I’m already skinny so why should I exercise? I’ve never been able to lose weight so why should I exercise? I’m happy with my appearance so why should I exercise?

So often as a culture we get caught up in the numbers on the scale, the measurements the tags in our wardrobe tell us, or the reflection we see when we get dressed in the morning. We’re so focused on statistics and what they mean for our appearance that we forget there is a whole world inside of us that we can’t see and often can’t measure on a daily basis. Sometimes the key is looking beyond weight loss, weight maintenance, or weight gain.

When we talk and think about exercise it is usually limited to what it can do for our size or weight when really we should be talking and thinking about what else regular physical activity can do for us.

It is known to help with all of the following:

• Reduces the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes
• Reduces blood pressure while promoting HDL levels (good cholesterol)
• Combats conditions such as depression and anxiety
• Increases bone density
• Promotes better, longer, and regular sleep at night
• Increases efficiency with which your body processes and uses food and nutrients
• Promotes a stronger immune system which means fewer sick days
• Fewer sick days can mean reduced health care expenses
• Relieves stress
• Reduces boredom
• Increases the likelihood of trying new things
• Increases the likelihood of meeting new people
• Also, increases confidence
• Increases your ability to keep up with friends, kids, and grandkids

And so many more.

If you’re feeling unmotivated by the numbers on your scale because they aren’t moving or you feel like they don’t need to, take a moment and think about all of the ways you can improve your body by stepping off the scale and into your workout clothes, instead of off the scale and into your pajamas. Exercise is no one-trick pony. I encourage you to keep looking beyond loss and start looking at the whole picture.