From 7 to 77 years old

Have you ever had something in your mind, and when you shared it, it didn’t come out the way you wanted it to? Maybe it didn’t sound the same as it did in your head. Or worse, the person receiving the information didn’t interpret it the way you were hoping they would? I think all of us can relate to an inability to accurately communicate effectively.

One topic I often communicate about is physical activity, movement, or what could be seen as a “trigger word” for many folks: the word “exercise.” Yes, I may lose some of you now. But I hope not.

I had an undergraduate professor, Dr. Horton, give us the definition of exercise and make us memorize it! At the time, it somehow seemed important to me, so I embraced memorizing it: “A type of physical activity that is planned and structured to maintain or improve one’s capabilities.”

We learned a lot about exercise in Dr. Horton’s class. Another activity we did was a group activity. We went around the classroom, in a class of about thirty students, and each student voiced out a benefit of exercise. After we made it around the classroom once, we had to continue again. We could not repeat answers, and it seemed to go on longer and longer each time we did this activity until Dr. Horton was satisfied. We were not allowed to repeat answers! We didn’t struggle with this activity. I’m sure you can list a few of the benefits of exercise right now. But the sheer number of benefits may baffle you if you really look into it. There are approximately 11 organ systems in the body (it’s debated and changes over time). Each system benefits from exercise in its own unique ways.

My undergrad and doctorate are basically in exercise and medical exercise. DPTs are exercise “salespeople.” This is what we do. So it begs the question: How do I “sell” this? I want to communicate well!

Is it worth the buying?

And what I’ve learned from trying to communicate this in the “perfect way” is I can’t change your mind. My belief is that communicating the benefits of exercise perfectly to my patients, friends, and family isn’t enough. It’s completely up to them. So if you’re “triggered” by the word exercise, maybe there is nothing I can do to interest or motivate you to exercise.

But for those who are intrigued, I’ll leave you with some thoughts.

“Planned and structured.” Of all the words in the definition of exercise, this is the portion of the definition I think most people struggle with, including myself. No matter the factors (age, ability, amount of time, etc.), we can choose to plan our days and make the most of what we’ve been given.

I believe the human body was built to be moved—to be moved well and moved often! The human body is comprised to be exercised. I’m not saying it’s the fountain of youth (a perfect 7 x 77). If that were the case, as someone once joked, the mailman would be immortal. He likely does the most physical exercise of us all.

So there is obviously more to learn. As far as communicating what I’ve learned about movement and what the greatest limiting factor is for most—that includes my greatest limiting factor—is self-control.

–Daniel