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learn about your views on physical exercise

The body is a physical organism which, like a machine, needs to move around otherwise it will seize up. It is well known that exercising the body is not only essential for your physical health but also for your mental health. The two are inextricably linked. Without going into a long physiological and psychological explanation, the relationship between mind and body operates at all levels.

In the fast lane are the electrical impulses in your brain and spinal cord whose incredible speed gives you the ability to have almost instant reflex reactions - next time you touch something that is unbearably hot you will know what I mean.

The biochemical neurotransmitters and associated substances are also quite remarkable. So called 'mental stress' can, for example, affect the biochemistry of the physical body, and may eventually cause dis-ease. Next time you have a near miss in the car remember how the adrenalin response feels. It is almost instant and sets your heart beat racing and makes your body hair stand on end. This is the so-called 'fight or flight' reaction of primitive man. Whichever he chose, there was some physical activity involved.

Nowadays, sadly, we still have the same adrenalin response, but often we are unable to make a physical movement to expurgate the build up of these stressful chemicals in our bodies - being stuck in a car is just one example. When you get angry, you may be tempted to take remedial physical action but thankfully our society does not allow you to do so. Physically allowing yourself to let off steam through exercise is the best choice every time!

In the slow lane, but equally important for our mental health is the wonderful 'feel good factor' which comes from being able to enjoy moving one's body, keeping it honed and toned and healthy. And finally, consider the world's top chess players. Renowned for their exceptional mental agility, the training regime of these Grand Masters recognises the benefits of regular physical exercise intrinsic to the power of mental concentration.

Hopefully you are now convinced that physical exercise is something that you will consider. It seems to me that people and physical exercise, broadly speaking, fall into three categories - which one are you in?

Group 1
People who already take part in, and enjoy, regular physical exercise.

If you fall into this group, then you're probably keen to follow the Question Checklist below to reconfirm your good feelings about your physical health. That's fine, as long as you are not over doing it to the exclusion of time spent on other areas of your life, or to the point where it has become an obsession. Check these points as you go through the questions. If you are a healthy exerciser then spread the word - diplomatically!

Group 2
People who cringe at the very thought of having to endure physical exercise.

If you are one of those people who has a perceived problem with physical exercise, please read on! I would like to introduce you to the idea that you can choose to enjoy using your body in a simple walking movement, gentle swimming, cycling on the level [canal tow paths are good for this - you can get off at the locks!], maybe trying your hand at golf, or yoga or even something a little more aerobic, like dancing for instance. No-one is expecting you to become an Olympic athlete.

Instead of thinking about exercise as the dreaded discipline or ultra-competitive lesson that you were forced to do at school, choose to think about exercise as the pleasurable adult way of moving your body. Start with a simple breathing exercise coupled with some gentle movement - possibly to music. Then go for a walk in beautiful surroundings. Learn to enjoy your sense of liveliness and vitality. I guarantee you will glow in the aftermath of physical activity!

Group 3
People who like the idea of physical exercise but claim to be 'too busy'.

Can you hear yourself saying, "it's all very well, I would love to do more physical exercise but I simply haven't got the time". There is a simple answer to this - make the time! How much time do you spend on things like watching the television, reading the newspaper [other than for specific business reasons], talking unnecessarily, lying in bed in the early morning when you are awake?

Even if organising exercise with other people is difficult, could you use some of this time to walk, run or swim? Could you beat the rush hour and arrange to exercise in the vicinity of your workplace before work - or after work? Could you use the stairs instead of the lift? Could you walk to and from the station? Choose to be creative with your time.
Treat it as a challenge and you will undoubtedly find the odd half hour here and there. In return, you will probably add many extra healthy months, years or even decades to your life span.


Whichever group you feel describes you best, check out the following questions and get to know the current status of your relationship with your physical body.

• Do I want a physically healthy body?
  
• Do I accept that a certain amount of exercise is key to good health?
• Do I accept that regular physical exercise benefits my mental health as well as my physical health?
  
• Am I the type of person who avoids exercising?
  
• Am I the type of person who enjoys exercising?
  
• Do I consider exercise a waste of time?
  
• Can I use exercise as a stress-buster?
  
• Although I express an interest in exercise, am I simply 'too busy' for it?
  
• Can I re-think my views on exercise?
  
• Of the following types of exercise - walking, running, swimming, cycling, gym exercises, aerobics, dance, weight training, rowing, squash, tennis, badminton, sailing, horse riding, golf, climbing, yoga, team sports which involve running - which ones could I realistically adopt and enjoy as part of my life on a sustained basis? [A mix of exercise is most likely to be sustainable.]
  
• Do I have a friend[s] who would join me in a new exercise regime?
  
• Do I choose to enjoy the feeling of moving my body?
  
• Do I choose to keep my body in good shape physically and mentally?

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