bp's science: exercise, it does a body good (v.1)

It all started back in college when I got stuck with PE 102 - the lamest physical education class any person could take. I signed up as a freshman because I didn't want my PE requirement to catch up with me when I was a senior and there weren't any other PE credits available, except for swimming, and I wasn't about to do that - I am no star swimmer and I didn't really want to relive my time in middle school changing into and out of a swimsuit between classes, walking outside with wet hair in the cold winter breeze. So PE 102 it was.

Forget reliving my middle school days, because as I walked into the gym, I felt like I was 13 again. Here we were, college students, dressed in the college "issue" (navy blue shorts, gray shirt) all trying to act cool as we were minimized by the huge space. Our first assignment was to ascertain our fitness level. I passed all tests except for flexibility. When I attempted to stretch to the minimum requirement, the student measuring my results responded with, "Can you try to at least touch your toes?" Again, middle school. I felt lame. PE 102 was lame. And swimming was sounding better.

Our homework for the first day was to write down what we thought a good workout program involved. If this is what PE 102 called homework, I was loving it again. I finished it in 2 minutes flat, by answering that it's at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise a day for at least 5 days a week, supported by calisthenics or weight training. Done.

At my next class, we handed in our homework assignment. Then came our PE teacher's surprise announcement. "Whatever you wrote on your homework," he explained, "you will be required to do this semester to pass this course."

And so it began. What could I do to pass this requirement with my nights spent doing homework, socializing, more homework, and more socializing? And have you noticed that I like socializing? I didn't want to have to schlep to the gym and I wanted results fast. 20 minutes out the door and your done. Answer: running. I had run in small community races before college and I knew I could do it, so why not? At first, I asked my roommates to come with me. A few were up for it and it became a nightly, required, activity. As time progressed, we took runs that were a lot longer than 20 minutes, and we were really enjoying it. As more time passed, friends would ask us if were busy at night, to which we would answer, "We're going running at 10pm, want to come?" And people came. At times we were a running herd. I passed PE 102.

Come the next semester, we kept running. Not because of a requirement but because we were really liking it. And I could finally touch my toes! Friends continued to join us. Even Jess, my future husband joined us. And on those nights, I was running hard, fast, and far. So was he.

And with that, I got into running. And I've stuck with it. Sure, there have been times when I've taken a break, but I always go back. And no, I am not a pro and am not sponsored by New Balance, but I like to run and I know it's good for me.

Now I am sure I am preaching to the choir, but I had a fun time writing this memory down, so I thought I'd use it for a post.

Exercise in any form or fashion is good for you for these reasons:
1. It keeps you in good physical shape, keeping your bones strong, your muscles toned, and your metabolism up.
2. It keeps your head clear. Exercise is a recommended stress-reducing activity.
3. It helps you sleep better. Not only has your body worked hard so it requires rest, but since it does reduce stress, you are able to relax quicker and thus fall asleep faster.
4. It strengthens your brain. Research shows that when you exercise, new brain pathways are made. Neat!
5. It helps your immune system (when done in moderate amounts - 30-90 minutes a day).