By Harold Irby | Personal Trainer

Physical fitness. It’s a goal, a lifestyle, and a surefire way to set yourself apart from the legions of people who may be too unmotivated to make the changes necessary to become physically fit.

But on the other hand, if you happen to be one of those people- know that in order to truly commit to physical fitness, you must first understand the perks you gain by getting in shape. Understanding all the possible mental, physical and emotional benefits may help you dig in and prioritize your fitness goals, starting today.

So, what can you expect from your life as a fit person? Here are nine things you’ll go through when you turn the corner on physical fitness toward a healthier you: 

1/ You’ll Want More

Exercise newbies have a hard time believing it, but there will come a time when you crave exercise. It may not be during those first few days or weeks, but once your body becomes fit and begins to perform the way it was built to perform, you’ll hunger to hit the gym every day, and you’ll give it your all once you’re there. If you miss a day in the gym, then you’ll feel guilty and lazy enough to never miss again!

2/ Bedtime Will Be Better

This one doesn’t involve your sex life (although becoming fit will improve that as well), rather, it’s about your sudden ability to hit the hay, fall asleep quickly, and stay asleep all night long. Just because you’re fit!

3/ Confidence Becomes You

When you’re not fit, it’s impossible to feel your best. Not being physically fit leaves you feeling…well, frumpy. Get fit and watch your self-image skyrocket, along with your confidence. Your confidence won’t necessarily push you into cockiness, but it will make you more enjoyable to be around, as it’s awkward to be around people who are down on themselves.

4/ You Eat Well

Just as being fit makes you want to get in the gym every day, it also inspires you to want to eat well. After all, you spent all that time eating the right things to get fit. The last thing you want to do is throw it all away just for the passing and momentary pleasures of two slices of pecan pie.

5/ Showers Feel Better

Contrary to popular belief, sitting at a desk all day every day doesn’t get you dirty enough to take a shower. On the contrary, when you’re living the fit lifestyle, you’re in the gym regularly, allowing sweat to cover every pore of your body. After a hard day at the gym, your shower feels magical, because you actually deserve it!

6/ Heavy Isn’t Heavy

Spend enough time not being fit and you may be surprised that fit folks can deal with things in life that require strength. Whether it involves carrying a baby through the grocery store, picking up a few bags of groceries, moving a pile of bricks from your truck bed to your garden, or just getting up the stairs, fitness enables you to do it with ease.

7/ Your Body Functions Improve

Get fit and your heart will work more efficiently. You know that. But getting fit will get your other body systems in line also. Whether you’ve been struggling to think clearly on your feet, you’ve been plagued with constipation, or you’re always out of breath, getting fit can remedy all these issues and more.

8/ You’ll Go Shopping

You probably know people who have to upgrade their closets every few years to accommodate their ever-growing weight gain. Not you. When you go fit for life, you’ll have to go shopping, but only because your waist has slimmed up and your muscles have tightened up and are now situated where they belong.

9/ You Won’t Fear Sore

At one point in time, being sore always meant something was wrong. When you get fit, being sore is something that you welcome. After all, you know the soreness means you’re working your body in new ways that will only improve your physical fitness. If it’s a bad sore, you’ll know that also because physically fit people know their bodies.

Now is the perfect time to get started on an exercise program that will get you into the best shape of your life. What are you waiting for? Being fit feels too good for you to miss out on. Get started today!

Harold Irby is a certified personal fitness trainer and Mr. Michigan body building champion with over 20 years of experience in weight training, body building, sport specific training and strength conditioning. Harold has worked with many professional, college and high school athletes as well as celebrities and business professionals seeking a healthy and fit lifestyle through his personal training and fitness center Xtreme Advantage. 

Photograph credit: Getty Images