The Ecstasy of Exercise

What is it about exercise that makes so many people want to do it? After all, you don’t get paid to do it unless you are a professional athlete. It is certainly not easy to do. It takes a substantial investment of time to do it right. Yet, there are millions of people purposefully pounding the pavement in their favorite running shoe. Personally, I have to exercise several times a week to remain positive and focused. Exercise is addictive.

To me, exercise is more like physical fun than drudgery. I may drag my feet to get started or develop an acute case of excusitis when I am tired or when the weather is less than inviting, but I really enjoy cycling, running and swimming once I am out there doing it. The rhythm of my breathing is the melody and the pounding of my feet on the pavement is my harmony. Like August Rush hears symphonies in the wind and the city, I hear music in the rotation of bicycle chain and the crisp click-clack of the shifting gears.

The whole world looks different while breathing with lungs that strain for each breath as sweat blurs your eyes. Wiping the sweat from your eyes clears Nature’s canvas to reveal the brilliant colors of the fall foliage or the fresh flowers of spring. It is like seeing the world for the first time or renewing an old, treasured friendship.

The world just seems to be right when you exercise. Worries wither. Problems solve themselves as solutions pop fully formed into you mind, which is cleared of chatter by the vigor of your muscles. You don’t intend to solve your problems while you exercise – it just seems to happen.

Your mind breathes in relief with the expanding and contracting of your diaphragm. Breathing freedom in and breathing stress out. The more difficult the pace or your exercise, the more content you become. No pain, no gain. It’s not about the pain. There is no pain when you push to your limits – there is only release. You don’t want to stop, but you must because you are finished; you are fulfilled.

Your breathing slows, the thunder in your chest diminishes to a distant rumble, and you shiver with sweat. Life settles quietly around you. All is as it should be. Your questions are answered. The ripples in your mind have stilled, leaving the surface shimmering with satisfaction. You know you will visit this place again.