This reward is being able to live the life you want in ten, twenty or even thirty years’ time.

Think about it like this. Every time you lift a weight, you’re not just training for today. You’re training to be able to lift your suitcase into the overhead locker when you’re 75.

Every brisk walk isn’t just burning calories. It’s helping you keep up with your grandchildren, explore a new city on holiday, or walk the dog without getting out of breath.

Every squat isn’t just strengthening your legs. It’s making it more likely that you’ll be able to get out of a chair independently when you’re 85.

You’re not training for how you might feel this week or next month. You’re training for how you will be feeling for the rest of your life.

Unfortunately, most of us only realise this when we start to lose these abilities. Suddenly getting off the floor is difficult. Carrying shopping becomes hard work. A flight of stairs feels like a challenge.  This seems inconceivable to most of us now, how can getting out of a chair be hard work or even impossible?

These aren’t simply signs of getting older. More often than not, they’re signs that our bodies haven’t been asked to do enough for many years.

The good news is that the body is remarkably adaptable. Challenge it, and it will respond.

Build strength, and you become stronger. Improve your fitness, and everyday life becomes easier.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re 35, 55 or 75. Your body is constantly adapting to whatever you ask of it.

So perhaps the next time you’re exercising, don’t think about calories or miles, but instead think about the life you’re preparing yourself for.  Because exercise now is preparing you for the rest of your life.