Why Exercise?
I am a cancer survivor. I’m also a 100% disabled veteran. I’m closer to 60 than 50. So why do I continue to put in the work to be healthy?
To be frank, exercise has always been part of my life. From playing multiple sports in high school and college to my Army career, exercise has been a fundamental part of my existence. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that exercise isn’t a requirement to be great at my chosen activity. It’s become a linchpin to healthier aging.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, it was a complete and wholesale shock. I was still working out and trying to eat decently. As I went through the radiation and surgery, my oncologist was shocked at how well I was tolerating the treatment. My diet and exercise regimen was the reason why I could still coach and work out while going through a pretty aggressive treatment plan. Most of our gym members had no idea that I was dealing with cancer. To be fair, I’m a relatively private person so I didn’t blast it out there. Still, as folks found out, they were shocked that I was still coaching and exercising.
While exercise definitely helped with the treatment and recovery (I’m cancer free now!) being around like-minded people gave me a sense of belonging and community that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. The time I spent in the gym took my mind off the diagnosis and treatment and helped me focus on what was ahead rather than the cancer itself.
Every day I talk with one of our gym members who shares a struggle they are dealing with, and each time they remark about the gym being their place to go for some sense of solitude. Even with weights clanging and music blaring, they find a sense of peace, focus, and belonging. The cries of support and the hugs and high fives after a long, challenging workout do two very important things. First, it shows you belong! But second, the endorphin flow (it’s science!) brightens your mood and fills you with positivity. Positive thoughts and beliefs have been proven (science again!) to aid in not only healing, but also disease and sickness prevention.
I tell you all these things for one reason only….an routine exercise program is a proven way to ward off chronic disease and sickness as well as bringing joy to your life. At a group coaching gym like CrossFit Liberate, we add community and accountability to that list of benefits that will always outweigh the cost of membership. Are you tired of being tired? Tired of being sick? Tired of being unhappy with yourself? Come talk to us. We want to help!
