Benefits of Consistent Exercise Other Than Fitness

Soosan

Cathlete
I just wanted to comment on how regular exercise transfers to so many other aspects of life that are not fitness-related.

For example, we recently inherited a piano. I've always wanted to play but my parents never had the money, and then there were other priorities in my life, blah, blah, blah... Lessons are currently not in our budget so I bought a couple of books and started setting aside 30-60 min a day to teach myself how to play. I'm really enjoying it and can now play several (simple!) songs with both hands and am getting better and better.

I've learned from exercising all of these years that the key to improving at ANYTHING is consistency. I know that some days I'll play better than others and that that's okay because I'll still make progress. I've learned that setting goals and doggedly trying to reach them WORKS!

How has working out helped in nonfitness-related areas in your life?
 
Hello, Sooooooooooooosan (if that is your real name) . . .

I've learned precisely the same lessons as you in my exercise life: if I am consistent, and persistent, I will always be able to get where I want to go and often far beyond it. I've also learned that I don't have to succeed the first time at something to succeed at it period; if I understand where I have "failed", I can do better the next time.

I've also learned, from the way I prefer to grow fitness-wise, that small, incremental changes in other areas of life, or small, incremental efforts toward a distinct goal, will have enormous payoffs down the road.

I've also learned that the methodical approach works best for me. And I've learned that when I feel strong physically, I feel stronger emotionally as well. Simple, but true.

Finally, I've learned to trust my own judgment, rather than leave it to the mercy of others who may not know as much but speak with a voice of (often false) authority.

A-JOck
 
I find that when I continue to challenge myself with my exercise, my confidence grows overall. Therefore, I continue to challenge myself in other areas as well. I don't automatically assume I can't do something.
 
My life has changed so much in the past year because of regular, consistent workouts, and "losing" about a third of me! HA!

I certainly have more energy, and I think that aspect alone is what gives us each the power to do more, and reach goals, and aim for ones we thought were out of reach. When you feel and look healthier, I think it just naturally flows into all areas of your life.

Carol
:)
 
I agree with the confidence thing. I always "hear" Cathe say, "Oh yes you can" when I feel uncomfortable or challenged in any way. I also feel strong, healthy, and ready to take on anything. I never thought something as simple as consistent exercise would make such a difference. I think it even helped me keep my focus while I was in college. Go figure!

Lori :)
 

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