Moving away from the physical, there are psychological reasons that reaching a specific exercise goal would increase self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is best improved by doing things. Every time you do something you haven’t been able to do before, the part of you that holds your beliefs about what you’re capable of (your self-efficacy) has to change to incorporate this new piece of information. So every time you achieve a new goal, your self-efficacy increases. This makes you more likely to set and achieve new goals, simply because, having tasted success, you know it’s possible.

Then there’s the way that other people react to the results of your exercise program. You might get compliments on the physical effects – perhaps you’re losing weight, looking less tired, or suddenly have more energy. Or, what you’re actually *doing* might draw positive comments. A friend might say ‘You’re so good – you’ve kept this program up for months now!’ Someone might approach you at the gym and tell you they admire your dedication. (For extra ‘self-esteem brownie points’, look for opportunities to *give* these kinds of compliments sincerely to other people. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel about yourself). Getting compliments from other people isn’t the best reason to take up exercise – but if you surround yourself with supportive people, they *will* notice the difference – and any compliments they give you are a nice side-effect!

Lastly, there’s a reason I haven’t seen anyone else mention, but it’s such a big one for me that it needs to be mentioned. Exercising, by its nature, requires us to get rid of all our makeup, our tailored-to-hide-every-flaw suits, and everything else we hide behind to fit the magazine-imposed restrictions for beauty. And while letting that go can feel intimidating, it can also be incredibly freeing. Because exercising does the exactly same thing to everyone else.

If you want to once and for all destroy the illusion that everyone else but you looks like a model under their clothes, stand in a gym changing room and really *look* at the bodies there. There will be people who are ‘too skinny’, ‘too short’, ‘too fat’ – too ‘whatever’ to fit magazine standards – and most of them will be wandering around totally un-self-consciously, with far more important things to think about than the ‘flaws’ in their own, or each other’s bodies. *This* is reality. *This* is what healthy people – of all shapes and sizes – look like. And when this realisation finally sinks in, it can be more freeing than any pat assurances that ‘everyone’s shape is different’.

THE BOTTOM LINE?

So what’s the bottom line? Well, it’s wonderful news – both for those of us who have difficulty sticking to a workout program, and for those of us who know our self-image could use a little TLC. Work on your self-image, even a little, and you’re going to want to exercise more to take better care of yourself. Add that little bit more exercise into your weekly routine, and you’re going to see your self-image improving. Work on them both – just a little – at the same time, and watch the magic truly happen!