In Human Growth and Development, we discuss exercise at every stage of the lifespan except perhaps infancy. It seems especially important now as the obesity issue continues to grow (didn't intend that pun but could think of no better verb). In The State newspaper this week, a study again reported that 30 minutes of exercise five days a week is sufficient to keep a person in reasonably good health. If that's impossible, then try three or four days for 20 minutes. If that's not possible, then the article suggests that you check your pulse to make sure you're alive. Pretty amusing, huh?
Why do you think more people don't exercise despite all the evidence pointing to its positive results. Not only can moderate exercise help with weight control, but it can also help work out emotional kinks, relieve stress, enhance cognition, and build confidence.
So what' s your opinion? Why don't more people head for the gym, fitness center, or local track? Also, if exercise has helped you, please share how...and perhaps offer a tip on getting us started.
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9 comments:
Most people, I discovered over 30 years in the fitness field, don't exercise for these basic reasons.
1. People think it is work.(Doesn't have to be. I never taught a class that wasn't fun!)
2. Being "consistent" is not an easy task. To accomplish goals, one must be consistent about working out. (Most people want a fast and easy fix. There is none. Not even surgery!)
3. Motivation must be 100%. Even when I don't want to work out, I find myself getting ready to do "something" to stay healthy.
I ENJOY excellent health so I am motivated to continue. (Sometimes when a person begins to work out they get sore, tired, the wrong instructor - all factors that CAN
kill motivation.)
4. The first exercise I teach is to EXERCISE THE MIND. We must train ourselves to do the things our body needs. We must be mindful of our thoughts.
Thanks so much for posting something so wise and helpful on the blog. I too believe in the power of the mind; it all begins and ends there, right? I think it was Norman Vincent Peale who said something like, "Change your thoughts, and change your world."
I recently read an article on the internet entitled "Change or Die," the gist of which was that if people, business, and families don't change their ways, they're going to disappear, dissolve, or just die (n some cases). However, the author remarked that somehow these scare tactics hadn't been that effective in getting people to change their ways, and he suggested that we should focus on positive aspects such as:
*If you eat properly, exercise moderately, and sleep sufficiently, then you'll feel better AND be better able to handle stress more effectively.
*If you bring your business in the 21st century and treat your employees decently, you'll make a profit and stay in business.
*If you treat your spouse and children with respect and love, then the atmosphere will be more pleasant.
I've gone a little overboard here. The only point I was really trying to make is that yes, exercise is fun, and it makes you feel better and live longer. Somehow people haven't gotten to the point that they buy into that yet.
I myself believe that exercise is the most important medicine that any person could be prescribed with. It's healthy living that helps us to maintain our minds and body. Staying in shape and loosing a few inches or maybe pounds can be accomplising to one's main source of health and living.
I am one that will say that I am going to exercise more regularly because of a health condition, but always put it to the side for another day. Never getting around to doing it and know that it is very essential for me to do. Sometimes people feel that exercising is not a part of a daily living, but for those of us that needs to make it a daily habit will no longer prolong it for the next day.
I felt I had to put my two cents in on this matter. I recently have taken up the self-improvement kick. I have lost weight, am getting my smile in order, and totally changed my life. Now, as for exercise…..I do it, but only because I have to. I have not experienced the endorphins everyone talks about—I don’t think I have any. I have asthma so when I exercise it gets worse. I have bad knees and back because I carried around an extra 75 lbs. for so many years. By the way, you would think loosing weight would make my back and knees feel better, but it hasn’t helped at all. I now have varicose veins which I didn’t have before; perhaps the fat hid them. And the best part about loosing weight…the wonderful sagging skin. I think I have tried every type of exercise and I do not find any of it “fun.” I would love to be the type of person that gets a kick out of exercise. Perhaps I need to meet up with Marsha and have some of her enthusiasm rub off on me.
I have no problem getting STARTED with any exercise program-it's CONTINUING that I struggle with!!
To Nussie and Lisa, lace up those walking shoes and head out the door. Psychologists have found that it benefits us in all areas (emotional, physical, cognitive, and perhaps even spiritual). Plus, it's linked to longer life.
Here's a great example. Early this morning I was walking at Scott Park, and I passed this man who was jauntily walking along, and I said something like, "Good morning, How ya doing?" He said, "Not bad for an old man." He then informed me that he was 70! Wow, I was impressed.
Patricia,
I don't know whether to cry or chuckle. Just so you'll know, I've been jogging and/or walking for 25 years or so, and I must admit that I have NEVER experienced an endorphin rush. Not one. However, I walking is still my exercise of choice because:
*the nurturing of Mother Nature
*the increased feeling of confidence that comes from sticking to something
*the improved overall physical functioning
*the time alone to think things through, pray, meditate, solve problems, etc.
*weight maintenance
*stress management
I wish you could find a type of exercise you like. There's something out there tailor made just for you. Have you tried water aerobics?
Wow, this is one of my most loved and hated subject. Just to give you alittle background, I have read ever exercise and diet book that has been published in the last 10 years from the westmark library. I know that exercise is great for you and i need to lose about 50 lbs of baby weight for my 3 and a half year old that is nolonger a baby. I am just can't get motivated to do it. I have all the videos, the jogging stroller, have belonged to the y twice and curves once. Sadly I would much rather watch the people on Fit tv than to actually do it. Someone one this blog said that its not the starting part its the continuing part that is the hardest and I agree. Does anyone know a pretty place where I can walk, possibly with dogs, that would help to get me going?
Do you live in Sumter? If so, I can't help you. In Camden, however, there are a couple of nice places, Scott Park on Battleship Road and the track on Haile Street. Both are pretty, and both are safe. Now that I think about it, I recall seeing dogs in both places.
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