bythemethod.com blog

In a recent study scientists have discovered that those older people who exercise regularly tend to have ‘healthier’ brains than those that don’t.

You can read about this story here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629132254.htm

One of the problems with professional sports people is that they seldom understand what it feels like not to be fit. When you are not fit any amount of exercise can be painful and exhausting. I well remember the first time I went running after a long absence from the sport. I could only run about 200 yards and then I have to give in and walk back home. I felt sick, dizzy, embarrassed, unhealthy, desperate, etc. I’m glad I kept going – although even now it’s pretty hard work.

Of course sports people feel this kind of thing as well but I think there is a difference. I’ve had both experiences in my life and I know that somehow the sickness and exhaustion that comes when you are pushing yourself as a fit person is different to that of when you are unfit.

I want to encourage you if you are just starting out to get fit.

First – some of us do understand what you are going through and we know that it is not easy. I may not know you personally but believe me that I have great admiration for anyone who makes the effort to get fit – especially if you are very unfit.

Second – understand that the pain you experience is a part of the process of getting fit. Don’t give in when it hurts (if you are worried about the pain then seek medical help – it’s wise to get checked out). The pain you feel from first starting to exercise will get less. Somehow the pain can almost become a pleasure when you get past that first part.

Third – don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s great that you are now getting some exercise.  When you first start out you should be very proud that you are making those first steps – don’t be put off by any lack of progress instead be happy you are exercising.

I’m proud of you – keep it up.

My youngest son asked me the other day: “why do you go walking?” He meant why do I get pleasure out of slogging my way through an area of wilderness. You should know that I love to go walking on Dartmoor and from time to time make some of my children go with me.

At the time he asked the question we were just trying to climb a very steep hill and we didn’t seem to be getting anywhere with it.

My answer was simple enough – because I enjoy it.

I tried to explain to him that I was not saying that I liked sweating and panting up hills (this is tough for anyone) but that I had learned how to get pleasure from the experience. Some days in the wilderness life can be pretty tough. Heavy rain and driving wind with no sign of shelter is both horrible and great at the same time. There is something about being pushed and tested that can actually be pleasurable.

I guess if this were not true then no one would be involved in any kind of sport.

It’s also true that you can learn a great deal about yourself at such times. You learn that you are capable of far more than you ever believed was possible. You learn about patience and persistance. There are so many lessons to learn.

Then when you reach the top and you look down the hill and see how far you have come you feel wonderful. What a view.

Then its a quick look at the map and on to the next hill.

I’d encourage anyone to find the same kind of challenging enterprise in their own life. Find something to do where you have to push yourself to your limits and beyond. You never know you might actually enjoy it.

This time of year exercising can be extra hard. The mornings and evenings are dark and it’s cold outside. It’s a lot easier to be lazy. This is just the time of year then that we all need a little extra boost in our motivation. I got mine this weekend when I went for a walk in the countryside.

The benefits of countryside walking have been known for a long time. Just today I heard about a report that said people with dogs tend to be fitter and less stressed than those without them. Having a dog forces you to get the exercise that helps make you fitter and lower stress.

But you don’t need a dog to get exercise.

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It is pretty generally believed that children are naturally fit and given an active lifestyle and the right diet they will not need to do any extra exercise. It is also pretty generally believed that exercise (other than just playing their usual games) might even be harmful for children.

As I am trying to get my own children to exercise I thought I should do some investigating and find out what the situation is.

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It’s easy for parents and teachers to tell children that they should get more exercise but what if the children don’t see the point? I doubt there are many children who worry about their future health. Like the rest of us I they probably assume that somehow things will be fine for them. So how can children get excited about exercise and is there any help from “the method”?

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Sport in school is rubbish – at least it is for my children. I want them to be fit and healthy and not grow up fat – like so many other children are these days. But how do you get them to do it? Exercise is hard work and hurts so how can I persuade my children that exercise is good fun? Over the next few months I will share with you my efforts at getting them motivated for exercise.

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For many people one of the best ways to relax is to exercise. Sport (doing it – not watching it) has always been important in the fight against stress.

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