Exercise sucks.

Honestly, that’s what I think.

But every year, I still include exercise in my ‘New Year’s Wish List’. Notice that I didn’t write resolutions because of every year, it stays as that. A wish.

This year, I wanted to do things differently. I saw a video that changed the way I looked at my goals.

Derek Sivers - Keep it to Yourself

Execute. That is my word of the year.

And so, I’ve decided to do something about my health.

Everyone knows that exercise is good for the body. And yet, most of us do not put it on our list of priorities. With all the tasks we need to do, it can get hard to squeeze in a twenty-minute run or even ten minutes of peace. Trust me, I’m a mom of a toddler, so I know what a ‘crazy day’ means.

I also work from home so I spend most of my days sitting in front of a computer. I’ve come across so many articles discussing the habits of the ultra-successful, and like everyone else, I also aspire to be like them.

And so, I started an exercise routine.

This isn’t the first time I decided to exercise. Like everyone else, I was one of those January gym-goers that stops when February hits. I’ve tried other exercise like jogging, but since we didn’t have a decent place to run, I stopped after two weeks. I also tried Zumba with some friends, but I couldn’t keep up with the beat. I don’t got rhythm, man. So, I let my husband choose our poison: the gym.

As they say, you only put value in something if you pay for it. So the first thing I did was hire a trainer. It gave my husband his own time. And also I didn’t want him looking at me while I looked like an ostrich guarding her egg.

Then I decided to commit to it.

Committing means you don’t make excuses. It means you need to make it a priority and include it in your schedule. It means moving things around so you could put your gym clothes on and actually go to the gym.

I remember being conscious about the way I looked in front of the freakishly large mirrors. But then, I thought to myself, FUCK IT. I didn’t need to think about what other people thought. Good thing I’m stubborn.

The day after working out, I couldn’t move at all! The usually non-existent muscles in my tummy and my butt suddenly said ‘Hi’. Imagine that. Each part of me is seething with pain that scratching my nose is impossible. You know, I have biceps.

My husband’s friend calls this the T-Rex mode. It’s when your arms suddenly become too short since it’s too painful to move it.

Exercise is extremely unpleasant. Yet still, I choose to go twice a week. My reason: it’s the only time I spend on myself without getting bothered. And I love it.

After a month of regular exercise, here are a few things I found out.

1. Exercise is the perfect ‘me time’

   Whether you choose to go to the gym or taking Zumba lessons, exercise actually is a great ‘me time’ activity. Shopping and eating cost money, but working out will cost you your belly fats. You are doing yourself a favor since you’re helping your heart pump more blood. It also gets rid of toxins you’ve acquired because of your job or that girl flirting with your husband. /#hugot101

   Another juicy bit I learned is that sweating actually cleans your skin and gets rid of pimples and other skin problems. It also has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria that causes respiratory illnesses.

   Your brain also makes happy hormones when you exercise. Dopamine motivates you to reach your goals and gives you that feeling of pleasure when you achieve something. Serotonin helps regulate your moods and keeps you in a happy place. Oxytocin releases the same hormones when you reach orgasm, so #alamnathis. Endorphins, on the other hand, alleviate anxiety.

   For more details, check out this link.

2. It gives you a feeling of control.

   Exercise makes me feel like I’m in control of my urges. It might be a small thing, but I’ve noticed how much my self-control has improved since I worked out.

   Our brains are equipped with fight or flight instincts. It has sensors all over to know if we’re in pain or in danger. And when we feel pain or anything undesirable, our natural response is to stop. But working out helped me push myself to my limits and break new records. And I find it pleasing that I get to conquer myself and the challenges I encounter.

   Freelancing requires a lot of discipline and self-control. You will encounter so many tasks that you don’t want to do, but you do it anyway. It’s part of the job.

   It also helps in controlling your urges when it comes to food, as well as other tasks like scheduling work and sleep. My productivity also dramatically increased since I started doing routine exercise.

3. Exercise improves your focus and clears your head.

   What I found funniest of all was how challenging it was to count. Really. Suddenly I forgot what number of reps I’m already at, so I tend to do it again. I also found out that I couldn’t remember the instructions. Like literally, minutes after my trainer gave me instructions on how to lift the weights, I found it difficult to recall what the next exercise would be.

   After a few sessions, I found it easier to focus. I also noticed that working out clears my head. I also get the best ideas while in the gym. So I make sure I have my phone with me so I could jot down my notes on Evernote and get back to it later.

4. You get to take care of yourself

   It feels good to celebrate the little things, like when you can do ten more reps than the last session. Or when you get to finish a workout session and still get to go down the stairs with ease. Just the thought that you are way tougher than you think is enough cause for celebration.

   The best thing about it is knowing that you’re taking care of yourself. As moms, we have the tendency to put our family’s needs before our own. And when mothers get sick, everything falls apart.

   Moms never get sick days. So it’s a natural decision for you to make sure you are healthy so you could take care of your family. You also get to pass this value on to your kids. Seeing you take care of yourself also encourages them to do the same. As they say, the best way to teach is by example, so make sure you’re setting the right one.

   Frankly, I used to think going to the gym was for vanity. But then I realized it was one of the many excuses I used in my head to stop me from choosing a healthier lifestyle. Now that I’m into working out, I feel a lot better about myself. I also feel at ease, knowing that I’m doing myself and my family a favor by taking care of me.

If you want to be a better version of yourself, hit the gym. Take a walk. Join the movement.

So, are you in?