“Nicole, it’s just as important to exercise your body as it is to exercise your brain.”
This was the teacher in Grade 9 who was both my math teacher and my gym teacher. At the time, I seemed like a serious academic student. I did well in math (and dropped it the next year, go figure) but I may as well have worn a sign that said, “How soon can I get out of gym class?”
Those words from that gym teacher have replayed in my brain many times over the years.
Along the way, I have become more aligned with the gym junkies than the math mavens. I don’t need convincing about the benefits of fitness.
When I was at a recent gerontologist visit with my Dad, the Dr. was impressing on my Dad the importance of going to the exercise classes offered at his seniors’ home. He often doesn’t feel like going and opts for a nap. The Dr. was explaining to him how clear the research is on the importance of exercise on brain health. I’m not sure how long it will motivate my Dad in going to his class, more often, but I have been reminded more than once, while with my ailing Mom, before she died and with my Dad in his seniors’ home, how important basic fitness is throughout one’s life. It doesn’t go away.
What simple wisdom did you hear when you were young that still resonates?
