I admit that part of the reason I exercise and try to stay fit is pure vanity.
The compliments I have received over the years about my look and fitness (particularly as I never thought myself handsome, and also being shy around women) are a motivating ego boost.
When DW has joked that I need to be "banned" from the college she used to teach at, or from gym, due to comments she has received from other women, that more than makes up for the pain and time of exercise .
I love my running, swimming, and bicycling. I also do weights, but certainly don't love doing them. I recently had some P.T., and 2 different people commented on my ripped arms. That gave me some ongoing incentive!
That was definitely a well-intentioned attaboy. I occasionally get them during my runs.I went for a run today (sunny and 49F -- woohoo!). There was a bicyclist stopped at the side of the road when I ran by. He yelled out "go, daddy-o!"
I'm not sure how to interpret that. Did he think I was a beatnik because of my goatee? Was it like a catcall? Or was he cheering me on like "go, gramps, go!"