The motivation to exercise should happen easily with teens. They are brimming with energy and can be greatly motivated because, in their sport, their strength and coordination are improving by leaps and bounds. They also are intoxicated by the adulation of cheering sports fans, many of whom may be members of the opposite sex.
Realistically, however, most athletes will not become professional athletes. That means that, after high school or college, they might fall into the habit of becoming only sports spectators, or they might become content with reliving their younger, glory days while drinking with their buddies.
Also, for young and middle aged people, adult responsibilities begin to compete for time that could be used for exercise. Examples are time required to meet the needs of their family and their career.
Older people have less energy and more physical ailments that can discourage exercise. Some may believe that they have waited too long for exercise to be of benefit to them.
It is time for a reality check. Many young people today are couch potatoes who watch too much TV and play too many video games. They are not establishing healthy exercise habits that they should continue for the rest of their lives.
Young and middle age people who do not exercise are not only harming their own health, but also are serving as poor examples for their children. For those who are determined to exercise, there always is some time that they can find to exercise.
Too many older people believe myths about exercise and how it affects older people. These older people need to know that exercise will lift their moods, improve their memories, and ease the problems associated with many chronic conditions. The National Institute of Health has a guide that helps older people to exercise safely.
People are motivated by their positive thoughts. Older people, for example, should not get discouraged by comparing the physical abilities of their older bodies to the physical abilities that their younger bodies possessed. Instead, older people who exercise can compare the good health of their older bodies to the poor health of others who do not exercise. As another example of positive thoughts, instead of despairing because their arthritis pain might no longer allow them to exercise by running, these older people, with a “can do” attitude, can get a “runner’s high” by biking or swimming.
Lifetime exercise habits are especially important for preppers and their families. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The family member who does not exercise is more likely to be a burden to their family during a disaster. If a family member is not willing to exercise for their own health, they should exercise for the well-being of their family.
My book has much good information about exercise.
