It seems like every generation has its own identity of competitive fitness. There was a running craze of the 70's bodybuilding and Tennis in the '80s. Cycling and golf in the '90s that's still going strong today, mixed with stronger triathlons than ever. Try signing up for an Ironman; most are sold out within a few hours.

Where does it all begin?

Exercise has always been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. The very day my mom opened the door and said, “I’m so tired of looking at and hearing you,” “go out and play.” I guess that’s the moment in most kids' lives where the athlete begins. Even if your friends weren't playing sports and just causing mischief, you were running from something or someone.

I think being competitive drives us to be our best selves in many ways. It gives us a chance to create goals and drives us to challenge ourselves in ways that we never thought possible.

Not everyone is designed to be an Olympic athlete. Being healthy is often more about having a healthy mind and spirit than having big muscles and slow-twitch muscle fibers.

That's why being fit and healthy is critically important. It's our mental well-being that's the essence of our best selves. When we were young, our commitments to work and higher responsibilities were limited. We had time to play. Being that kid again is what we are all after, in a way. We all heard the expression 50 is the new 30, etc., even if it's only for 45 minutes a day.

Crossing the Finish Line.

Marathons and 5ks got us moving pre-pandemic. It was brilliant. The events often helped raise money for needed causes and got us moving in the right direction. In addition, running events allowed us to set personal goals outside of our ordinarily sedentary and busy lives.

Let's not forget that you felt like a kid again getting one of those medals put around your neck after crossing the finish line. Even for a moment, you did indeed feel a sense of great accomplishment and some momentary nostalgia like when you received your first pee-wee league trophy for something.

The pandemic is hopefully winding down. So, it's time to get out of the house with the kids and cause some exercise mischief.

ReplyForward