Headspace, Insider, Bicycling Magazine, Runner’s World, Men’s Health, SheKnows, Ovia Health, and many more.