Years ago, I said to my wife Kristen, "Exercise is my elixir." I meant it half jokingly at the time, as I know that it sounds kind of cheesy. But over the years, it's been repeated at times and I now firmly believe it to be true.
Yesterday, I was conducting the subjective portion of an initial evaluation. During the Q and A, my patient unknowingly provided her own answer to her physical issues. When I asked her if she does any sort of exercise, she responded, "I used to do a version of chair yoga. And the was the last time my back felt good."
I can't tell you how many times over the years I've seen folks sheepishly squirm in their chair when I ask them whether or not they do any sort of exercise. It's as if they knew that they were going to have a test that day, were given the answers in advance, but failed to put them down on the answer sheet. Everybody knows that exercise is good for us. It's the execution that's the difficult part.
My intent is never to shame anybody. I understand that people have extremely hectic lives. But when I hear over and over again the same stories about how people felt better when they were moving more, I know that it's something that needs further discussion.
If stagnation is the ailment, then movement is the medicine.
I think people need to change their mindsets about "exercise". Don't feel that you have to join an expensive gym. Don't feel that you have to go to the latest fad classes. Don't feel that you have to keep up with the guy or gal next to you. Don't give a crap about what you may or may not look like when you're exercising. Don't think that you're going to make drastic changes in short periods. Just find something that resonates with YOU! The best exercise is the one that you like enough to actually do. Set a small goal, do it, and then build on it.
This morning, my eyes opened about 45 minutes before my alarm was due to go off. I was tired. I was comfortable in bed. But I got up and went for an unplanned run. I still have my whole day in front of me, and I've already had my elixir.
One thing that I've noticed about exercise. Not a single time when I finished did I ever think to myself, "I wish I'd never done that." Not once. In fact, I think the most gratifying workouts are the ones that I was least up for in the first place.
So give yourself the best gift and get moving. You deserve it.
