The question of the day is why in the world do you exercise? Why are you investing your valuable time on an exercise program? Have you really thought deeply about this? Some will say health. Some will say beauty. While others will say both.

exercise programA recent survey of 2,882 people was conducted by Everyday Health, and ACE (American Council On Exercise). The survey wanted to know why people participate in an exercise program. Most of answers were either for health reasons, or beauty. I bet you are thinking that beauty is the most logical choice. Right? Not so fast.

According to the study, which was comprised of 90% women with an average age of 44, 54% stated their main reason for exercise is to stay fit for loved ones. Meanwhile, 40% reported they are on an exercise program to look good. I’m sure you are as surprised as I was regarding the value of health as the main reason for exercise participation.

Let’s take a closer look at the study. Since 90% of the people surveyed were women, perhaps the answers would have been much different if they surveyed 90% men. I wish the study would have consisted of surveying 50% men,  and 50% women.

Another aspect of the study that needs to be addressed is the age of participants. It would have been nice to see a wider spectrum of age, say 18 - 80 years old. A 20 year old male will definitely have a different reason for being on an exercise program than a 65 year old man.

Let’s put the study aside for a second, and begin focusing on your main reasons. Forget what the study says. What only matters is why you are on a fitness plan.  Use these why’s as your motivating factor to keep you focused on your overall goal.  The why’s are going to get you into the gym on days you really don’t want to do it. Goal setting is another motivator to incorporate.

I strongly encourage you to leverage your exercise program why’s, and goals to help propel you to better health, fitness, and quality of life.  The study also showed 50% of fitness participants said the reason they don’t exercise is they just can get motivated. Therefore, a  focus on your why’s, and goals will solve this issue. Try it!

In the study, not surprisingly, cardiovascular exercise was the most popular. 4/10 people surveyed use cardiovascular equipment the most.  Like I mentioned, this is not too much of a surprise to me since 90% of the participants were women. Even in 2009, women are still deathly afraid of “getting big.” Most feel if they pick up a dumbbell they will grow huge muscle instantly. Ladies, please be assured, this will not happen!

The biggest mistake women make on their exercise programs is not strength training. They would change their bodies much more quickly utilizing effective strength training, versus cardiovascular. It works! Ladies, cut down your cardio time, and start challenging yourself on the weights. Unless you are some testosterone hormonal freak, you will not grow big, huge muscles.

Keep up the good work on your exercise program, and focus daily on your exercise why’s, and wants.

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