Fitness Friday: Why I Work Out

Today is my birthday. I will absolutely be taking time to exercise.

Because it makes me stronger and reminds me of my strength. Because it makes me feel accomplished. Because of the endorphins and the sense of community. But most of all, because I recognize exercise as one of the most important things I can do to extend my longevity, prevent premature aging, and ensuring greater quality of life as I get older.

I am very aware of how the genetics/epigenetics I’ve inherited could affect my health as I age—I have a 50/50 chance of having breast cancer, autoimmune disorders as well as disorders that are highly influenced by inflammation run rampant in my family, and I have close family members with heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes.

I’m also aware of how much my own health behaviors can influence the extent to which I experience those issues. Exercising, specifically, enhances immune system functioning via increased T-cells and natural killer cell functioning—two types of immune cells that are most protective against cancer, reduces the speed of biological aging via telomere, improves heart and lung functioning. In addition to nutrition, sleep, and good mental health, it is an absolute necessity for a long, happy life.

But to be honest, a key motivator for me to exercise—and to strength train, specifically—is my desire to maintain a good level of function, agility, and strength as I age that will help me live the life I want to live.

Of course the obvious preventative effects of exercising are great. But I’m also motivated by my desire to live my life as fully as I can.

I want to be as self-reliant as possible as I age. I want to be able to lift heavy things when no one else is around, and not worry so much about falling due to worsened balance or breaking bones due to lost bone density.

I also want to chase my kid and spin her around in our backyard. I want to get down on the ground with her to look for worms. I want my reaction time to be quick enough that if I’m nearby and she starts to fall, I can catch her. I want to run around with her on my back. I want to do these same things with my grandchildren, if I have them.

I also want my child to see me exercising—not because I’m punishing myself, but because it makes me feel good and makes me strong. And I want her to feel empowered to find the physical activities that make her happy.

So often we see exercise as this thing that only younger people do to look good. It’s so much more than that. And if we can convince more people that it’s not just good for your health but also can allow you to live a life closer to your ideal and serve as an inspiration to those we care about, maybe we could move forward more effectively with getting more people to exercise who don’t fit in with the stereotypical gym rat.