The Pulse of Progress
Exercise has always proven to be quite important to me and something that I prioritize in my daily life. For as long as I can remember, I have always been at home doing my own workouts. At first, I’d do sit-ups and pushups and burpees and laps around the house, but that quickly turned into finding workout videos on YouTube and getting into an actual gym. Now that I’m older, I still love working out and moving my body, but I’ve also learned that it isn’t as easy as many influencers and coaches make it sound.
The stereotype that the youngest of the family is the most energetic claims to be true in my family. I have three older sisters and two oldish parents - old, meaning in their late 50s - who have all been active and involved in sports. However, most of my sisters don’t have the drive I do to move and work out.. Regretfully, I can admit that most of my life, I have judged them for this, not understanding that movement isn’t as easy for everyone. However, my opinion on the importance of movement and exercise has never changed.
It is sometimes easy for me to get caught up in my own head, and exercise is something that always seems to calm my mind. But this isn’t surprising because exercise has numerous mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, boosting mood, and enhancing brain function. When I am moving my body in any way, I feel most connected to who I am and also express much more gratitude for the world around me. Admittedly, I would argue that exercise is essential for everyone and is needed in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, however, it is true that too much exercise can lead to dependence, overexertion, and countless medical disorders. A study done in 2023 showed that those with an eating disorder are 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with exercise addiction. These studies have also shown a link between exercise addiction and body dysmorphia, bulimia, and anorexia (Columbia University). It is important to remember that too much of anything has the potential to lead to an addiction. So while too much exercise can be bad, incorporating exercise into daily life can have long-lasting benefits.
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Growing up around those who do not prioritize moving their bodies taught me that for many in our society, movement is often seen as a chore. Finding exercise that is fun, effective, and convenient for all is an impossible task, and that is why movement doesn’t have to look the same for everyone, and it honestly shouldn’t. Walking, lifting, running, swimming, kickboxing, pilates, yoga, climbing, and skating are all common ways of exercise, but all vary from each other. None of these is better than another, and the same is true with any type of exercise. Another reason some struggle with getting out and moving their bodies is due to the judgment of appearance in our culture. Many places that claim to help people exercise are often some of the places with the most judgment. This only discourages people from wanting to move more and only creates a negative mindset toward exercise. Movement should be a priority to everyone and those who already move regularly should keep an open mind when it comes to those who do not.
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At Cody High School, there are many ways to make movement easier. For athletes, zero hour is a great class to take, not only to enhance physical performance but to create discipline and to do what others aren’t willing to do. There are also a handful of weight training classes that are equally as good, and numerous court and life sports classes to awaken a true competitor.
A world without exercise is a world without passion, drive, and improvement. In my life, exercise clears my mind and reminds me of my goals and purpose. Without exercise, I am not myself. Everyone needs movement in their lives, not only to live a healthy lifestyle but to understand who they are. Exercise is ever-changing and will look different for everyone, especially in our world changing as quickly as this one. Exercise is not about adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years.
Works Cited
Columbia University. (2024, October 7). When exercise becomes too much of a good thing. Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/when-exercise-becomes-too-much-good-thing