Discouragement Setting In?

December 10th marks the day that I started working out 4 times a week very early in the morning. Let's count them together one. . .two. . .three months of working out consistently. Two days of cardio and two grueling days of strength training at "Boot Camp." Guess what? I have gained weight. I have probably gained 2-5 pounds. Currently, I am "training" for a 5 K which is about 3.1 miles. In the fall, I ran a 5K out of shape and this time I want to not only run the 5 K, but to be ready for it physically.

Now, nothing is more discouraging for a woman who is dedicated to exercise than to gain weight. At this point I am having to look at the other positive perks of exercising and not give up.

The list below provides my benefits of exercising (outside of weight loss).

Physical

• I have a lot better endurance than I used to. . .this morning I ran for 2.5 miles with a group of women and felt like going more. (This may not be big for some people but it is really good for me since I am used to working out on a treadmill or elliptical)
  
• able to pick up heavy things like my kids and have fun swinging them around!!!
• everyone says that muscle weighs more than fat so maybe there is hope for my weight gain.
  
• my grandmother has osteoporosis and we have the body type that is prone to osteoporosis. Strength training fights osteoporosis.
• more energy, especially in the morning to early afternoon.
  
• makes you choose a little more wisely during the day with your eating because you know it takes a lot to work those calories off.
  

Mental

• helps fight depression
• gives you a better self image which is a great benefit to your marriage
• gives you determination to reach your goals (making a choice each day to get out of bed and exercise
  

Spiritual

• take the time to see the beauty of God's creation when running outdoors
• helps you rely on the strength of the Lord when working out is tough
• listen to music while I run which has been good for my soul
  

Social

• get to see my friends a lot during the week
• able to meet new people through a running/walking club
• continue to develop friendships with people I already know, but also have an interest in exercise

With all that being said, I need not be discouraged, right? There are many other benefits to exercise than weight loss. One of the websites that I get info from and my mother-in-law introduced me to is called sparkpeople.com. I sign up for information from Spark People and it keeps me informed on exercise, healthy dieting and motivating stories.

I would love to know how exercise has helped you or what you do when discouragement sets in. Share your hints with all of us. Happy Exercising!