I used to be fairly fit several years ago. I had gotten out of it and started gaining weight. I wasn't happy and really decided to make a change when I discovered that I was 26% body fat and 216 lbs. I joined my gym the next day and started making changes to my diet and exercise regime.

I love working out because it helps me to keep my zen attitude toward life. If I'm eating well, lifting, and making progress toward my goals, there is a sense of accomplishment that goes along with that. This same feeling carries over into my work, my relationships, my art, and everything else.
While lifting and general fitness don't completely dominate my life, and I'm still trying to educate myself out of some bro-science myths, I do find that it is an important part of my life that I'm willing to pay the price for.