Walking in Beauty
The Benefits of Exercise By Andy Stravers
My father once told me that a personal testimony carries power because of how difficult it is to argue with what one has experienced. Consider what follows as my personal testimony to the benefits of exercise. Exercise can be as simple as taking a walk or paddling a canoe. On a personal note, I do enjoy more vigorous forms of exercise. I tend to push myself physically and mentally, although I don’t believe this is required for one to enjoy the many benefits that come from exercise. In no particular order, I have identified the top five ways I have found regular exercise to be life-enhancing. Benefit number one: Exercise promotes social engagement or provides much needed solitude. Depending on what I need on any given day, I find that getting out for a run or bike ride with other people is an excellent way to stay in touch with friends. It’s also a great way to meet new people, providing an instant connection based on a common interest. On the other hand, when I need solitude and time to myself, nothing comes even close to a full moon hike on the hogback or an early morning run on the High Desert. Benefit number two: Exercise is good for the brain. If you have the time and resources, you don’t have to look very hard to find evidence based on research that exercise helps keep your brain functioning in healthy ways. What I’d like to briefly share here is something I have noticed time and again during bike rides, trail runs, and while cross country skiing
in the forest. When I’m engaged in these activities (especially if I’m solo), there suddenly comes a certain clarity of thought. I experience strong resolution to do the things I need and want to do. All the cloudiness and muddle of life dissipates, and the things that really matter to me rise to the surface of my consciousness. Benefit number three: Exercise helps manage stress. This is probably closely linked to taking care of your brain, but I think there is more to managing stress than just cognitive health. For me, stress manifests itself in physical ways. My neck and shoulders tighten when I’m stressed. I clench my jaw or grind my teeth at night. My hands ball up in fists and my face forms into a scowl. When these things happen, I know it’s time to get some exercise. It doesn’t seem to matter how tense I was before I left the house, by the time I get home, my body is relaxed and my mood has settled. I am much more even-keeled, easygoing, and relaxed about whatever life stuff I need to deal with. Benefit number four: Exercise promotes healthy diet. Simply put, when I exercise I think about what I eat and tend to make better decisions regarding diet. I want to feel good when I exercise, so I am more intentional about the kinds of foods that will fuel my body. I’ve noticed that two bowls of ice cream the night before a morning run isn’t what my body needs. On the other hand, a bowl of ice cream after a run can be a guilt-free way to reward a hard effort!
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August 2018
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