Most people can cite the health benefits of exercise.  Yet that doesn't make us more likely to do it.  In fact, I get a bad taste in my mouth when I say the word exercise.  Let's go ahead and replace it with a more palatable word: movement. 

How do you feel after you do movement?  It tends to make us feel more energized, accomplished, empowered, strong, relaxed, calm, less stressed, less depressed and anxious, perhaps even happy.  If these were the "only" effects and it had no other impact on your health (cardiovascular, etc.), would it still be worth it?  I'd say so.  

What if movement (remember, we're not calling it "exercise" anymore) were a way that you demonstrate LOVE and RESPECT for yourself?  Could it be that the discipline of regular exercise is actually an act of compassion towards your body, rather than a form of torture of a chore that you'd like to cross off your list? Hmmmm….

You deserve to love yourself today.

You deserve to respect yourself today.

Your body deserves your respect today.