How to end 'fat talk' and why you should love your body

So we all like working out to lose weight, maintain weight, look good and keep our tummies tight, but how many of us do it simply because it makes us feel good?

Sure it may be a happy side-effect… ya know, the endorphins and all that science that proves that exercise makes us feel better, but for most of us, it isn't THE reason that we work out.

The more I started thinking about this, the more I realized…it SHOULD be! Why shouldn't the main reason we work out be that it makes us feel better about ourselves? Let the fitness level and lowered body fat be the happy side-effect!

Once we start switching our focus to the positive energy that exercise brings, our increased fitness level and tighter body will come with it.

According to Heather Hausenblas, a University of Florida exercise psychologist, "people who don't achieve workout milestones such as losing fat, gaining strength or boosting cardiovascular fitness feel just as good about their bodies as their more athletic counterparts." Hausenblas study is published in the September issue of the Journal of Health Psychology.

"You would think that if you become more fit that you would experience greater improvements in terms of body image, but that's not what we found," she said. "It may be that the requirements to receive the psychological benefits of exercise, including those relating to body image, differ substantially from the physical benefits."

The study analyzed all previous (from June 2008) studies on the wide-ranging effects of exercise on body image. From the 57 publications, the researchers found conclusively that exercise improved the way people see their bodies, regardless of the actual benefits.

"While the frequency of exercise mattered for boosting body perceptions, there were no differences for the duration, intensity, length or type of exercise, the study found."

I find this study so interesting because it really does drive home the fact that exercise, if we allow it, will make us happy! So why is it that so many people make it such a negative thing? It's their focus.

Too much focus on exercising to lose weight or "having to lose this last 5 pounds," or "not wanting to be fat anymore," or "being able to fit into skinny jeans." Stop making it all about your looks! STOP the fat talk. START letting the reason you exercise be that you want to feel good about yourself. Not only will those endorphins start working for you, but before you know it you'll have the body that better represents your mind-set: healthy, strong and beautiful.

I invite you all to think about why you love your body and what makes it beautiful. Why are you thankful for your body?

I'm thankful for my…

Eyes, because they allow me to see the beautiful faces of my family and friends, read my favorite novels, twinkle when I laugh and enjoy the beautiful landscape that God has given us.

Mouth, because it lets me taste incredible foods, kiss the Mister passionately, talk a mile a minute and smile until by face hurts.

Nose, because my Mom's homemade sweet bread just wouldn't be the same if I couldn't smell it baking.

Ears, because the sound of laughter is too precious to miss.

Arms, because they'll one day rock my children to sleep and tickle them silly.

Hands, because they fit perfectly into the Mister's.

Stomach, because it will keep my growing children safe. (Note: I am NOT pregnant - just really excited to be a mom one day!)

Hips, because they can boogie on the dance floor.

Thighs, because they are strong and allow me to keep up with my Mom on our long walks.

Feet, because they let me torture them with all my high-heeled shoes ;)

Why do you love your body?

Shannon is the founder and creator of The Daily Balance, a Web site updated daily with advice, tips and personal stories to help others find balance in their lives. From food to fashion, fitness, inspiration and recipes, The Daily Balance is the perfect tool for those who "want it all."

[photo credit: Getty Images]