Exercise: a HAVE-to or a GET-to?!

Growing up exercise was the bad guy. It meant you needed the exercise and I took pride in my young Asian genes which kept me slim. It also meant wearing PE clothes which was NEVER flattering on me. But somehow all the popular girls looked so hot in an oversized t-shirt and baggy shorts...like what?!? Exercise meant pain. It was such a chore. Why would anyone do that to themselves?!? 

Fast forward past uni into working life. Now all I hear is how my friends wish they had time to exercise; that sitting at a desk 24/7 is making them fat; how they're always tired but never from doing anything physical; how they envy that I have the luxury to work out and work on myself. (now I don't have the luxury of a full time salary so there are some gives and takes...)

Exercise is part of my lifestyle; part of my routine now. I...sorta...actually...love it. So, what changed? Is it cause my Asian genes are only keeping my face young and not my body? Is it cos my previous work place told me I needed to lose weight? Is it cos my last break up left me wanting to seek revenge with a hot bod? Is it cos with so much in life that's out of my control, my body is the one thing I do have control over? 

When did exercise go from a have-to to a get-to? Or is it still a have-to for you?

and this is just for fun - this is the year I came into the world...