Why I exercise

Notice the present tense – as if I exercise regularly. I’m thinking positively and motivating myself. Exercise can’t be optional any more.

I’ve understood for years that mindfulness meditation is essential for me. It’s hygiene for the mind. It helps me work better with my emotional life, relax the knots of my little ego-mind, and stay open to situations and people when I’d rather shut down. Now I need to take better care of my body, too.

Entering middle age (I like to think I’ve only just arrived there), exercise helps with stamina, better brain function, preventing illness and injury… There are so many benefits, and there aren’t many excuses not to do it.

I recently had three free visits with a trainer at my gym. The sessions were free because I told the gym that I hadn’t been there for a long time, and I was tempted to save some money by canceling my membership.  I was wondering if I was just wasting money that could be directed to other things.

Of course, the salesperson was clever to try to change my mind by offering the training sessions. I’ll take credit for accepting them and showing up. I realized that the shoulder I injured six months ago was not going to get much better from further sitting around.

I’m not sure how the coincidence happened that Dave, the trainer I was assigned to (a competitive bodybuilder), has had multiple shoulder surgeries due to an accident. I could not have asked for a more sympathetic and knowledgeable trainer.

When I can afford it, I’ll go back to working with Dave. In the meantime, he gave me a wealth of information on how to rebuild strength in my shoulder. Of course, just getting on the treadmill to warm up, much less do some miles, is hugely helpful. I feel a lot better with a little regular activity.

I’d like to think that I’ll just put my tennies on and walk outside. I love to walk, once I get out there. But I haven’t managed to do that consistently. In the meantime, I’ll use the gym. I’ll maintain my intention to take better care of myself. I’ll use this blog to be public about my intention.