Vinluan: Getting in shape need not hurt

“NO PAIN, no gain” are four words mostly associated to getting in shape. Because many people think that physical exercise is all about pain, failure, and embarrassment. Some even view exercise as a self punishing physical activity, where one should indulge himself in pain to derive any benefit.

Deciding whether to have a behavior destructive or beneficial to health is a dynamic process that every individual experience and as their perspective of physical fitness also differs each individual is responsible for the direction and lifestyle they choose.

Physical fitness role in an individual’s choice of a lifestyle, is to provide direction and awareness of the human potential, in developing a high level of being physically fit and in shape through; good nutrition, positive relationship with others, concern about self care and sensitivity to the environment.

Thus Physical education, in this context is a way of living that requires self-responsibility to achieve the individuals’ maximum potential. As it is related to the individuals’ purpose in life and determination, physical education thus requires change and taking control. It also enables oneself to use your innate abilities to improve all aspects of physical and mental wellbeing.

The truth of the matter is that a sedentary individual always will think that exercise is hurting because they associate it with pain, fatigue etc., it’s true, because leaving a sedentary life and getting into the realm of exercise means hard work and determination, and the experience of discomforts – mild aches and pain, a slight difficulty in breathing, and a feeling of fatigue will always be felt.

Also, morning after symptoms will be confronting you with muscle soreness and fatigue, but what more will you prefer, the stress, a lifelong pain like heart ailments, high blood pressure, obesity etc. or the minor discomfort and temporary pain that getting in shape by exercising will give you?

Getting in shape need not hurt because it is an individual choice and a way of getting out from a sedentary living and moving into the benefits that exercise can provide. It is enjoyable and relaxing because exercise acts as a stabilizer of the physiological and psychological functions as well as preparing the body’s response against stress situations.

Decipher the four words “no pain, no gain,” and this time it makes sense, nobody gets to be fit without experiencing temporary pain. Besides, getting in shape is a need, every individual must maintain good physical fitness levels, because the most important benefit of getting in shape is that you not only feel good about your body, but about yourself as a human being.