Someone once said: I do so little exercise that if any time you see that I am running, you better run because something serious is happening
WHAT A GREAT TRUTH! Sedentary lifestyles are gaining ground in such a way that we run only if there is an emergency.
A sedentary life affects us both physically and psychologically.
In the physical sense, lack of exercise causes our body to deteriorate, it reduces our capacity to move, makes us more sensitive to pain; it affects the ability to enjoy life. There is normal physical deterioration due to time and age, and the other is deterioration because of physical inactivity.
Physical activity keeps us young; it does not matter our age, physical activity boosts our organism to enjoy life at any stage. Lack of physical activity makes us more irritable, impatient and negative, because we lack the production of endorphins that our body releases during physical activity. Endorphins are a key aspect in counteracting negative moods. Therefore, physical exercise is true therapy for the spirit.
A person who never engages in physical activity loses, on average, three years from their lifespan.
“Without physical exercise, no one can have a sound constitution and vigorous health.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 601
“Physical exercise is a precious blessing for both mental and physical ailments. Exercise, with cheerfulness, would in many cases prove a most effective restorer to the complaining invalid.” –Medical Ministry p. 107
“More people die for want of exercise than through overfatigue; very many more rust out than wear out. Those who accustom themselves to proper exercise in the open air will generally have a good and vigorous circulation.
“Morning exercise, in walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven, or cultivating flowers, small fruits, and vegetables, is necessary to a healthful circulation of the blood. It is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, congestions of brain and lungs, inflammation of the liver, the kidneys, and the lungs, and a hundred other diseases.
“Go out and exercise every day, even though some things indoors have to be neglected.” –Ibid., p. 136
I was very impressed when I read the paragraph above. I think all of us have a long to-do list every day. And many times we postpone doing physical activity because we are too busy. But here Sister White is emphasizing the importance of making time for physical activity, even if things indoors have to be neglected. So, let us give physical activity a priority in our everyday life.
A path of a thousand miles begins with one step. What will be your first step? A walk? Some time in the gym? Going back to practice your favorite sport? Let’s start exercising!
Raquel Sosa