Why We Exercise: 21 Motivations

In a world teeming with fitness influencers, gym advertisements, and wellness trends, it's all too easy to succumb to the assumption that we all engage in exercise for the same reasons. This common presumption often centres around the idea that exercise is predominantly motivated by concerns over physical appearance or health.

We might envision individuals flocking to the gym solely in pursuit of the ideal physique or as a preventative measure against future ailments. But what if this presumption doesn't quite align with the reality for everyone? What if there's a deeper story waiting to be uncovered?

In this post, we will explore various reasons why people exercise, examining motivation through the lens of ethical concepts. An ethical concept is a fundamental idea, principle, or value that serves as a guiding framework for determining what is morally right or wrong in human behaviour and decision-making.

With this in mind, here are some ethical concepts that may explain why we exercise:

1. Aesthetics: "I exercise to maintain an attractive physical appearance."

   1. Claim: Exercise is a means to achieve and preserve physical attractiveness.

   2. Reasoning: Aesthetic appeal influences self-esteem and social interactions.

2. Agency: "I exercise to assert control over my own health."

   1. Claim: Exercise is a manifestation of personal health empowerment.

   2. Reasoning: Engaging in regular physical activity is a conscious choice that allows individuals to actively manage their well-being.

3. Authority: "I exercise because it aligns with the authority of medical experts and professionals."

   1. Claim: Exercise aligns with the guidance of healthcare authorities.

   2. Reasoning: Trust in medical expertise drives the decision to engage in exercise for health benefits.

4. Autonomy: "I exercise to uphold my autonomy and self-determination in managing my own health."

   1. Claim: Exercise is an expression of personal autonomy in health decisions.

   2. Reasoning: Autonomy empowers individuals to make choices about their own well-being, including exercise.

5. Care: "I exercise as an act of self-care."

   1. Claim: Exercise is a form of self-love and self-preservation.

   2. Reasoning: It demonstrates an individual's concern for their own health and well-being.

6. Character: "I exercise because it builds and strengthens my character."

   1. Claim: Exercise nurtures and fortifies positive character traits.

   2. Reasoning: Discipline, resilience, and perseverance are cultivated through consistent exercise.

7. Conscience: "My conscience guides me to exercise for responsible health management."

   1. Claim: Exercise is a responsible choice dictated by moral conscience.

   2. Reasoning: It aligns with the belief that maintaining one's health is an ethical duty.

8. Evolution: "I exercise because it aligns with our evolutionary biology."

   1. Claim: Exercise mirrors our evolutionary heritage of physical activity.

   2. Reasoning: Human bodies are designed for movement based on our evolutionary history.

9. Finitude: "I exercise to make the most of my finite life and limited time."

   1. Claim: Exercise is a conscious choice to maximize life's finite nature.

   2. Reasoning: Recognizing life's brevity motivates individuals to prioritize health and vitality.

10. Flourishing: "Exercise is crucial for my overall flourishing and well-being."

    1. Claim: Exercise contributes significantly to personal growth and fulfilment.

    2. Reasoning: It positively impacts various life domains, promoting a fulfilling life.

11. Harmony: "Exercise promotes harmony within my body."

    1. Claim: Exercise maintains a balance between physical and mental well-being.

    2. Reasoning: It contributes to a harmonious and holistic approach to health.

12. Interest: "I exercise because it aligns with my personal interests and hobbies."

    1. Claim: Exercise is an enjoyable pursuit that aligns with personal passions.

    2. Reasoning: Engaging in physical activities of interest adds fulfilment and enjoyment to life.

13. Intuition: "I exercise based on an intuitive sense that it's the right thing to do for my health."

    1. Claim: Exercise is guided by an internal sense of its health benefits.

    2. Reasoning: Individuals trust their intuition regarding the positive impact of exercise.

14. Merit: "I exercise because it is a meritorious act for my well-being and society."

    1. Claim: Exercise is seen as a virtuous act benefiting both the individual and society.

    2. Reasoning: Regular exercise positively contributes to personal well-being and community health.

15. Natural Law: "I exercise in accordance with the principles of natural law."

    1. Claim: Exercise aligns with the ethical principles inherent in natural law.

    2. Reasoning: Maintaining physical health is deemed a fundamental moral duty.

16. Need: "I exercise out of a fundamental human need to maintain my physical health and vitality."

    1. Claim: Exercise meets the essential human need for physical health and vitality.

    2. Reasoning: Physical vitality is intrinsic to overall well-being.

17. Pain and Pleasure: "I exercise because I enjoy physical activity."

    1. Claim: Exercise is driven by the pleasure derived from physical activity.

    2. Reasoning: The enjoyment of exercise outweighs any temporary discomfort.

18. Revelation: "I exercise based on special experiences, insights, and discoveries."

    1. Claim: Exercise is motivated by personal revelations about its benefits.

    2. Reasoning: Personal experiences and insights reveal the positive impact of exercise.

19. Rights: "I exercise to uphold my right to a healthy and active life."

    1. Claim: Exercise is a means of asserting the right to a fulfilling life.

    2. Reasoning: It embodies the fundamental right to a healthy and active existence.

20. Sympathy: "I exercise because it allows me to empathize with others facing health challenges."

    1. Claim: Exercise fosters empathy for those dealing with health issues.

    2. Reasoning: Empathy drives individuals to prioritize their own well-being.

21. Tradition and History: "I exercise to honour cultural traditions related to physical fitness."

    1. Claim: Exercise pays tribute to cultural values and practices.

    2. Reasoning: Many cultures have a rich history of valuing physical activity.

Each of these motivations offers a unique perspective on the multifaceted nature of exercise. Whether it's the pursuit of aesthetics, the exercise of agency, or the respect for authority, exercise is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. Instead, it's a deeply personal and meaningful choice driven by a complex interplay of values, beliefs, and ethical considerations.

Reference

Baggini, Julian & Fosl, Peter S. (2007). The Ethics Toolkit: A Compendium of Ethical Concepts and Methods. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Edited by Peter S. Fosl