I read a statement recently that has haunted me ever since. It went something like
"If exercise were a pill, it would be a miracle drug". I read so much online about health and other topics, I could not recall exactly where I read this memorable quote.
What was meant by "exercise, the wonder drug" is that the results are fantastic, the side effects are low, and the risks are not great, for most people, when done correctly, and with doctor supervision (in some cases). Exercise has a therapeutic value that beats most medicines, in other words. And it generally does not cost anything to engage in exercise.
It's a nice statement, because lately I've been walking super long distances, even in severely hot and humid weather, and have been feeling a lot better physically. I have been feeling exhausted and sluggish lately. Something is not right. I critically examined my lifestyle. Too soft and pampered.
I am sick of going from one comfort zone to the next. I feel like I have gotten out of shape and need to expose myself to hardship and build my stamina and endurance. Exercise is helping me, and while it's "uncomfortable" when I'm walking far in hot weather, when I get back home, I feel so proud of myself and so much stronger.
"If exercise was a pill, it would be the best selling medicine on the market" is how I think the phrase went, now that I ponder it more. This phrase just keeps hounding me, due to my need to exercise more, and due to the loud ring of truth that the statement contains.
I Googled the phrase and discovered it was the title of an article by Dr. James Gagne: "
If Exercise Were A Pill, It Would Be A Miracle Drug".
[QUOTE]
Many people consider "exercise" a 4-letter word you spell with eight letters. But only exercise can help you live longer -- with less illness, less pain, more energy, and better function. The science is overwhelming: nothing else comes close.
Regular exercise reduces your risk of a heart attack, most cancers, and Alzheimer's disease by about half. Exercise alters your metabolism, so you burn fat. It lowers insulin levels, reducing blood sugar and the risk of diabetes.
Sufficiently intense exercise helps your brain grow new neurons, improving memory and concentration. You get more done, so the time you spend exercising is repaid during the day with improved productivity.
Studies have shown that for many people, exercise works as well as psychiatric medications to reduce anxiety and depression.
I like to think of an exercise program as a creative act: something from the smartest, most loving, and most wonderful part of you that you do for yourself.
Because this is a field with relatively little science and a lot of "experts," you should probably ditch the rules and figure out what works for you. Nevertheless, there are some good basic rules of thumb worth considering.
The basic rules are simple.
Figure out what makes you feel good and makes you pant and sweat. Don't do stuff that hurts, aside from the pleasant muscle aching from working out. Plan your exercise schedule and location so it's convenient and no hassle. Be smarter than your limitations. Most importantly, do what you enjoy!
Unless you have a limiting medical or pain problem, it's important to exercise with the right level of intensity. You should feel better after you've worked out. Pant and sweat during your workout. It should take time to cool down afterwards, at least ten minutes after stopping. As you become fit, your metabolic rate increases, and you'll find you like the room a few degrees cooler.
[END QUOTE]
Exercise is good for both mind and body.
I recall reading that Mahatma Gandhi walked 12 miles a day, and stayed slim and fit, with very few medical problems. Gandhi also is famous for his
1930 Salt March Protest Walk with his followers, which was a total of 240 miles.
A lady known as the Peace Pilgrim walked over 25,000 miles across America to protest war and violence and to promote peaceful solutions to international problems. Her walking had a big influence on many people, and her nickname was The American Gandhi.
The desert monks in the 4th century AD claimed that living in the wilderness, eating simple natural foods, and doing spiritual, mental, and physical work kept them relatively free from disease and disability.
We hold the keys to health in our hands. We may not always be able to fix ourselves, or remedy our malaise, but many times we can. Use it or lose it. The more you pamper yourself, the more you have to pamper yourself, because you grow weaker and lazier, until you pamper yourself into a premature death.
Let's take control of our health destiny. Quit blaming genes and pre-dispositions for everything. Stop blocking yourself by thinking "I don't have time to exercise."
Get out there and do whatever it takes to become stronger and healthier. Diet and exercise can make the difference. Do it for your mind, your body, your family, your friends, your nation, your world. We have so much goodness to impart to the world.
Now look at THIS...!!!
The Walking Bike. LOL
