Why should you exercise?
As a weight loss tool on it’s own, it is very limited in it’s effect against poor food choices; particularly as we get a little older.
Although, something I’ve noticed in men, is that when they are taking part in regular exercise, especially more intense stuff, they are more likely to stick to a nutrition plan. If they pick up an injury meaning they have to drop in intensity, it all goes out the window though.
There are cardiovascular benefits: decreased resting heart rate, improved blood profiles, improved blood pressure, increased libido to name a few.
Improved posture, reduced injury risk, reduced fall risk, increased strength are a few associated with challenging your muscular system.
All pretty boring though.
I like to exercise for non-physiological reasons.
A chance to see my mates; open water swimming, hiking, cycling, martial arts are all times of the week I look forward to because I get to hang out with friends.
I’m setting an example to my kids; they see that activity and being fitter gives you the opportunity to experience different things in life. K joins me open water swimming, I go climbing with A, they take their ‘client’ out for a run. Exercise is just a part of the day, they do moan about going out for a walk occasionally but they always enjoy it when we’re out.
I can keep up with my kids; if I didn’t exercise, I’d struggle to keep up with their pace. I don’t want to be one of the dads at the park who sits on the bench looking at my phone. I want to them to know I’m at the park with them, that means going on the climbing frames, swings etc.
The list is endless and one of my roles in life is to give everybody the choice to use their body to the max. That they get to choose what they do rather than whether they think their knees will hold out.
I’m putting the finishing touches to our new format for our home / group fitness programme over the weekend. The sessions are divided in to fitness / conditioning, strength, mobility and movement readiness.
We’re hoping to get back outside for a session per week too, we’re looking at potential venues at the moment. I’ll let you know more as soon as everything is confirmed.
Why do you exercise?
Darren “keep moving” Checkley
