Every damn day that you can

Every damn day that you can

Jim asked me, "So then, how many days a week should I exercise?"

Me: "All of them."

"Huh?? Oh..., okay... uhh... boy, that seems like a lot, Paul. So, you work out every day?"

The ability to move our bodies at will is a gift. It's perishable.

Don't squander it.

Cherish it.

And do it.

Every damn day that you can.

Ask anybody suffering from ALS if they wished they could exercise every day.

Me: "I do something every day. It may not be a vigorous butt-whippin' workout, but yes, I move with intention every single day. Might be just a walk or some stretching or something, but yeah, it's every day."

"Ok, but that's your job, Paul. You don't understand. I'm really busy. I don't see how I'd ever have the time to exercise every day."

Me: (internal dialogue) "Bullsh*t. Busyness is an excuse. A weak one. Get over yourself and how frickin busy you think you are. You're no busier than I am, pal. I'd be thrilled to swap my busy for yours any day, dude."

Me: (external dialogue) "Yeah, I know it's hard. It's nuts how busy life is. I get it. It really comes down to our choices - what we prioritize. You may not be able to commit to doing something every day, but could you do 3-4 days a week for 45-60 minutes? That's the minimum expectation and requirement to be part of Old Grad Strong Project."

"Yeah, I think that would work. I could do that," replied Jim.

Should you work out every day? I dunno. That's up to you and what you want to get out of this life.

Just remember, your ability to move your body at will is a perishable gift. Stop taking it for granted.

Key takeaway: Do what you can, every day that you can. And be grateful you can.

Paul Reilly