I have been searching for ways to motivate out of shape people to get back in shape. I started thinking of reasons why I stay in shape. But I feel that list is to large for a single post, so I am going to start listing my top 10s starting with my top 10 reasons to run to maybe get you off the fence and out on that road.
10. It is the cheapest way to get in shape!
You don’t need a $200+ annual gym membership or a $1000+ treadmill to enjoy a run. Just tie the laces and go outside… Scared of the bad weather? that’s fine but when you start running you will find it hard to stop, so on a nice day (it’s spring no excuses here) plan a 30 minute walk/jog/run/sprint whatever and do it.
9. It is great for all fitness levels
Just starting out on your fitness journey? there is no better way to literally “pace” yourself then with a jog. Go easy, no reason to push yourself and get hurt.
8. You can do it anywhere
Outside inside upside-down(for advanced people only) you can run literally anywhere, going on a business trip? what better way to get to know the area then to jog through it… which brings me to
7. Get to know your neighborhood
You will be amazed at how different your neighborhood looks when you run through it at 4-7mph instead of driving through it at 35mph.
6. Increase Energy
After a run you may feel exhausted, but you will soon realize day in and day out your energy levels have increased. Which in turn will also
5. Increase Mood
Any type of exercise done 5 days a week at a low moderate or high intensity has been proven to increase mood. Proving you don’t need drugs to feel better.
4. Increase productivity and concentration
When you run you get to let go of the day and all your worries. It gives you time to think about tasks you are going to complete or tasks you have already completed.
Personally I find this to be especially true when coding. If I run before work I get a chance to map out a task or project so when I get to work I am ready to attack and complete it effectively. If I run after work, I get a chance to reflect on what I completed for the day and possibly think of a better solution or come up with a solution to something I was stuck on and didn’t get a chance to finish.
3. You were born to run!
Back in the day(you know when tires where square) we ate steak, lots of steak… as well as other meats. How did we gather these meats? well we had to catch them and if we didn’t? well we would starve and die. How did we catch them?… We ran, we ran a lot. In fact humans are the superior when it comes to running long distances. We were built to outrun any animal.
2. Outrun zombies
Okay, I know this scenario may not be in your foreseen future. But it is a hot topic fo sho. In the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse, you actually don’t have to outrun the zombies… just the slowest human in your group. Because zombies will always go for the easiest pray and your comrades should have kept up on their running regime anyway they deserve to have their brains devoured.
1. Accomplishing something
DO IT TODAY!