- Sex. If a state of arousal is increased blood flow to specific parts of the body, it makes sense that exercise would lead to more arousal since it increases blood flow. But more than that, when I’m in a habit of exercising, I feel sexier. I’m more confident about myself and my body. I’m more okay with being naked: not just for someone else, but even seeing my own reflection. Muscles and confidence are sexy.
- Sleep. I have spent the last 5 years taking my sleep very seriously. When my body is physically tired from a day that includes exercise, I fall asleep fast and I stay asleep. I wake up feeling rested. When I’m not exercising, I spend all day feeling tired and sluggish.
- Food. When I’m exercising, I primarily crave food that is fueling for my movement. I enjoy carbs, fat, and protein. Fresh fruit is satisfying. I’ll be desperate for water. But when I’m not exercising, I’ll be slamming Diet Coke like there’s no tomorrow. I could finish a bag of potato chips and want more.
- Resting. I come from a mom who is always active, working, busy. I don’t often recall her resting during the day and I often feel “wrong”, “bad”, and “guilty” if I sit on the couch during the day. However— if I know I’ve worked my body hard, it helps me feel better about resting.
- Shopping for clothes. When I was at my heaviest weight, everything I bought was an attempt to cover up my body and hide its true shape and size. I also had these weird cultural beliefs that only women who are thin can wear bright colors, patterns, bikinis, short shorts, etc. Now I enjoy feeling like I have more options and I know with confidence that I’ll look good in whatever I choose. Not necessarily because my body looks good now, but because I’ve grown in my confidence and security in myself.
Fresh Start Fitness 
Leave a comment