In the January issue of “O” magazine, Oprah reveals that she now weighs 200 lbs and has “fallen off the wagon”. How can it be that Oprah Winfrey, a source of inspiration and motivation for people around the world has struggled with weight for the past 20 years? 
Oprah has worked with the nation’s best trainers, has a sound understanding of how to eat right and has a work ethic that has built an empire by the name of Harpo Productions, Inc. It seems that Oprah should have all the tools required to lose the weight and keep it off, however there is something that is missing in her toolbox. This huge missing piece is her “reason for losing weight”.
The biggest mistake that people make when choosing to exercise is doing it for the wrong reason. Perhaps you’d like to look like the “thin and beautiful” actresses in the magazines, to make your spouse love you more or gain more attention from the opposite sex. The fact is that these goals are self-defeating for a few reasons; the “thin and beautiful” ideal body type is not realistic for everyone (in addition to the fact that photographic airbrushing often takes place behind the scenes), gaining attention and love from someone else is not something that exercise effects (even the most beautiful that have obtained the idealistic body type also suffer from emotional stress and loneliness).
The best reasons for exercise are intrinsic in nature. The focus on health, vitality, strength, stress relief as well as a general love for yourself (that encourages you to fuel your body with the best/healthiest food and participate in activities that can extend your life) will be the motivation that helps you maintain a healthier lifestyle for the long haul.
