My junior year of high school, I read a fantastic book by Dr. John Ratey named “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.” I presented it to my psychology class, touting the benefits of organized physical activity that Ratey outlined in the book, including better learning and memory. At the end, I took questions from those listening, and I was floored when one of the girls in my class asked:
“What if I don’t like to exercise? Am I just going to miss out on a better brain?”
I wasn’t sure what to answer. I was, and still am, a bit of a gym bunny. I find it hard to take time away from exercise, not to take time to exercise. However, I didn’t get into the gym in one fell swoop. I started with twenty minute at-home workouts consisting of lots of jump squats, push-ups, and burpees (ew). I did Kayla Itsines’ famous bikini body guide. Then, I turned to outdoor running. And eventually, I transitioned to lifting weights at the gym. Four years ago, you would have never seen me spending an hour with a squat rack and some dumbbells, but I’ve found- through much trial and error- that strength training is my favorite way to move my body.
The key to this discovery was, well, actually attempting things. I find that, often, people rush to deeming exercise as unenjoyable. A friend once went as far as to call it “soul-sucking”. The judgement was a little harsh, perhaps, but most importantly, it was coming from a place of ignorance. If you have not tried everything, how can you ever make the far-reaching judgement that all exercise is bad?
The thing about exercising is that people tend to complicate it. If it’s not at least an hour long, if it doesn’t involve a million movements, if it’s not making you sweaty, if it’s not making your lungs burn and your muscles ache, then it somehow doesn’t “count.” Well, in the words of Tony Robbins, “Complexity is the enemy of execution.” You don’t need to run marathons or lift heavy weights in order to reap the mind and body benefits of exercising. Start simple and small: speed walks around the block, a short yoga flow before bed, a game of frisbee with your friends, a little dance party while you’re getting dressed. Studies have shown that even just ten minutes of these activities can boost your brain, and enhance your cardiovascular and immune function.
The best form of exercise is the one that is so simple and enjoyable for you that you can sustain it and turn it into a habit. The more you explore simple and enjoyable activities, the more likely you’ll be to exercise regularly and progress your fitness abilities. Your speed walks around the block may turn to jogs, then runs, then you may even feel inclined to sign up for a local 5K because you like running so much. Who knows? Not you, not right now, but the only way that you will get there is by trying things out without fear of hating them or of getting judged.
Keep it simple, keep it fun, make it a habit, reap the benefits.