DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK

Sometimes our brain generates messages best left ignored. Deciding whether to take advantage of exercise often brings up brain gymnastics resulting in messages to ourselves that do not really reflect reality, logic or common sense.

Coming to the decision to exercise regularly is easy.
The evidence is so overwhelming regarding the benefits.

Research shows that regular exercise reduces falls exponentially. Research has also proved that the benefits of physical activity in reducing illness are enormous: 50% reduction in recurrent breast cancer, 60% reduction in colon cancer, 40% reduction in heart disease, 50% reduction in high blood pressure and diabetes and dramatically effective in reducing depression. Exercise also helps to reduce the symptoms and pain of chronic illnesses like arthritis, neuropathy, Parkinson's, lower back inflammation, etc.

Then why do we resist, procrastinate and deny regarding this very life saving resource? Why do we become allergic to the term "exercise"? Why do we convince ourselves that these benefits can not pertain to us? Why question or refute overwhelming positive evidence? Why do we deny ourselves the pleasure and the healing?

Part of the problem is that we believe the myths and messages our brain feeds us about aging.

When contemplating becoming more active, keep in mind that your brain will generate copious messages regarding how you don't really have to do this. Be prepared to at the very least not WANT to keep to your new routine. There are many common messages. Here are some examples:
  • I don't have the time: Make the time. If your health is really your first priority, if you really want to no longer have falls, if you want to feel better, make the time. And all we are talking about is 30 minutes a day. Most of us can spare that. 
  • Exercise is boring: Make it interesting by paying attention to details, breathing, listening. Dream about what you can achieve and how good it will feel.
  • I don't feel good today: This is often true with arthritis. We feel awful and don't want to go to class. Don't listen to that feeling because the class will make you feel better.
  • I don't like the teacher: Then find someone you do like. Remember, it is the effect on your body you should use to judge your teacher, not how interesting her classes are.
  • I am so far gone that nothing will help me: Many feel that exercise is just not for them. Use your head, not your reactions. In one study, 95 year olds substantially increased muscle strength over 6 weeks. It is never too late to start deriving benefits beyond your dreams!
  • I don't want to see what I have become: Before long you will be so proud of what you have accomplished.
  • I don't want to: Many of the most important decisions in our lives involve things we don't want to do at the time but must do. 

A revolutionary thought: So what if you don't want to!

Of these, the most overrated and controversial motivation of our culture is whether or not we WANT to do something. But doing what you want 1) often does not bring you happiness, 2) feelings of want are fleeting and change quickly and 3) what we want is frequently not the wisest choice. Sound reasoning overrules our wants in other areas, why not this most vital one of whether to be active or not. 

Here are some common reasons people use to not exercise, applied to other kinds of situations:

  • Exercise is for other people: If you car mechanic said that changing the engine oil in your car routinely would extend the life of your car significantly, would you take his advice or would you insist that it didn't really apply to your car?
  • I am not at all interested: If your surgeon told you that you would die if you don't have a life altering operation, would you decide that it doesn't relate to you because you aren't interested in getting it done?
  • I don't like to exercise: Your doctor is recommending surgery to remove an inflamed gall bladder. Would you respond that you won't do it because you don't like being operated on?

Crazy conclusions all, yet we use the same reasoning when we decide what's best for our bodies.

We use logic with our car but not with our body. When we refuse, procrastinate or deny being physically active, we harm ourselves just as surely as if we don't change the engine oil. We are trying to make health decisions with momentous positive effects...but we accept our brain's messages instead of believing in our dedication to helping ourselves. Do not let the resistant messages rule the day.

Ignore the reasons not to exercise and do it anyway.

Expect that you will not want to.

Do it regardless, ESPECIALLY if you do not want to!

Updated October 13, 2020