When I was younger (middle/high school) I played sports and worked out quite a bit. I was very healthy, in the best shape of my life, and generally felt invincible as most kids that age do. I went to college, didn't work out as much, didn't eat right, and gained weight. Then I graduated from college, got a job and really didn't work out, really didn't eat right, and really gained weight. So after several years of that equation, nature took its toll, and here I am...obese, 60 lbs overweight, out of shape, and generally feel like crap on a daily basis. Well I'm tired of feeling like crap, and I'm going to do something about it. I may not be in my prime anymore, but there's no reason that I can't be healthy, in good shape, and feeling good about myself. I don't care if it takes me years to get to where I need to go. I have the time...and as long as I have the willpower, motivation, and discipline I will get there.
I like working out for several reasons. The first is the feeling of accomplishment after a good workout. That feeling you get after logging 3 miles on the treadmill, or 15 miles on the bike. The feeling you get from burning 400 calories on the elliptical. The feeling you get from breaking your max record lifting weights. Those are the kinds of feelings you can't get sitting on your butt at home watching tv. Yeah you can lose weight by not working out, and simply eating less, but working out gives you the sense of accomplishment. Not to mention it's healthy for you as well. Cardio workouts improve heart health and endurance, hence the name cardio. Lifting weights improves strength in the bones, ligaments, and muscles as well as adding tone, adding lean body mass, and increasing your resting metabolism. Unless you have some very debilitating conditions that prevent you from working out, there's really no reason not to.