“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” – John F. Kennedy, 35th President
We all know that this is the time of year when we start thinking ahead about those “resolutions” for the new year. I don’t know about you, but I just want to see the new year ring in with less anxiety and stress for those individuals who suffer from chronic health conditions and lack of activity in their lives.
Most of us are familiar with the Scottish tune “Auld Lang Syne,” but this year it is more meaningful than ever, in my opinion. The title words literally translate from the Scots language as “old long since” and reference times gone by or “old times.” Where has civil discourse and manners gone? What happened to that “cup of kindness” to which the lyrics refer? Hope reigns supreme.
Beyond that, in thinking about my own physical fitness over the past year, I just don’t feel like I have made many positive leaps forward. I turned 73 in March of this soon-to-be-past year, and I had some pretty aggressive plans for my fitness regimen this past year. Although, thankfully, I have been healthy overall. I have not stepped up anything in that realm. The fitness classes I have taught for the past few years have certainly helped me (and others I hope!) and my incentive is to remain strong as I age. Although my usual habits are very healthy, I have found myself “nibbling” and indulging that sweet tooth more than I should. Bring on the veggies! Drag out those workout DVDs! Let’s go!
Physically, I am grateful that I have a dog to walk and our weather has been somewhat cooperative for outdoor walking on most days. I plan to continue, and hope you do as well, to focus on my flexibility and movement, and hopefully in 2024 we can ramp that up even more and enjoy the benefits of regular workouts while adding some additional activity to our fitness plans.
Note: difficult to believe that it has been nearly 60 years since President Kennedy’s assassination; I recall I was in Mr. Robison’s seventh-grade advanced math class (why, I do not know, as my math is certainly not advanced!) when he broke the word to us that cold November day which will remain one of the great tragedies of our nation.
My quote, as I am sure you noticed, marries the physical activity with intellectual activity and I will add here some of my personal observations regarding this. The increased negativity, animosity, and cruelty that are sometimes being waged primarily via social media may be partially due to people who are not getting enough physical activity. Perhaps they are spending many hours on their computers and devices, reading disinformation and propaganda, which is rife on those platforms.
If we remove ourselves from that captivity and focus on fresh air, movement, good eating, and keeping ourselves away from the negative input we will benefit, and those who choose to interact with us will benefit as well.
I don’t know, just a suggestion …
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.