I'm probably not going to make any friends with this post, but this topic has been on my mind for weeks. I cannot understand why people don't make exercise a priority. It is essential to living your best life, and, I don't know about you, but since I only have one life to live, I want to give it all I've got!
Believe me, I understand it is not easy to create an exercise regimen out of nothing, and sticking to it is even more difficult. It really just comes down to a matter of priorities; you have to want it. Unfortunately, it often takes something catastrophic for people to find the motivation. Thankfully, it is rarely "too late," and with a lot of work and moral support from friends and family, people are able to change their habits and reboot their life.
Exercise is unbelievably worth it in so many ways. Obviously, it assists in weight loss and/or management. It builds muscle, strengthens your organs, bones, and even boosts your brain function! It wards off countless diseases and conditions (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis, etc.) that can decrease your quality of living or even be life threatening. It improves your mood by releasing endorphins as you exercise, which can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.
In this day and age, people are constantly on the lookout for the "wonder pill" - the one thing, in whatever form it may come, that will solve all of their life's problems and make them nearly invincible. Well, guess what? It already exists; it's called exercise! Now, of course, exercise is truly only one side of the coin. It needs to be moderated by a healthy diet as well. The pair when in the right combination can produce unbelievable and positive results. Hence, it is beyond me why people don't make healthy living more of a priority.
Ultimately, it comes down to laziness, which makes me incredibly sad. It really is not that tall an order. Again, you have to want it. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that as a minimum adults should get 2.5 hours of moderate intensity exercise per week (that's approximately 21.5 minutes per day) and engage in muscle strengthening activities at least twice a week, giving attention to all major muscle groups. When the topic of exercise arises, the most common excuse people give is, "I don't have enough time." The CDCP goes on to say that 10 minutes at a time is fine and still able to produce health benefits. Who can't spare 10 minutes, really?
So, sorry to say it, but the general public is without excuse. And, your overall well-being ought to be important enough to take action. So, take a good introspective look. What's keeping you from the 20 minutes a day that it takes to keep yourself on the path towards a long, happy, and healthful life?
Is it easy? No. Is it doable? Yes. And as I always say, anything - even just 10 minutes a day - is better than nothing at all. Every choice one makes towards improving their quality of life and overall health makes a difference, and all it takes is a repetition of such choices to create a habit that will change your life for the better.
Bottom line: you can do it. You should do it. And, in whatever way I can, I'm here to help.
