Why Are You Passionate About Exercise?
Exploring the driving forces behind an active lifestyle, we sought insights from a medical director and a running coach, among other professionals, on why they are passionate about exercise. From the cognitive benefits to the empowerment found in weightlifting, here are fourteen compelling perspectives that illuminate the multifaceted passion for physical fitness.
- Exercise Enhances Mental and Cognitive Health
- Running Cultivates Growth and Community
- Exercise Provides Lifelong Fitness and Joy
- Fosters the Flow State
- Provides a Philosophical Journey
- Benefits Professional and Social Life
- Bridges Physical and Mental Strength
- Boosts Overall Health and Confidence
- Discipline from Exercise Enhances Resilience
- Weight Loss Journey Reveals Exercise Benefits
- Goal Achievement Fuels Exercise Passion
- Physical Activity Complements Daily Desk Work
- Exercise Elevates Leadership and Decision-Making
- Weightlifting Grounds and Empowers After Work
Exercise Enhances Mental and Cognitive Health
My passion for exercise stems from its profound impact on mental health and cognitive function, a synergy I’ve closely observed at the R2 Medical Clinic. Regular physical activity, as part of our comprehensive health optimization programs, has consistently shown to not only bolster physical health but also significantly enhance psychological well-being and brain function among our patients. For example, incorporating moderate aerobic exercise into one’s routine can lead to marked improvements in mood, stress levels, and even neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, particularly in response to learning or experience.
One concrete data point that illustrates the power of exercise comes from our IV hydration therapy combined with a tailored exercise regimen. When patients engage in personalized physical activity while receiving optimal hydration and nutrient supplementation, we’ve observed a notable uptick in their energy levels, cognitive clarity, and overall mental resilience. This holistic approach underscores the importance of combining different wellness strategies to maximize health benefits.
Furthermore, a particularly telling case involved a patient suffering from mild cognitive impairment who showed remarkable progress after we integrated a structured exercise plan into their treatment regimen. Over several months, not only did their physical health parameters improve, but cognitive testing showed significant enhancement in memory and executive function tests. This case, among others, serves as a powerful testament to why I advocate so strongly for the integration of exercise into daily life. It’s not just about physical health; it’s about fostering a more resilient, vibrant mind.
Dr. Erik Natkin
Medical Director, R2 Medical
Running Cultivates Growth and Community
My passion for exercise, particularly running, stems from its profound ability to transform lives beyond physical health. As a UESCA-certified running coach, I’ve witnessed clients achieve remarkable personal growth and mental resilience through the discipline and self-discovery that running fosters. This transformative power fuels my dedication to coaching and inspires me to share the benefits of exercise with a broader audience.
Exercise, in its essence, is a celebration of what the human body can achieve and a powerful tool for enhancing quality of life. Through my online coaching, I advocate for the joy of movement and the sense of accomplishment that comes with setting and surpassing personal goals. This aspect of exercise motivates me daily to encourage others to find their own passion in physical activity.
My passion for exercise is driven by the community and connections that exercise cultivates. The shared experiences, support, and camaraderie found within the running community enrich the individual journey of fitness. This sense of belonging and collective achievement is a cornerstone of my coaching philosophy and a constant source of inspiration in my work.
Joshua Bartlett
Running Coach, Your Next Run
Exercise Provides Lifelong Fitness and Joy
As a 65-year-old woman, I am passionate about exercise so I can maintain a fit, toned body and mind. Exercise gives me the privilege of moving my body with ease, comfort, and joy.
Celeste Perez
Master Trainer and Facilitator of the Passion Test, CelesteGPerez
Fosters the Flow State
My love for exercise comes from my experience of being “in the flow,” a state where there’s just me, my movement, and my breath. It’s in these moments that I find a great sense of connection with my body. It gives me a unique opportunity to push beyond my limits, to discover new strengths, and to learn to be focused.
This state of flow is a mental exercise that teaches me persistence, attention, and the beauty of being fully immersed in what I do, in the very now.
Bayu Prihandito
Founder, Psychology Consultant, Life Coach for Men, Life Architekture
Provides a Philosophical Journey
Exercise is a unique endeavor, accessible to all, regardless of nationality, age, or financial status. It embodies a perfect blend of effort and discipline, driving us toward personal growth and self-discovery. The same physical activity that presents a challenge to one person can propel another to championship glory.
Exercise is deeply intertwined with culture, science, and philosophy, offering a lens through which we can explore the human condition. It teaches us about resilience, the importance of consistency, and the pursuit of excellence. In this light, I view exercise not just as a physical act but as a philosophical journey, a means through which we engage with the world and ourselves.
Sergii Putsov
Head of Sport Science, Phd, Torokhtiy Weightlifting
Benefits Professional and Social Life
In addition to the obvious health benefits of exercise, it also serves you professionally, emotionally, and socially.
When you exercise and stay fit, you are more alert and focused professionally, plus you are perceived positively.
Emotionally, exercise is an outlet for stress and an inlet for energy. While socially, exercise is an opportunity to connect with others and enjoy time with friends.
Cathy Liska
CEO, Center for Coaching Certification
Bridges Physical and Mental Strength
I’ve always seen exercise as a bridge between physical resilience and mental fortitude. During my years working with patients dealing with orthopedic issues, I’ve observed the transformative power of regular, targeted physical activity. For instance, by incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming, Pilates, and yoga into treatment plans, I’ve watched patients not only recover faster from injuries but also improve their overall mental well-being.
In my own life, adopting these exercises has allowed me to maintain a high level of fitness, which is crucial in my demanding work as an orthopedic surgeon. Swimming, especially, has been a game-changer for me; its rhythmic nature and the resistance provided by water have significantly enhanced my shoulder health, providing a practical example I can share with patients suffering from similar ailments.
Moreover, seeing the positive outcomes in those I treat has solidified my belief in exercise as a critical component of health care. Whether through improved mobility, pain reduction, or prevention of further joint damage, the specific, tangible benefits of regular exercise are undeniable. My experience in treating knee and shoulder injuries, coupled with the use of exercises in rehabilitation, showcases the profound impact physical activity has on recovery and long-term health maintenance.
Robert McLaughlin II, MD
President, Boston Concierge Orthopedics
Boosts Overall Health and Confidence
I am passionate about exercise because of the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that it provides. Exercise not only helps me to stay fit and maintain a healthy weight, but it also boosts my mood and reduces stress levels. It allows me to challenge myself and push past my limits, which gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
Physically, exercise improves strength, flexibility, and endurance, making it easier to perform daily tasks and activities. It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Mentally, exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps improve memory, concentration, and overall brain function. It also releases endorphins—chemicals that act as natural painkillers and improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Fred Hoffman
Founder, The True Wilderness
Discipline from Exercise Enhances Resilience
Exercise reminds me that caring for our bodies enhances our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The discipline from maintaining an exercise routine boosts my resilience and determination; what’s more, exercise has improved my ability to be present. It’s an investment in our best selves!
Diane Howard
Rn and Founder, Esthetic Finesse
Weight Loss Journey Reveals Exercise Benefits
I am passionate about exercise thanks to a primary-care provider who strongly urged me to go to Weight Watchers and take my husband with me. That’s where I learned the power of exercise.
Thanks to a slow-and-steady approach of portion control and walking, I lost 45 pounds, and my husband lost 65 pounds. We walked to and from work and to and from lunch every weekday, and embarked on a hike on the weekends.
Losing weight from exercise benefited me in several ways: I gained energy and mental clarity, I could fit better in airline seats, and I reduced costs related to my health insurance by being able to stop taking medications for cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent, Clearsurance.com
Goal Achievement Fuels Exercise Passion
I like accomplishing goals and seeing results. Goal-driven people like myself are passionate about exercise not only for the obvious benefits of becoming healthy but also because seeing the results and hitting goals can become addicting, and the sense of accomplishment can go a long way in your physical and mental health.
You can control how you exercise, so it’s extra rewarding when you follow through, as opposed to making goals in your career or personal life that might not always be in your control.
Seth Newman
Vice President, SportingSmiles
Physical Activity Complements Daily Desk Work
When you work a job where you spend most of the day behind a desk, you really start to become wistful about going outside to run around with your kids and to do something with your body instead of your brain.
I firmly believe that we need both mental and physical exercise every day for the best results as human beings, and being able to exercise every day with your kids as they kick a ball around, climb a tree, or do something else silly means putting in the work at the gym or at the track so you can do that long-term as they grow up.
Dragos Badea
CEO, Yarooms
Exercise Elevates Leadership and Decision-Making
I’m passionate about exercise because it boosts leadership performance. Engaging in regular physical activity leads to feelings of achievement, contentment, energy, and joy, all of which positively influence self-esteem. As a CEO or leader, higher self-esteem boosts confidence in decision-making abilities, fosters realistic expectations, aids in expressing needs and opinions assertively, helps build secure and honest relationships, and strengthens resilience during stressful times and setbacks.
Since movement often triggers emotional responses, it’s not surprising that many individuals find their best ideas emerge during physical activity. Regular exercise is known to enhance problem-solving skills, creativity, analytical thinking, and the ability to enter a state of flow. Decision-making capabilities are heightened due to increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain. For CEOs and leaders, aerobic exercise can feel like a form of “active meditation,” offering a chance for solitary reflection, self-discovery, and the generation of profound ideas.
Craig Focht
Cofounder & CEO, All Pro Door Repair
Weightlifting Grounds and Empowers After Work
For me, exercise is more than just a routine—it’s a passion. There’s something about the mix of pain and pleasure in lifting weights that’s incredibly grounding. After long days, it brings me back to reality, reminding me of my human limits yet simultaneously making me feel powerful. I even miss that intense soreness, the kind that makes every movement a reminder of the effort I’ve put in. It’s a strange sensation but oddly satisfying, like a physical echo of my achievements.
I admit, my approach to fitness might sound a bit intense. It’s like loving my body by pushing it to its limits, a bit like Dr. Cox’s philosophy but with a twist of self-appreciation. The real reward comes at the end of a workout session. That feeling of triumph, comparable to acing a difficult test or, in my more imaginative moments, like a Dragon Ball Z character triumphing in battle. It’s a powerful sensation that makes all the effort worthwhile.
The biggest hurdle? Actually getting to the gym. The drive there, especially after a long day at work, is often the toughest part. But once I’m there, it’s game on. It’s this whole journey of challenge, exertion, and ultimate victory that keeps me coming back for more. Exercise, for me, isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about challenging and celebrating myself in equal measure.
James McNally
Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]
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