Exercise?

So -- if you are anything like I am, exercise has been one of those activities that you maintain an on again, off again relationship with. Your body tells you it is one of those masochistic activities that are not very appealing -- and your brain isn't much help, since all it ever maintains is questions. How much? What qualifies? How long? What type? Do I have to?

Sound familiar?

I come from a family in which my mother loves a good walk. If she can get outside and walk -- she will just go. Time doesn't matter, location doesn't matter, destination doesn't matter. In fact there have been times she has had to call someone to come an get her because she ended up walking farther than she anticipated. One brother is passionate about any form of activity, and loves to get together with friends and play a rousing game of Frisbee, volleyball, basketball, hockey -- and the list goes on. And my other brother loves his martial arts. He earned his black belt, and has now moved into biking, walking, jogging -- and anything that keeps him moving.

When we get together as a family, I look around and wonder where on earth did I come from, and how did I end up in this family? I have only ever tolerated exercise at best, and given the choice -- I would gladly take a quiet corner with a book, over physical exertion any day. So when I started looking at getting educated in this new life style, I had to do some serious looking -- because I had endless questions. I knew my body was going to fight this new system, by inventing, and magnifying every ache and pain it could possibly find. (And it is doing so) But I also realized that I didn't even know the basics of exercise. So here is a great website that gave me exactly that -- just the basics, in simple to understand -- and even intelligent form. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html#Aerobic.

What I like about this is it not only breaks down the exercise levels, but how much of each need to be achieved for each week. This particular approach is actually doable -- even to my out of shape body! It is also nice, because it helped me to realize that everything qualifies. It can be done in 10 minute increments, and then spaced out throughout the day. Even as out of shape as I am, I could manage 10 minutes -- and I have been able to work up to 30 minutes at a time fairly quickly.

I even have a knee that gives me a lot of problems with pain, due to a previous injury, and then compounding the problem with excessive amounts of weight. When I sit still for very long, the knee becomes stiff, and very painful. This gave me a lot of concern -- and yes, I even used it as a great excuse that this might not be a good thing. (I think that was my body's whole idea). But I have found that when I start my walk, I do the first few minutes at an easy pace for a warm up -- and suddenly the pain is gone. Oh, yeah -- everything else in my body complains. And it is a lot easier to stay in bed some mornings. But my knee doesn't give me any problems, if I do those first few minutes of a warm up pace. Not only that, but it buys me several hours without pain, before it stiffens up from inactivity again. Granted, I avoid stairs, and I am very careful to remain on level walking ground for now. But this website makes it clear that exercise is exercise, and it all qualifies.

Also, I have learned that location is important for several reasons. Some people love to go to the gym, for a good intensive -- all in one work out. They have the cardio, on the treadmills, stationary bikes, areobics classes, and more, as well as the weight training available, and they can do it all in one stop. I have never been comfortable in gyms, however. I walk in the door, and suddenly feel very self-conscious. Too close a confined space -- where everyone can see what everyone else is doing. But for some people, this is a great option. You just have to be sure to consider the financial obligations -- and your committment level -- to justify using the gym.

I prefer being outside. The fresh air, the increased activity, and the beauty of being able to see that I am going somewhere -- even if it is just a trip around the cemetery, or park is a great help. (Yes the cemetery. Not only is it a quiet place to walk, and meditate, but it is never crowded, but there isn't the concern about cars, other exercisers, and the bustle of the whole world raging around you.) This helps me immensely to clear my mind, and enjoy the world, at a much slower pace.

Since I have been exercising, I have noticed that while I am almost never thrilled to be out there and doing it -- when I am done, I have a great rush of well being. I come back feeling like I have actually accomplished something. I think clearer, and I am even happier for the remainder of the day. I have even started adding in a second 30 minute walk in the afternoon -- because it helps me get through the day -- I am happier and more focused. And for the actual exercise time -- I have found it is easier to walk with someone, so you can talk along the way -- or have something good to listen to on an mp3 player. These are just a few options that work for me. But I am coming to realize that there is something out there for everyone. The trick is just to keep looking, until you find SOMETHING. Something is always better than nothing.