You’re highly motivated and energetic, and
these qualities serve you well. With persistence, patience, and sweat, you can
gradually attain a high level of holistic health, and a priceless sense of
well-being. Any aerobic exercise is beneficial.
You’ll be pleased with your new fit image.
You will receive compliments from people who see a more highly functioning,
happier person. But your true reward will be deep and lasting mental and
physical health.
Regardless of age, almost anyone can start
exercising. You must recognize and overcome your internal resistance and human
tendency toward comfort. You will be tempted to invent many self-defeating
“obstacles”: “Running or the gym? I don’t have the time.” “I’m on my feet all
day, and when I get home I can’t get motivated.” “I’ll get all sweaty and feel
self-conscious!” “I have a bad knee.” Get up off the couch or push yourself
away from the computer. Motivate yourself to get vigorous physical exercise at
least several times a week. Make this one of your highest priorities and let
nothing interfere with it.
Exercise for yourself, and in your own way.
Mild muscle stiffness (soreness) will be normal for a few weeks. Don’t get
frustrated or discouraged—warm up and exercise through the discomfort. Regardless
of type of exercise, intend to sweat profusely. Wear sweat as your badge of
commitment to health. Think gradual improvement—it may take months to actually
feel and see benefits. You may be unable to sustain exertion for more than 5
minutes at a stretch now, but in a year you will be exceeding 30 minutes with
ease. Keep your exercise simple, informal, and personal. Get as far into or out
of your head as you wish. Your ideal workout will permit and encourage creative
thinking, planning, daydreaming, prayer, resolution of problems, or meditation.
Preventive health and conditioning is a
gentle pastime which will induce very slow adaptations within your mind and
body. Over time, these adaptations will improve your mood and increase your
resistance to emotional stress and physical pain. You will achieve a natural
sense of calm and well-being. Bone density, lung capacity, reaction time,
heart, and endocrine functions will improve. You will feel hopeful and
optimistic. You will sleep better. You’ll have the wonderful sense of
accomplishment that follows a difficult physical challenge.
If you’re true to yourself and disciplined,
your physical conditioning effort will pay enormous dividends. Your investment
in vigorous physical exercise will reward you with strength, energy, and
priceless health.
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ꟷWill Walsh ©2020