November 3rd, 2008 by Jason
As individuals, we all do things according to the value we perceive in doing them. Right now I’m sitting at an airport writing this article because I perceive it to be the best possible value to me at the moment. Someone else in my position might choose to read a book or magazine. Still others might get some food, talk on the phone, go online, etc. At any given moment in our day, we choose to work, play, sleep, eat or do any number of other activities because we value that particular activity at that particular time above all other choices of activities that are available to us.
Exercise is just like any other activity in the sense that it is a choice available to us. My objective is to get you to actually make the choice to exercise regularly of your own free will, assuming that you do not already do so. In order to do that, you must begin to value the choice of exercise more than you value any other choice available to you. That is no easy task, but I love a good challenge, so listen up!
The first step in this seemingly monumental task that I’ve created for myself is actually incredibly simple but often completely overlooked. I’m referring to the physiological benefits of exercise. We constantly hear that exercise is good for us, but do you actually know how? Could you explain to someone exactly why exercise is so important? After all, you can’t expect to want to do something if you don’t know how it will benefit you.
Other activities are very straightforward. When you choose to eat, your hunger goes away and your energy reserves are replenished. When you choose to sleep, much the same thing happens. Having sex can serve to bear a child, but most of the time we do it just because it feels good. So what the heck is in it for us if we choose to exercise when all of these “other activities” have such clear and immediate gratification? Unless this question is answered satisfactorily, it is impossible to move forward.
Only once you understand exactly how exercise will benefit you can you move to the next step, which is making exercise appealing to you on a long-term basis. Starting something is easy – anyone can do that. Finishing is where most people fail. In my next two posts, I will tackle these obstacles to get you off the couch and into smaller clothes all while enjoying a healthier, longer life. See you soon!
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