This newsletter has documented many ways exercise benefits us personally – from increased strength, flexibility, and endurance to enhanced mood, better sleep, and improved cognitive function. How does that translate to others? Think about what you do in a typical day – taking care of children or aging parents, working in your place of employment, keeping up your home…in every one of those settings, being fit and healthy translates directly into being more attentive or patient, being more productive, and being more at ease with your situation. The fact that physical activity decreases stress inevitably makes you a better person to be around; so it is not a stretch to say that your personal fitness benefits extend well beyond your immediate reach.
Future-oriented benefits
In addition to benefits in the here and now, being active has clear implications for relationships in the future. In our work with middle-aged and older adults, we often hear that the purpose of their exercise is to make it more likely that they’ll be able to “play with their grandkids”; that they will “avoid becoming dependent on others” and that they can “continue to contribute to society.” Clearly, these future-oriented goals are all more likely to be met by being physically active now, and all relate to how I see myself in relation to the world. There are few other behaviors you can list that have such potentially far-reaching effects!
Role modeling
A final way we touch others by our physical activity is by being a good role model. After seeing you become an active member of 1-2-3 Fit, who knows how many friends, family members, coworkers or acquaintances have said to themselves, “hey, if she can do it, so can I!” This is a force nearly impossible to measure, but we cannot discount the effect. Even in community-level interventions, it is often the case that, in addition to the people in the intervention, the ripple effects can be seen in family members and observers. To this end, we repeat an earlier message – display your participation proudly and loudly – let others know you are a successful exerciser, or one who is still striving to become consistent – we all need coping models, too! Of course, we also encourage you to share the lessons you’ve learned. No doubt along the way of your journey with exercise, you’ve learned skills and strategies to make you a more effective exerciser. Share your strategies with others and learn from others – there is no limit to what we can do when we become a community of exercisers.
In conclusion, ‘tis the season to reflect on what you have accomplished and what you still need to work on. But we also encourage you to think about exercise in the broader sense –how has it made me a better person, how has it influenced my relationships, and what do I still need to learn. Think about how the benefits you’ve enjoyed from exercise have extended beyond your personal space. And while you’re at it, think about getting that friend, family member, or colleague to join you on your fitness quest – maybe you’re here because someone reached out to you – so return the favor!
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This article was contributed by Diane Whaley and Blake Rushin of the University of Virginia. Copyright 2007.
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