If I were to ask you what I meant by the “F” word, unfortunately, you would know precisely what I meant. But one letter earlier in the alphabet creates a conundrum of sorts. What is the “E” word? What does it mean? Is it bad? Can I say it in public? Sadly, I suspect the “E” word is used less by some folks than how often they use the “F” word. But the “E” word is far more important to your future. To a large extent it determines how long your physical body lasts. Contrary to many, it doesn’t need to be used as often as you might think to get optimal use from it, perhaps 3 times each week is enough. It doesn’t need to be used as intensely as others might suggest. But it does need to be used moderately, regularly, and for a lifetime. Simply, the “E” word is exercise. Now wait, don’t turn away. Keep reading. Don’t be scared. It’s not as bad as you think. I’m going to explain some simple truths regarding E that you may not have been aware of. And it starts with this. “In order to succeed you first must not fail.” You can quote me on that.
IN ORDER TO SUCCEED, YOU FIRST MUST NOT FAIL - The only way you will ever succeed at anything, and E in particular, is to make sure you set up a system in which you can ensure you do not fail. This begins with my Rule of 1’s. The Rule of 1’s acknowledges that no matter what E you choose to do, there will be times when you just can’t get it done. You might be sick, or travelling, or just plain busy. In those cases the Rule of 1’s says that you will never go 1 week without doing your exercise 1 time. The rule of 1’s. This is not success, but it prevents failure. If you miss 1 week it is easy to miss 2, and then it is hard to get started again.
VANITY EXERCISE IS OPTIONAL – I have nothing against vanity exercise as I call it, but abs for abs sake, or buns of steel to impress the opposite sex will not help you live longer or actually help your health in any way. Go for it if you like, but for the rest of us mortals I boil the whole E process down to the following steps.
AEROBIC – If you want to weigh less, eat less. But if you want to live longer, move. Pick the aerobic E that suits you best and do it for 45 minutes 3 times per week. Remember the Rule of 1’s. If interested I started the HAWK Hiking And Wellness Klub to support those of you who want to hike as part of your aerobic life.
TONING – If you are walking, hiking, biking, and therefore working out your heart and lower body, then the only real toning E that you NEED is very simple, pushups. But not on the floor. Rather, do them with your hands on a coffee table, or higher up for the newbie. This reduces stress on the shoulders and therefore the risk of injury, something that will become more and more important as you age.
STRETCHING – Every patient knows of my Disc Pump Exercises. We should all be doing these daily. Not only do they activate the life giving disc pump, they also stretch your spine, your hips, your knees, and your shoulders. 2 minutes a day is all you need.
THAT’S ALL FOLKS – I will never discourage you from enjoying any form of exercise, but when it comes down to it, when you look at what needs to be done for your future health and mobility, when considering risks of injury and longevity, and when taking into account your gradual aging, when you combine an aerobic program with some pushups and my disc pump stretching exercises you will find that simply put, that’s all most of us will “need” for a long healthy mobile life. They are the necessities. The rest is optional.
IN ORDER TO SUCCEED, YOU FIRST MUST NOT FAIL - The only way you will ever succeed at anything, and E in particular, is to make sure you set up a system in which you can ensure you do not fail. This begins with my Rule of 1’s. The Rule of 1’s acknowledges that no matter what E you choose to do, there will be times when you just can’t get it done. You might be sick, or travelling, or just plain busy. In those cases the Rule of 1’s says that you will never go 1 week without doing your exercise 1 time. The rule of 1’s. This is not success, but it prevents failure. If you miss 1 week it is easy to miss 2, and then it is hard to get started again.
VANITY EXERCISE IS OPTIONAL – I have nothing against vanity exercise as I call it, but abs for abs sake, or buns of steel to impress the opposite sex will not help you live longer or actually help your health in any way. Go for it if you like, but for the rest of us mortals I boil the whole E process down to the following steps.
AEROBIC – If you want to weigh less, eat less. But if you want to live longer, move. Pick the aerobic E that suits you best and do it for 45 minutes 3 times per week. Remember the Rule of 1’s. If interested I started the HAWK Hiking And Wellness Klub to support those of you who want to hike as part of your aerobic life.
TONING – If you are walking, hiking, biking, and therefore working out your heart and lower body, then the only real toning E that you NEED is very simple, pushups. But not on the floor. Rather, do them with your hands on a coffee table, or higher up for the newbie. This reduces stress on the shoulders and therefore the risk of injury, something that will become more and more important as you age.
STRETCHING – Every patient knows of my Disc Pump Exercises. We should all be doing these daily. Not only do they activate the life giving disc pump, they also stretch your spine, your hips, your knees, and your shoulders. 2 minutes a day is all you need.
THAT’S ALL FOLKS – I will never discourage you from enjoying any form of exercise, but when it comes down to it, when you look at what needs to be done for your future health and mobility, when considering risks of injury and longevity, and when taking into account your gradual aging, when you combine an aerobic program with some pushups and my disc pump stretching exercises you will find that simply put, that’s all most of us will “need” for a long healthy mobile life. They are the necessities. The rest is optional.