Why Run or exercise

[Corney]

Today I'm feeling Philosophical.  I was never a gym rat, I hated running thanks to my time in the Army where they used running as a punishment.  After becoming a Physical Therapist working in Rehab, Many of my clients suffered from strokes and heart attacks.  What most had in common was they were over weight and led a sedentary life style.  I remember one such client that had worked hard all his life and retired.  That morning he and his wife were to start on a trip they had planned for months.  While eating breakfast he suffered a stroke and was never able to take that trip.  That day I promised my self that I would change my life style, which was sedentary.  I purchased a pair of running shoes and started a slow journey to become a runner.  After reading several books by Dr. George Sheenan, I was hooked.  He made an interesting observation, most races are run on Sundays, because running was a religious experience for runners.  I ran many races and when my friends asked me why I race and never win I told them every race I entered I won because I finished.  It's not about winning, it's about challenging yourself.  Today, I no longer run, but I exercise 5 days a week, not at a gym, but in my basement.  Everyday I challenge myself and after finishing my workout I consider myself a winner.  Will my exercise guarantee me a longer life?  No, but it will guarantee that I will lead a life where I am fit and healthy so I can do the things I want to do with zest and enjoyment.  Have a Good day!

[WendyB]

Thanks for sharing this its awesome!

[emili]

Well said @Corney- I hope lots of folks read it and take it to heart- literally.

[WavyDavey · Accepted solution]

Nice post, @Corney. I agree with everything but " Will my exercise guarantee me a longer life?  No, but it will guarantee that I will lead a life where I am fit and healthy". Sadly, even with exercise, there are no guarantees in life.  But we must continue on regardless...

[Dominique]

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@WavyDavey wrote:

"Will my exercise guarantee me a longer life?  No, but it will guarantee that I will lead a life where I am fit and healthy".

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I recently read an interesting article on BBC News, How long could we live? Here is an excerpt that relates to the above:

There are things we can already do to increase our chances of a healthy old age.

Near the top of any to-do list is exercise - if it were a drug it would be a blockbuster medicine.

All the superagers I met had some physical activity they enjoyed.

[Corney]

Dominique: I agree. Genetics plays a huge part in our health and
longevity, but there are things we do with are bodies that will affect it
negatively and things we can do that will affect are genetics positively,
exercise and healthy eating are two of the most important.