Fit in the City - Leigh Ann Root
Nothing to lose, a lot to gain!
Many times when I sit down to write my column I think, what is my purpose? What is the message I want to send to people? What I really want to do, is help people understand how becoming physically fit can contribute positively to their quality of life. I want to encourage people to take control of their own health. Fitness is one of those things that fits all shapes, sizes and ages. Anyone who does it is, is better off for having done it. It is one of the greatest gifts anybody can give to themselves. It isn't difficult or complicated. It is simply moving their body through life, being an "active" participant. It doesn't have to cost you a thing. It will actually cost people more, in the long run, if they continue to live sedentary lives.
So I ask myself what is the best way to inspire people to exercise? Do I list the benefits? Do I give scary statistics on the steady rise obesity in our country and it's effects? What is it that motivates people into action? I know it is different for each individual. Is it a visit to their doctor? Is it their children's fear of their declining health and life expectancy? Is it their rising cost of medicine and health insurance? Is it that they've exhausted every diet in the book?
What is it that I can I say that will make the difference? Why do people continue to read my columns but still haven't been moved to move? Other than physically pulling someone off their couch, what can I do? Sometimes I feel it is a constant struggle and an uphill battle, trying to convince people that becoming active is a good thing. I can't even imagine anyone could logically disagree. You'd think I was trying to suggest something illegal! I feel like a recording repeating the same thing over and over again. I am passionate and know with certainty that exercise can change people's lives for the better, so I will continue to push this message! I won't give up on you!
Why does exercise become the last resort or never even an option for some people? If their was a pill that could do everything that exercise does for people, most wouldn't think twice before popping it down. (Even with side effects!) This puzzles me. Exercise has no negative side effects, makes you feel great, and doesn't require a lot of time (especially when you consider you have 24 hours each day to figure it out how to find 20 or 30 minutes!). The good outweighs the bad, any way you look at it! I can't believe anyone would argue this fact. Let me go on, again, about what actually happens when people finally get around to moving their bodies. They manage your weight, they sleep better, they're able to focus more, their clothes fit better, they're less stressed, their attitude improves, their much more fun to be around, they take less or no medicine, and they have less aches and pains. They also lower their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, amount of body fat, and risks of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and some cancers. That's just the short list. The benefits continue to go on and on.
Isn't this all enough to motivate you? Are you waiting for the next big scare? Are you waiting for next week? Are you waiting for next New Year's? Or are you waiting for, that infamous magic pill? This pill will never exist. There will never be a replacement for good old fashioned exercise and the benefits that go along with it. It will never happen. You need to be the responsible one. You need to pay attention to this great vehicle you get through life in. You need to fuel it and fix it. No one else can do it for you. As far as I know, we only get one time around and personally, I'd like mine to be the ultimate. Each of our lives is the sum of our choices. We should all live our lives without regret or reservation and feel like we are really living. This is not possible if you don't take care of your physical self. I'm going to end with a verse from a Blues Traveler's song, "There's no such thing as a failure who keeps trying, coasting to the bottom is the only disgrace." It's time for you to rise up to a happier and healthier future! Have the will, strength and conviction to make your life better.
