100 Reasons to Work Out Today


By Nicole Nichols, Managing Editor and Fitness Expert at SparkPeople

We all have those days that we don't want to work out even though we know we should.

When you need a little motivation, look no further.

Here are 100 reasons you shouldn't skip your workout today.

Print or save this post so you'll have easy access to it on the days you need it most.


100 Reasons to Exercise Now

  1. Because it makes you feel confident

  2. Because it helps you get stronger

  3. Because exercise helps combat depression

  4. Because you'll feel proud of yourself

  5. Because you have goals you want to reach

  6. Because you'll feel bad if you don't

  7. Because you want to move forward, not backward

  8. Because it burns more calories than not working out

  9. Because it improves your heart health

  10. Because you want a great butt

  11. Because it prevents diabetes

  12. Because you want to be a good example to your kids

  13. Because you want to feel good in your clothes

  14. Because it reduces your risk of cancer

  15. Because your body was made to move

  16. Because you want to be an athlete

  17. Because you want to look better

  18. Because it lifts your mood

  19. Because you want to stand taller

  20. Because it reduces back pain

  21. Because it feels good

  22. Because it makes you feel accomplished

  23. Because you spend most of your day on your butt

  24. Because swimsuit season is always coming

  25. Because strong is the new skinny

  26. Because dieting only works so much

  27. Because it strengthens your bones, too

  28. Because it helps you lose weight

  29. Because it allows you to eat more food

  30. Because it's the best way to spend "me" time

  31. Because it helps you de-stress

  32. Because it's cheaper than therapy

  33. Because you want a strong core

  34. Because you want to take care for yourself

  35. Because you take pride in your body

  36. Because it strengthens your legs

  37. Because it helps your clothes fit better

  38. Because you want to push yourself

  39. Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined

  40. Because moving your body feels good

  41. Because it keeps your mind sharp

  42. Because it helps you beat belly bloat

  43. Because it helps you sleep better at night

  44. Because it gives you energy

  45. Because you want to stay healthy as you age

  46. Because you want to look younger

  47. Because you want toned arms

  48. Because it improves your balance

  49. Because it burns off last night's dessert

  50. Because it boosts your immune system

  51. Because sweat is sexy

  52. Because you want to live longer

  53. Because you want to get better at your game

  54. Because you want to catch someone's eye

  55. Because exercisers earn more money

  56. Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise

  57. Because you want to shave time off your running pace

  58. Because you want to breathe easier

  59. Because you want to see the scale drop

  60. Because exercise improves your sex life

  61. Because you are worth it

  62. Because being fit makes everything in life better

  63. Because you promised yourself that you would

  64. Because you deserve a better life

  65. Because it'll help you drink more water

  66. Because you want to do real push-ups

  67. Because it reduces your health care costs

  68. Because you'll miss fewer days of work

  69. Because you want to create a new future for yourself

  70. Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror

  71. Because it makes clothing shopping more fun

  72. Because you want to look and feel incredible

  73. Because exercising can be fun

  74. Because it'll give your skin a glow

  75. Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends

  76. Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread

  77. Because it reduces your blood pressure

  78. Because you don't want to let yourself go

  79. Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat

  80. Because it strengthens your spirit

  81. Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself

  82. Because you'll be able to reward yourself

  83. Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes

  84. Because you're tired of being tired

  85. Because not working out is not going to get you very far

  86. Because it's a great way to spend time outside

  87. Because you made a commitment to yourself

  88. Because you're tired of starting over

  89. Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion

  90. Because you're not a quitter

  91. Because it improves your cholesterol

  92. Because it boosts your metabolism

  93. Because it prevents age-related muscle loss

  94. Because if you can do this, you can do anything

  95. Because a fit body is a healthy body

  96. Because it beats sitting on the couch

  97. Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare

  98. Because you want to be stronger than your excuses

  99. Because not working out isn't working out for you

  100. Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip


Which reason resonates with you? Do you have any reason to work out that didn't make the list? Share yours in the comments below!

Related links:
Do New Workout Clothes Motivate You to Exercise
How Do You Stay Motivated When It's Cold Outside?
Poll: Why Do YOU Exercise?


SparkPeople Fitness Expert Nicole Nichols is an ACE-certified personal trainer and AFAA-certified group fitness instructor. You can learn more about Nicole and her workout DVDs here.