“You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way and the only way, it does not exist” Fredrich Nietzsche. Well said, Fred. Could apply in many cases, but just now I am thinking of it in regards to exercise. I have taught exercise for most of my adult life and I know without a doubt, that it is true, one man’s thrill is another’s torture. Each of us must find our own expression, our own way of moving.
What I do know is that it is imperative that you do find your way. Our bodies were designed for moving. When they are forced for long hours into sedentary mode, they clog up, stiffen up and break down. Our muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system are a fantastic and efficient invention. Every connection is uniquely designed for maximum movement and can be developed in order to achieve excellence. Muscles need to work in order to stay healthy. Walking itself, the most basic of movement forms is a marvel of engineering. Have you ever considered how it is that we can move, at times with such breathtaking grace and speed from one place to another? We only have two legs, which can be considered a detriment, from an engineering point of view. Our tall angular skeletal system, perched precariously above two narrow legs seems a ridiculous design for forward propulsion. But does it ever work well.
Witness the super distance runs being accomplished these days, hundreds of miles over rough, unfriendly terrain, continuing to break previous records for distance and endurance. Or take a look at the Chinese acrobats. How in the world do they manage to get their bodies to do some of those movements? I rest my case for the marvels of the human body. Even if you are not considering such extreme use of your strength, endurance and flexibility, I urge you to find an expression that suits you.
The truth is that there isn’t a generic plan that is right for everyone. I have discovered that because we are all physiologically different, what works for me may or may not work for you. We must each write our “owner’s manual” guiding us to achieving physical fitness. Walking, out of doors if possible, is a good place to start. Right now is a good time. Go get your shoes on, a jacket and hat and take a walk. How did you do? Wasn’t that great fun? If you continued for 20 minutes, that is a great start, you have met the basic recommended cardiovascular maintenance formula. If you only made 10, that is a good place to start. Tomorrow we’ll aim for 12, and so on. One foot at a time. OK, so you don’t like to walk, how about dancing? Formal dance lessons, or at home freestyle, choose one and see how you like it.
Or how about bicycling, roller blading, tennis, golf, basketball, jump rope, weight lifting, pogo stick jumping, hiking, rowing, swimming, geocaching, hopscotch, dodge ball, baseball, volleyball, badminton, ping pong, the list is endless. Try one, try them all (that’s called cross training) Just get up and get moving. If you need a sit and fit class, find one or follow and dvd routine.If you can’t walk on land, get to a pool and take the weight off while you enjoy a walk, run or water aerobics. Do whatever it takes to find your way and once you do the benefits will far outweigh any inconvenience required to find your own path on the journey to good health and improved quality of life.
