"I work out because it's essential for my mood and digestion. When I don't work out, I'm irritable, have low energy, and am full of negative, disempowering thoughts. Also, my digestion is so much better when I'm active. A third benefit is no pain during menstruation. Being active during the month, along with clean eating, helps with that."
-Sam, 32, Los Angeles, certified integrative nutrition coach
"I had two back surgeries and always suffered from a bad back. About two years ago, as I was planning a trip to Spain for my nephew's wedding, I decided to lose some weight and get toned. Little did I know that after six months of working out every day, I not only lost weight and got some muscles, but my back started feeling so much better. I am back to playing tennis, and I incorporate some sort of workout daily."
-Behnoosh, 57, Naples, FL, business analyst
"For me, the most important reason for staying active is that it helps me manage my Fibromyalgia. If I neglect my yoga practice, I immediately have pain flare-ups all over my body, not to mention, daily stressors seem to be compounded when my body hurts. Yoga allows me to take time for myself, to tune into what my mind and body needs, and to tune out the demands of my busy life."
-Kerri Verna, 44, West Palm Beach, FL, creator of Beach Yoga Girl
"Working out, for me, is about keeping myself mentally healthy as well as physically. I'm almost always in a better mood after a run or a fun workout class, and I love feeling stronger and just better about myself in general when I'm working out consistently."
-Emily, 24, Bergen County, NJ, registered nurse