the happy cactus

To me, the word exercise conjures up men jogging in sweat soaked singlets and short shorts; you know the kind with built in undies that don’t quite cover their meat and two veg.

It also sparks a memory of Jane Fonda workout videos that were meticulously followed by lycra-clad thighs and a one piece leotard sitting firmly wedged between in the attendees butt crack. Both images have sweatbands attached to their foreheads, holding back long wet bedraggled fringes and sweat laced upper lips. The 80’s were an awakening of sorts with the realisation that exercise, is in fact, good for you. Thus began my memories of my aunties and uncles working out and when you would walk passed a park early in the morning you had a gang of older people (I was only 8 or 9) going hammer and tongs urgently mimicking their instructor.

The older I got, the less inclined to workout I was. I had always been an active kid, riding our BMX bikes around the neighbourhood, jumping on the trampoline, galivanting our 10 acre property with my brothers. I saw my older brother hang out with his mates and lift weights – remember late 80’s was big with body building. I was never inclined to do so. The most exercise I did in my teenage years was walking around the neighbourhood with my friends. Fast forward to early twenties when I joined aerobics classes and participating in ‘step’ classes – using a plank to do cardio moves whilst stepping on and around it. That was fun because it was like dancing, albeit it the basic moves.

Then fast forward again to my thirties when my children were in adolescences and the whole family participated in a DVD workout to obtain a Kylie Minogue bum – The Hot Pants workout! This was so much fun  and yes it did achieve results although I did not actually have an ass like Kylie. Our kids even joined in because it used simple dance moves and had super cool 00’s music that produced a good nightclub atmosphere. Again, fast forward and I am suddenly 50. My relationship with exercise has not been one of stability or stamina, more like a one night stand every couple of months.

The older I have become, the more I finally understand the importance of exercise. It truly is the life blood and gateway to ageing healthy, strong and happy. It allows for your body to move, not like we used to (because, honey, that ship has sailed) but to continue to have some semblance of movement. We still need to bend over and pick up things, reach up and grab items, and be able to get off the floor when playing with our grandchildren. Also, if we fall over, we need to be able to get up so basically exercise is detrimental to your ability to stay alive. This was the case for my Granddad who walked every day for a couple of miles, and when he took a tumble at home by himself, he was able to get up off the floor. Granddad had an elderly neighbour who had fallen and was unable to get up off the floor. The poor neighbour ended up hospitalised due to complications of laying in that position for too long.

Exercise in some form is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and I finally understand the important role it plays in ageing. It doesn’t matter if you are a fitness enthusiast or a couch potato, by integrating regular physical activity into your routine, it offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond a chiselled physique and abs that you can bounce a coin off. Here are some compelling reasons why exercise is crucial for your overall health and well-being.

*Physical Health: Regular exercise is a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy and happy body. It helps control weight by burning calories and increasing metabolism while also lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It strengthens the cardiovascular system, enhances lung capacity, and promotes better circulation throughout the body. It is scientifically proven to help in the reduction  and the likelihood of health complications.

*Mental Health: Physical activity isn’t just good for the body; it is also a advantageous for the mind. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. This can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, alleviate stress, and enhance overall mental health and well-being. Regular exercise has even been linked to the improvement of cognitive function as well as a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline.

*Energy and Stamina: Engaging in regular physical activity boosts energy levels, lung capacity and endurance. Over time, this means you’ll have more stamina to tackle daily tasks and pursue your interests. Exercise improves muscle strength, mobility and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing your ability to perform daily activities with ease.

*Better Sleep: Exercise can improve the quality and duration of sleep. It helps regulate sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Adequate rest is essential for mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall health. Without sleep, we don’t function all that well.

*Social Connection: Many forms of exercise are social activities. Joining a sports team, participating in group fitness classes, or simply going for a walk or jog with a friend can foster social connections and combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. These social interactions contribute positively to mental and emotional well-being.

*Longevity: Numerous studies have shown that individuals who engage in regular exercise tend to live longer, happier and healthier lives. Exercise promotes longevity by reducing the risk of age-related diseases and maintaining physical and mental vitality well into old age. It also provides our bodies with the strength and mobility that we require especially in our twilight years. Although exercise is not just a means to obtaining an aesthetically pleasing physique; it is an essential component of a happy and healthy life. The far-reaching benefits encompass physical, mental, and emotional well-being, making it a crucial aspect of any holistic approach to health and wellness. It also fosters discipline, increasing self-esteem and confidence.

Whether you prefer a brisk walk in the park, a rigorous gym session, or any other form of physical activity, by making exercise a consistent part of your routine will lead to a more fulfilling and vibrant life as well as increasing your longevity on earth.

I will celebrate each time I succeed and reevaluate each time I fail.