why

Why do you exercise?

For health reasons?  For enjoyment?  For stress release?  For YOU time?  For camaraderie/social reasons?  For a mental and physical challenge?  For aesthetic reasons?  For self-confidence?  Because you were told you should?

As a certified personal trainer and Muscle Activation Techniques™ specialist in Schaumburg, IL, this is a question I ponder from time to time.  For myself, I exercise largely for the short-term and long-term health benefits.  This was not always the case, though.  When I was younger, I exercised almost exclusively to improve my athletic performance.  Then, I exercised to increase my strength and build my physique.

(more…)