Why do you workout?

I was teaching at a boot camp last week in Clapham, when I overheard the guys talking about how hard they were working, and it was a good job, as it makes up for all the BBQ’s and beers they’re enjoying! When I spoke to them afterwards, they admitted, that if it wasn’t for boot camp, they would be seriously out of shape! They were the first to admit, they weren’t after the chiseled cover model body, but just wanted to feel good, and to enjoy good food and drink because at least they were training. 

It got me thinking though, why do people work out? Here a few of the most popular answers, and my thoughts on each. We did a survey on our facebook page, and the 2 most popular reasons were number 2 & 3. 

1. Do you workout to offset your lifestyle? 

I bet this is more familiar than people think. Especially in London where there’s so many good things to do, parties, friends, work meals, it’s a constant list of temptation. You want a big night out this Saturday, so you hit the training hard all week, so you can really let your hair down. Or, you had a pizza last night, so you hit boot camp the next day to cover it. 

This is all good if you are at your target shape/weight, and you’re not looking to improve drastically. However, if you are looking to lose weight, or improve your physique, then at some point, your approach will definitely need to change. Using this approach has to be used with caution though, if you have a night out, you are less likely to have the energy to workout & eat well. 


2. Do you workout to lose weight, transform your body? 

This is probably the biggest reason most people start working out. It usually starts from seeing a bad holiday photo, or the realization that half you clothes don’t fit any more. It can also come from just wanting to be at your best. To reach that pinnacle shape. 

As you know, there a thousands of methods of how to do this, each of them preaching different ideas, and techniques. It’s confusing, no doubt. This is why it’s so hard to find something that works for you, long terms. Anything can work short term, you can lose weight pretty quickly if you set your mind to it. However, the true test is if you can do it for longer than 3 weeks (the usual drop off point). Take time to take on an approach that makes sense to you, and one that you can see yourself sticking to in the real world. 

As with anything, the more work you put on building the foundations, the better chance of success, so don’t rush, take your time, and get the right approach for you. 


3. Do you workout to simply feel healthy? 

I hear this a lot in the boot camps, when I ask what people are training for, most say “for life”. I love it when people tell me this. You know, a lot of people spend time fighting workout out, or talking themselves out of it. But the sooner they stop fighting it, and realise the link between working out and feeling better, the better. There’s that quote you see on insta all the time “you are only one workout away from a better mood”. It’s so true. That feeling you get when you have finished, when you are walking away from your workout, or when you are at work, feeling smug that you have already trained today. 

It’s all about momentum, the more you workout, the better you want to eat, the better you want to eat, the more energy you have to workout, and so it continues. 


4. Do you workout because it’s just what people do? 

Sounds strange, but I have been told this a few times from my 1-1 coaching clients. It stems from a so called, dislike of exercise. I encourage anyone who says this to find out what they really love doing. The gym isn’t for everyone, neither is running. So if you don’t like it, don’t do it. Simple. Ask yourself the question, what do you love to do? Dance, boxing, rock climbing, netball, rugby? Fill your ‘exercise’ plan with things you enjoy, and you will never dread a workout again in your life. 


5. Do you workout for sport?

Sport is a brilliant motivator for working out. I am a rugby man personally, but this applies to any team sports. You are training for yourself, so you can perform better, and beat your opponent. You are also working hard for your team mates, your coaches, and the people watching on the side lines. There’s no bigger motivation that the fear of failure, and sport gives you an opportunity to succeed of fail on a weekly basis. 


If you find it hard to get focused on working out, I HIGHLY suggest joining a sports team. You will not only push yourself harder than on your own, but you will have a hell of a lot of fun doing it. 


Summary

So after all of that, which one are you? To be honest, as long as you are working out, and looking after your body, it’s a good thing. Keep going! If you have identified with one of the above, but you aren’t enjoying it, mix it up. You have the chance every day to make your life what you want. Ask yourself, what can I do to make my workouts more fun? How can I make eating healthily more appealing. The better the question, the better the result. Keep it up everyone!