Treat Your Body Write!
by Robin Bayne

"E" is Not Just for E-Mail

Most writers love to pick up a new book on writing craft from time to time, but if you're like me, you skip the writing "exercise" section at the end of each chapter. Then we skip our physical exercise session for the day. Let's face it, the word "exercise" can bring a variety of emotions and patterns to the writer's mind; guilt, annoyance, pride, reluctance, determination, procrastination. What most of us lack is motivation.

When I was younger I was an avid dancer, studying ballet and jazz, and later aerobics. It was fun and kept me in shape. Eventually I lost interest in high-impact movements and switched to a treadmill. I also began writing, in addition to having a daytime desk job, which kept my "butt-in-chair" for long periods of time. So I began to explore other ways to get moving. I have taught myself to read while walking on the treadmill, which makes the time go by faster.
 

Most of these alternative methods of exercise will be old news to you, but I find just reading a reminder from time-to-time can help jog the old memory, if not the body.

Step by Step

Dr. Richard Helfant, cardiologist, suggests starting by gradually adding these simple activities to your day:

1. Walking to your destination whenever feasible
    
2. Taking the stairs rather than relying exclusively on elevators and escalators
    
3. Doing more physical tasks around the house or yard
    
4. Strolling around the block, around your neighborhood, in the park, at the mall

Plus, as Dr. Helfant reminds us, many routine activities are considered exercise and beneficial, including housework and gardening. Frankly, even a small amount of activity is better than none. Whatever you choose, remember to keep the activity comfortable, easy, and above all, a part of your life.

Beyond Weight Loss

Earlier this year, a published study revealed that diet and exercise were equal factors in aiding weight loss, meaning you could use either method to safely lose the pounds. When an equal number of calories were burned (exercise) or restricted (diet) the method didn't matter as the resulting weight loss would be the same.

While that may be true, there are other reasons to keep active other than potential weight loss. Improved circulation, stronger heart muscles, and stronger bones are key benefits. Others include:

• Lowered blood pressure;
   
• Improved lung capacity;
   
• Maintained muscle tone as we age;
   
• Reduced chance of blood clots; and
   
• Balanced blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Exercise can even help us avoiding writer's block and depression. Need I say more?

Helping Hand

Having an accountability partner or group can be very helpful. There are websites, many free, which will allow you to discuss your program with other members, post your daily progress and even keep blog entries. Or form a group with local friends and call or e-mail each other with your progress. Accountability partners will cheer you on when you are doing well, and offer encouragement when you need it.

Bottom Line?

So what is it going to cost you to start taking better care of your body?

That's up to you. The obvious cost is time. Get up right now and walk around your desk three times. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Now stretch your arms over your head and take a long, deep breath. You've just improved your circulation, and it was free. Don't you feel better? You can walk and stretch at no monetary cost, or you can spend just a little and pick up helpful exercise enhancers. Of course, there are always things to buy if you want to make a large investment. So take a look at the equipment lists and decide what form of exercise you want to incorporate into your writing life. The cost will be small, but the results will be priceless.
 

Useful Links

Benefits:

• MayoClinic.com "Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity"
   
• About.com "Exercise Benefits for Women of All Ages"
   
• Univeristy of Michigan Health System "Walking for Fitness"
   
• new-Fitness.com "The Benefits of Exercise"
   
• Mama's Health.com "The Mind-Body Benefits of Physical Fitness"
   
• Elizabeth Moon "The Writer and Depression"
   
• KeralaClick.com "Stress and Human Health"
   
• Georgia State University "The Benefits of Exercise" 
   
• BUPA "Health Benefits of Exercising"
   
• Dr Helfant’s article, "Physical Activity: The Great Health Facilitator"
   
• MSNBC "Diet, Exercise Take Off Equal Pounds, Study Finds"

Exercise and Writer’s Block:

• Writers.com newsletter
  
• Bethany Robers "Encouraging the Muse"
   
• EzineArticles.com "How to Overcome Writers Block"
   
• WebmasterWorld.com "Overcoming Writers Block"
   
• Guide to Grammar and Writing "Overcoming Writer's Block"
   
• EzineArticles.com "Saber Toothed Tigers and Writer's Block"
   
• Suite101.com "Writer's Block Blues Got You Down"
   
• FictionFactor.com "10 Ways to Beat Writer's Block"

Exercising with a Disability:

• Family Friendly Fun.com "Adaptive Physical Fitness Programs for People with a Disability"