In certain circles, the word Exercise can stop a conversation cold.
I was once introduced to a small gathering and the group discussion came around to ways to stay healthy during the cold and flu season. A number of favorite methods were offered up. Hand-washing and liberal use of disinfectants around the house. Abundant consumption of supplements like vitamin C and zinc, as well as regular use of vaccines and antibiotics were offered. The group’s general response was to get ready for the siege.
When the conversation came around to me, my prescription for staying Healthy in the face of all of these germs was simple: plenty of exercise, good nutrition, and quality sleep. The good food and sleep ideas everyone liked but exercise didn’t seem to fit. I started to elaborate on how regular physical activity contributes to a great many physical systems, not least of which was positively influencing the immune system but I had lost them back at the word Exercise.
First One There, Wins!
How the word exercise has been used in the past often gives its current bad rap. Exercise is presented as some sweaty and pained experience that everyone must claim to enjoy. This model is true for many competitive athletes but a great many people do not view themselves as any kind of athletes, much less as participants in something that seems so intuitively wrong.
Exercise, more accurately termed, is activity – the getting-your-butt-up-off-the-couch type. Just because some folks spoil fun activities, like walking or playing, by labeling them as exercise, doesn’t make them any less fun or useful.
It’s all in how you think about it.
Redefining Exercise
For purposes of our discussion, I ask that you set aside your ideas about exercise and just consider the idea of moving your body.
That’s it.
Just get moving.
You are under no obligation to walk a certain number of steps, climb a number of stairs, nor even hit a particular heart-rate. Just think about getting your body moving doing something you enjoy, then do it. Sweating and pain are not even options here.
While not required for starting out, some people do really enjoy numbers, like those number of steps/stairs or heart-rate. There is lots of wearable technology available that will give you those numbers and more. Enjoy the tech and the motivation that they can provide.
You’ve likely heard about the mind-body connection and how our thinking is connected with how our bodies perform. When we think about doing some exercise, this thinking affects how our body performs that exercise. Athletes call it visualization. You can call it anything you like, just use both your body and mind. They work extremely well together. Really.
New Year’s Resolution
So when you are mentally squirming with yet another New Year’s resolution to do more exercise, try looking at the activity in a different way where you cut yourself the emotional slack necessary to add something new. No strings. No expectations. Just add activity to your lifestyle. Be it parking far from the building so you can walk farther or joining in an organized activity at your local gym, start moving more. As your body responds favorably to the increased activity, and it will, don’t be surprised when you want to do more. A great many people bitten by the competitive bug, started off by just getting off the couch. It will be great for you to join us.
Have a safe and Healthy New Year everyone!
My own prescription for health is less paperwork and more running barefoot through the grass. – Leslie Grimutter
You must be logged in to post a comment.