REASON # 28: FAMILY BONDING

So you're still looking for reasons to workout?  Well, in the spirit of summertime, I am inspired by a 'hike' taken with my sister last week.  Often times, when I mention hiking to people, either their eyes glaze over or they picture walking...a lot of walking.  In fact, to me, hiking is simply observing nature while waking or running on trails, sometimes getting lost mentally, physically, or both!  Last week, when my sister Cheryl told me we were going hiking with her husband, I envisioned a 2-3 mile stroll through large sequoia trees, resting at some hidden emerald green lake while downing earthy, crunchy snacks and deciding whether or not to pee in the woods.  I got the lake and the peeing part right.  A stroll this was NOT!  Halfway up the granite mountainside, I finally understand what was meant by 'technical terrain'.  If you have never heard this phrase before, you've never really been 'hiking.'  The 2000 foot climb was nothing compared to navigating over rocks large and small, tight and loose, wet and dry.  All I could think of was the song, "I'm on top of the world'.  It was my mantra on the really difficult parts of the climb, in fact.  After 3 hours, we made it to the top of Squaw mountain, a place I had been many times via Gondola ride.  To reach this location from my new perspective gave me a greater appreciation of this mountain, the scenery, my level fitness, and the motivation from my sister.  It also confirmed my desire to want to live in the mountains one day!  

Fast forward to September, when school began.  Implemented by my son, every morning we get to school 15-20 minutes early, so that we can workout or play catch.  At first, this began as a way to reduce his anxiety with school.  It has evolved into learning how to play volleyball, soccer, football and dodgeball (I was always afraid of that ball when I was young).  In addition, we are making new friends by including any students who also arrive early, such as a fellow teacher's 5 year old son, who has an arm like a rocket booster!  Now, even he looks forward to getting to school early to toss a ball!  

The term 'exercise' may outwardly connote great effort to lose weight.  It's literal definition is activity requiring physical effort carried out especially to sustain or improve health and fitness. So, the carrot is improved health and fitness.  Improved health and fitness leads to reduced medical costs, greater productivity, clarity, stamina, and a stronger immune system.  Look at the example of my son, above.  The more he exercises in the morning, the less anxiety he experiences at school.  The point here is, the 'perceived' hard work might just be worth the EFFORT!

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