Physical Health / Exercise

As with so many things, when most people set out to improve their physical well being, they do it with a religious fervor, like some do with smoking cessation or a new career. Human beings are definitely given go excesses, but we must tame this tendency, especially when endeavoring to change our bodies and minds, rapid change is a shock to the system, it is unpleasant and therefore, there is very little incentive to stick with it. It is important to take a ‘holistic’ approach. I don’t mean adopt a quasi-spiritual mindset, I mean only that we must involve all of ourselves in the process of change. So that when we exercise, we are doing so in a way that not only brings benefits to the body, but also the mind. As I will articulate more fully in later installments, the intent of this process is to establish a totally new relationship with yourself, while you exercise, make it a time for reflection. Visit those dark recesses of your mind that have languished far too long. Treat yourself as a dear friend or a lover, be romantic. If you can, find a special place to walk several times a week, a place that elicits a greater feeling of connectedness to the world around you. In cities we are so cut off from the healing bright colors, scents and sights of Nature. I believe this contributes to a feeling of isolation and despair. So involve as many of your senses into your exercise regime and you will gain benefits far greater than just losing weight. And unlike a forced session of running and weight lifting, you will want to continue, make it part of your lifestyle.

Variety is important too. While I believe that walking in a quiet natural setting should form the foundation of your exercise program, it is also important to involve as many of your muscle groups as possible over the course of each week. If I were to choose the next most beneficial exercise for body and mind, it would be swimming. Now, many do not have access to a pool in their home, but many communities do have public or private pools that one can use for a small membership fee. Now, for many of you, the first response to this will be ‘where am I going to get the money for that?’ Remember, this is a holistic change, that means also taking a look at your finances (as we will cover later). Where are you spending your money lotto tickets, lattes, late nights out? Just for grins, keep all of your receipts for a month and then sort them by expense, such as entertainment, gasoline, groceries, etc. I’ll bet you’ll be surprised how much expendable income you are squandering that could be used to really make a difference in your life. I’m not saying don’t have fun or to live like a monk, just put it in perspective. If that seems too severe, than you’re really not ready to change, perhaps you need a wake-up call like the one I had. But take it from me, better to change now, than take the risk of a heart attack later, because statistically speaking, you’re not likely to survive it!

A note of caution: Before beginning any exercise program it will be important to establish your current health status. For those 40 and over, it is strongly suggested that you get a baseline physical examination, including cholesterol and blood pressure testing. This is especially important for those with a family history of heart disease. Remember, heart trouble can strike at any time and the first symptom of heart disease is usually death.