Exercise - Where Have All the Endorphins Gone?

Many of you have heard me talk about Jeremy, my 25-year-old, who graduated with a degree in kinesiology from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.  He's a bright handsome young man who was a high school football and track star.  In college, he was a decathlete, both at the College of San Mateo and Cal Poly.  Needless to say, he's tall and lean and in great shape, after years of hurdles and leaping over poles, running, lifting weights and the like.  Lo and behold, he returns home, takes one look at his ancient, overweight, sedentary mother and begins to seriously take me to task about my health.  Briefly, he had me going to the track at Skyline College, with my walker, and, huffing and puffing, I'd do a mile while he ran five.  Then he'd have me on the ground, while I did the exercises he requested.  Now, I know that Jeremy really has my best interests at heart and he wants me to live to a ripe old age in the best of health - but I have to get myself motivated first - and I guess I'm not yet.

I've read dozens of articles that talk about endorphin release and the related feelings of euphoria that happen with exercise.  I just never seem to reach that state!  It is well documented that exercise helps people cope with mild depression more easily, especially as people age.  It even creates new neurons in the brain!  So I know I need to get off my duff, spend less time at the computer and more on the treadmill which is less than three feet from me as I type!  Jeremy isn't even an ogre.  He's asking me to get on for four ten minute sessions a day.  

I've started and, for the last three days, I've done it...but, I have to admit, it doesn't take much to lure me from my committment.  In the meantime, I've found some cute cards to send to Jeremy.  I hope he still has a sense of humor!!

Shannon Martin, Girl Designer at Madison Park Greetings

Design & Artwork by Tony Cresswell, Published in the UK by urban graphic ltd

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