All Show, All Go: Why Vanity Is A Good Reason to Start Exercising

There are a variety of reasons to start forming healthy habits, and vanity is not often cited as one of them. It's not often cited, but -- if we're honest with ourselves -- it's probably one of the biggest motivations. After all, while ideals like 'health' and 'vitality' and 'being a better role model' are definitely noble goals, they are less visual; less tangible than looking damn good.

So why are we always so reticent to admit that we want to be healthier to look better? What's so wrong about that?

Well, because we're taught that vanity is a shallow pursuit; that it is frivolous and indicative of a limited mindset at best, and a limited intellect at worst. But we're still expected to want to look good -- just not talk about it. Let's talk about it.

Vanity as Motivation

We already mentioned there were many kinds of motivators. Some revolve around those lofty ideals we touched on: health, vitality, love, etc. There's also motivation to avoid pain, like starting to exercise because a loved one died of heart disease and you want to try to avoid the same fate for yourself. Then, there are motivators that are not as noble, in the purest sense of the word, but work.

As long as vanity serves to move you toward better health, and doesn't border on (or cross the border to) obsession and sickness (e.g. eating and exercise disorders), there's nothing wrong with stroking your ego to stoke the fires of a happier, more vital life. We’re not just saying that either: studies back our claim. Vanity can make you healthier! By encouraging you to move more and eat less junk, your drive to look your best can help you live your best.

The Evolution of Vanity

Your foray into fitness and healthy eating may start as a vanity driven journey, but vanity  — while an effective motivator — doesn't often serve as a long-term one. It won't sustain you for years and years of healthy eating and grueling workouts. Or, it alone won't do the trick.

Take it from us.

Somewhere along the line, you’ll realize you're eating nutritious food not because you have to if you want to look a certain way, but because eating it makes your body and brain feel energized. Same goes for working out: you don't smash out a 5am HIIT session only because you want to look better, but because you've learned it will also make you feel happy and confident.  As Winston Churchill said, vanity is "that vice that promotes so many virtues."

And we say there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.  Use vanity to your advantage!

Tell us in the comments: why did you start working out?

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