The Benefits of Exercise

As I finished my workout today, I contemplated the benefits of exercising.  So many good things came to mind, that I don't know why I don't engage in physical activity more often.

The most obvious benefit to anyone would probably be better health.  The health benefit for me is twofold (at least).  First, descending to the basement to expend all that excess energy that is just exuding from my pregnant pores, ensures that I will use the inversion table that day.  This particular combination seems to do wonders for back pain prevention.  And my pregnant back loves that.  Secondly, every day I exercise, I drink a lot  more water than I normally would.  And my pregnant body loves that.

Exercising also makes me feel like a better mother.  I am sure the babe appreciates my efforts to negate the effects of the unnecessary and/or unwise calories I consume daily.  (And I picture labor and delivery becoming a little easier each time I run.)

I feel like a better wife when I exercise.  Each time I use the elliptical, I like to think that I am showing appreciation for Eric's latest and most generous "for the family" Christmas gift.  Being a better wife makes me happy.

Exercising improves my personal hygiene.  It's the one thing that guarantees that I will take a shower that day--I will not force my body to sweat if I cannot shower immediately afterward.  Otherwise, I can't promise my hygienic score will be up to par.  Maybe I could if I really tried.  But I will just take the motivation and commitment that would require and apply it to exercising daily instead.  Two birds, one stone, as they say.

When I exercise, our monetary expenditures get a break (albeit minuscule).  The shower that I am sure to take will be cool, not hot like that of a lazy day.  (Although I suppose one could argue this point and say that any shower costs more than my occasional no shower at all.)  I do choose to believe that since I should take one shower every day, skipping is no more a benefit than exercise followed by a cool shower.

And this leads me to the final advantage.  Almost the only time I do take a cool shower is at these times.  And it really gives me a boost in energy, making me feel even better about my workout--hopefully motivating me to descend to the basement again...soon.  Like tomorrow.