Non-weight-loss benefits of exercise?

[eleanorsos]

After having a baby 8 months ago, I am overweight and do need to lose some but that's not why I'm here.

I really want to get back into exercising regularly and keep to it, I've been doing the very occasional swim or run but not nearly regularly enough. Whenever I focus on weight loss I find it even harder to stick to - I can get a bit too obsessive and then if my diet falters I get all demotivated and give up on exercise too. So I think I need to look at exercise in a different way this time.

Can you tell me how exercising has improved your life in a way that isn't linked to your weight or body size/shape? If physical, more like being able to run for a bus than being able to fit into skinny jeans!

I love being fuckoff STRONG.

@Dontbeme So sorry to hear about your FIL and sisters
Keeping active is a powerful thing for sure!

I have been active all my life and remained slim, and my mental health is good. It is just a way of life for me, l swam in the sea last week until it was almost dark, it makes me feel alive.

One of my siblings now has physical disabilities which prevent them doing the climbing and mountaineering they previously lived for It was emergency brain surgery which thankfully saved their life but left them with permanent numbness down one side.
I started running properly when they were touch and go in ICU as a way to get out of the house & have a good cry without upsetting my DC (red & sweaty hides tearful eyes)
I now run because I feel I owe it to my sibling to keep using my body as fully as I can

Running has helped me deal with some really difficult periods in my life. When it's just me, out in the wilderness (usually at dawn!) just being out among nature and having space to think really helps me to relax, outside of the pressures of kids/work/everything else.

I also like the feeling that I've got more strength and speed, and power to look after myself. I certainly felt more vulnerable when I was so unfit I literally couldn't run for a bus.

And being with the kids, too. I like that I'm fit enough to run along them for several miles if they're out on a bike ride, and that I can join in if they want to go climbing or trampolining or whatever. It's nice to be able to do that stuff as a family rather than me being the mum who holds the bags.

I run and I love how I get to explore on my runs - I know my city, the parks, the trails etc really well.
I can climb mountains and not even notice the effort.
A few months after starting yoga I redecorated a bedroom with a really high ceiling, found myself painting while standing on the top of the step ladder, and I had the stability to do that.

3 months ago I could swim 20 lengths or just go for a short walk. Now I can do 45 mins of interval running/ hill walking on the treadmill. I can swim 60 lengths. I have started to increase my weights at body pump to 3.5kg each side on the bar for the squat track, 2.5kg each side for everything else.

I feel stronger and more positive and happier.

When we went to Paris and climbed the Eiffel Tower DS (5) ran the whole way up and I held his hand and was able to keep up. I remember climbing it as a teenager and it being exhausting but it didn't even register in my 40s.