I found this really good article in the New York Times online which makes the link between exercise-shy people sticking to some sort of "moving" routine if there are ancillary benefits to be found, such as making new friends, socialising and broadening their horizons.
Extract from the article:
"“My research suggests that we have misbranded health behaviors such as exercise, The ‘health’ and ‘weight-loss’ brand of exercise doesn’t create desire in people to exercise on a daily basis. It makes the behaviors feel like a chore and a ‘should,’ which undercuts our desire to do them.”
Dr. Segar likened this approach to telling young children, “Eat your vegetables; they’re good for you,” which almost never accomplishes the desired goal. “We’ve based our promotion of exercise on a medical and logical model,” she said. “And people don’t necessarily behave in a logical manner.
“We’ve made exercise feel like a chore to most people, not like a gift we give ourselves.”
Full article here [link to associated article "Even More Reasons To Get A Move On" here]
The article draws on the experiences of retirees but I can talk from personal experience that even younger folk can gain ancillary benefits from an exercise regime.
When I first started training for the London Marathon 5 years ago I put up an ad on Runners World online looking for a training buddy. A Women's Running Network trainer got in touch and we agreed to meet up for a run around Canary Wharf. She then invited me back to hers for a coffee and I went onto join the network. We trained and ran the London Marathon together and I couldn't have done it without her. Even though I've moved out the area she's still one of my closest friends.
I met another good friend when I walked up to a stranger at a half-marathon and asked if she could keep an eye on my bag for me. Turned out we ran at the same pace and we ran the half-marathon together. Seven years later and we're still in touch.
Over the years I've come into contact with lots of people, from all walks of life that I would never have otherwise encountered. I can truly say that running has enriched my life way more than just making me fitter.
4 comments:
Thank you for sharing this information. You are right, people don't take action out of logic. They take action because it feels good...there must be an emotional connection. I now have a new approach when suggesting exercise and a healthier lifestyle to my clients. Exercise does strenghten networks and friendships. The example of your marathon buddy is proof.
Runners seem to be a very friendly, sociable lot who love nothing better than championing and encouraging other runners. It's been amazing - ever since I "came out" as a runner last year, I've had so many of my friends - you included! - give me tips and encourage me along. It's also been brilliant finding that a bunch of my friends are also runners and love nothing better than catching up on each other's running adventures. So, thank you, Mel, and also my other running pals.
BTW, there are also a whole load of gregarious runners who do running podcasts - check out http://www.runningpodcasts.org/ by Nigel in Staffordshire. I find they help keep me motivated and inspired, too.
ya i also have some buddies when i join them at different gyms and its been 5 to 7 years that they all are still in contact with me and we are good friends.
You are right that exercise can bring people close.
i have read your post and no doubt is is the wonderful effort done by you. i think if every one becomes the health conscious the we can become the healthy community.
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