We're constantly hearing about how good exercise is for you, especially heavy cardiovascular exercise that gets the heart going fast for 40 minutes. It's all over popular media, advice columns, the advice of doctors. And this is buttressed by the scientific literature. Exercise and especially cardio increases longevity, endurance, mental acuity, ability to handle stress and mood. It causes the genesis of brain cells, prevents depression and all kinds of psychological issues. It produces endorphins and makes you feel good. It produces an attractive body, which is good for one's self perception. So it must be good for you.

But that's the wrong way to look at it. The correct way to look at it is that not exercising is bad for you. Living a sedentary lifestyle devoid of regular heavy cardio should be seen as being equivalent to smoking cigarettes or a habit of heavy drinking or a diet deficient in important essential nutrients. By doing exercise, you're not "treating" or doing your body a favor. You're giving it something it needs and expects.

Likewise, our body needs and expects 9.8m/s^2 of gravity, along with an environment rich with oxygen. Put someone in space and his body begins to decay. Muscle comes back when he returns, but bone mass never completely comes back. Living in zero gravity is terrible for one's health. Living without oxygen is also terrible for one's health. In fact, you die pretty quickly.

So many problems that plague modern society go away or are ameliorated with regular heavy cardio. In particular, depression and ADHD. Exercise is like naturally giving your brain Ritalin, Prozak and Paxil.

After you exercise, you feel good and everything functions much better. Life is great. That's how humans are supposed to feel and be.

Yeah. About 90% of the time when I have some emotional problem it goes away after I've been to the gym and thrown metal around like a she-monkey for an hour.

I find sitting down for long periods without recess not only gives me ADHD-like symptoms (when I don't actually have ADHD) but makes me feel a little sick. I don't know how people can work in sedentary jobs all damn day and feel ok.

After you exercise, you feel good and everything functions much better.

After a good bowel movement I feel exacly the same way, all is good with the world! ;)

Exercise is something people do at their leisure or when they want to. If someone demands it then the fun is taken out of it.

*It is well documented that for every mile that you jog, you add one minute to your life. This enables you, at age 85, to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $5,000 per month.

*My grandmother started walking 5 miles a day when she was 60. She is now 97 and we don't know where she is.

*I joined a health club last year, spent about $400. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to show up.

*I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I am doing.

*I don't exercise at all. If God meant us to touch our toes, he would have put them further up our body.

*I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

*I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.

*The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.

*If you are going to try cross country skiing, start with a small country. {like Switzerland??}

**And last, but not least, I don't jog - it makes the ice jump right out of my glass or the salt fall right off the rim of that margarita!

After you exercise, you feel good and everything functions much better. Life is great. That's how humans are supposed to feel and be.

And so, with your closing paragraph, you contradict yourself. Exercise is _good_ for us.

And so, with your closing paragraph, you contradict yourself. Exercise is _good_ for us.

Ever heard of the term rhetorical device? WHOA DUDE YOU JUST BLOWN MY MIND

Ever heard of the term rhetorical device? WHOA DUDE YOU JUST BLOWN MY MIND

Yes. Yours wasn't that. It was a contradiction.

exercise not good for you???! what a load of bu$$*&it!!!!!!

I think his point is that exercise is not simply good for you, like a supplement for example, it's actually a NEED. Saying it's good for you is like saying cortisol or oxygen is good for you. It's not a supplement or a treat, it's necessary for health.

Yeah. About 90% of the time when I have some emotional problem it goes away after I've been to the gym and thrown metal around like a she-monkey for an hour.

I find sitting down for long periods without recess not only gives me ADHD-like symptoms (when I don't actually have ADHD) but makes me feel a little sick. I don't know how people can work in sedentary jobs all damn day and feel ok.

you can't. you can spend hours at the gym after work trying to make up for it, but i'm not sure it does. for me, there's something physiologically and psychologically disturbing about having to sit at a desk all day.

"our way of life doesn't meet our needs" is an understatement i think. it's perverse.

i've been an accountant, and a waitress at a high volume restaurant. i can make about twice as much money being an accountant, but if i can afford it, i would rather spend 8 hours a day exercising than sitting behind a desk. there are other things to consider. being a waitress doesn't do much for your psyche a lot of times either, but other things being equal, having a physically active job is very valuable imo.

I think his point is that exercise is not simply good for you, like a supplement for example, it's actually a NEED.

I think he was attempting to sound philosophical, but it ended up being an

http://ragestickers.com/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/bp_epic_fail_1000.jpg

Um, mods?

I think he was attempting to sound philosophical, but it ended up being an

http://ragestickers.com/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/bp_epic_fail_1000.jpg

No, he is making a valid point. To say something is good for you, makes it sound like an extra, rather than a need.

I think his point is that exercise is not simply good for you, like a supplement for example, it's actually a NEED. Saying it's good for you is like saying cortisol or oxygen is good for you. It's not a supplement or a treat, it's necessary for health.

Bingo.

The good news, though, is that people are smartening up about health and exercise. The body is an easy thing to take for granted because it works so well, especially when it's young. I think it just takes a while for the information of the health benefits of exercise to sink in. Heh, sadly, a lot of it is due to vanity and the want to have a good body to have a hot girlfriend boyfriend or whatever. Oh well.

Bingo.

The good news, though, is that people are smartening up about health and exercise. The body is an easy thing to take for granted because it works so well, especially when it's young. I think it just takes a while for the information of the health benefits of exercise to sink in. Heh, sadly, a lot of it is due to vanity and the want to have a good body to have a hot girlfriend boyfriend or whatever. Oh well.

I used to be like that. I just wanted zero body fat. Then I found out how liberating it is to be able to go for a walk or run without fighting for air after 20 metres.

No, he is making a valid point. To say something is good for you, makes it sound like an extra, rather than a need.

I disagree. People do live sedentary lives. Exercise is an extra, not a necessity.

Anyway, the guy contradicted himself.

I think his point is that exercise is not simply good for you, like a supplement for example, it's actually a NEED. Saying it's good for you is like saying cortisol or oxygen is good for you. It's not a supplement or a treat, it's necessary for health.

It's actually not a need, but I understand the use of his "rhetorical device."

It still isn't a built-in need, though. People can do without it. They just won't do as well. This is one of those rather pointless threads. :cool:

Bingo.

The good news, though, is that people are smartening up about health and exercise. The body is an easy thing to take for granted because it works so well, especially when it's young. I think it just takes a while for the information of the health benefits of exercise to sink in. Heh, sadly, a lot of it is due to vanity and the want to have a good body to have a hot girlfriend boyfriend or whatever. Oh well.

true that!!!!
i used to just "not eat" if i wanted to lose weight, and it wasn't until i was in my mid 20's that i actually got smart about how to lose weight. I now eat more than ever, and manage to keep a nice weight. I did used to get fit for vanities sake..and to get a hot boyfriend..but now i couldn't care less about that, i just love the benefits of being fit- the energy. It is so important to have a healthy mind and healthy body. Good post Francois.

but I understand the use of his "rhetorical device."



Then, like irony, rhetoric seems to be a device many do not understand:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetoric

Then, like irony, rhetoric seems to be a device many do not understand:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetoric

Rhetorical device

Dictionary.com:
a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)

My implementation has both aspects of the definition. It creates a literary effect (to make an outrageously bold statement--"exercise is not good for you"--gets attention making people go "wtf"), without regard for literal significance. That's the part you had beef with because I contradicted myself. Yes, I did contradict myself, that's part of what makes it a rhetorical device--because I didn't mean it totally literally. It was done to create an effect--which it did--quite a humorous one.

Can you now explain to me how it is not a rhetorical device?

That's as far as I will allow you to derail my thread, btw. Please answer the question and from then on, stick to the topic.

It's actually not a need, but I understand the use of his "rhetorical device."

It still isn't a built-in need, though. People can do without it. They just won't do as well. This is one of those rather pointless threads. :cool:

In a country like America, where 2/3 of the population are overweight, where depression and ADHD are incredibly common, I'd say it is a need. But that's not the main point. The main point I'm making is that people shouldn't be so concerned with the good effects of exercise, but rather, the bad effects of no exercise. Not exercising should be seen more like actively doing something bad to your body, like smoking.

I think if you require something to remain healthy, it is a need.

... that's part of what makes it a rhetorical device--because I didn't mean it totally literally. It was done to create an effect--which it did--quite a humorous one.

No. You contradicted yourself. That's not a device, it's just sloppy prose.

No. You contradicted yourself. That's not a device, it's just sloppy prose.

Yeah, well, you're an idiot.

In a country like America, where 2/3 of the population are overweight, where depression and ADHD are incredibly common, I'd say it is a need. But that's not the main point. The main point I'm making is that people shouldn't be so concerned with the good effects of exercise, but rather, the bad effects of no exercise. Not exercising should be seen more like actively doing something bad to your body, like smoking.

Simple human psychology, Watson. If you want to motivate people to change their ways just saying "it's bad for you" is rarely enough. However people might make a minimal effort to do something that is good for them. I know I rarely go out of my way to stop doing something that people say is bad for me, especially if I don't feel bad after/while doing it. I might feel tempted to add a vegetable to my meal because it's "good for me", but I'm not going to add less salt or cheese to my food just because it's "bad for me" because I won't enjoy eating food I don't really like the taste of or a more relevant example... I might take the stairs every now and then because it's good for me, but I'm not going to stop using the elevator because it's bad for me.

Also I don't see how exercise would improve your focus if you have ADHD. No better than allowing me to wander around a large castle for days would improve my sense of direction, these are neurological problems. My brother has it, and he can be exhausted from moving around all day but he still keeps up his nervous ticks, still has poor attention, and still finds the energy to jump around if he gets excited over a TV show.

Simple human psychology, Watson. If you want to motivate people to change their ways just saying "it's bad for you" is rarely enough. However people might make a minimal effort to do something that is good for them. I know I rarely go out of my way to stop doing something that people say is bad for me, especially if I don't feel bad after/while doing it. I might feel tempted to add a vegetable to my meal because it's "good for me", but I'm not going to add less salt or cheese to my food just because it's "bad for me" because I won't enjoy eating food I don't really like the taste of or a more relevant example... I might take the stairs every now and then because it's good for me, but I'm not going to stop using the elevator because it's bad for me.
The point isn't to motivate people, but to look at in a more correct way. It's absurd to change the oil in your car and think you're doing it a favor. It's what you're supposed to do. But actually, if the point were to motivate people, it would be better. People implicitly focus more on negative than positive things. It's easy to understand why. If we didn't develop that aspect of psychology your ancestors wouldn't have paid attention to things that needed their immediate focus. They would have died and wouldn't have had you.


Also I don't see how exercise would improve your focus if you have ADHD. No better than allowing me to wander around a large castle for days would improve my sense of direction, these are neurological problems. My brother has it, and he can be exhausted from moving around all day but he still keeps up his nervous ticks, still has poor attention, and still finds the energy to jump around if he gets excited over a TV show.

This is a bit of new science that I originally heard about in some brain science podcast. We're constantly learning about new ways in which heavy cardio is important to body, and especially brain function. The sheer breadth of things it improves leads me to think that it must be something fundamental that the body expects. That would explain why it's so good for the body of those who exercise; it would explain why people in America are in such terrible condition in all sorts of domains. It's because they're missing out on something fundamental.

http://add.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/ratey.htm

Yeah, well, you're an idiot.

Oh I'm so insulted, being called an idiot by someone who isn't as smart as they think they are.

Oh I'm so insulted, being called an idiot by someone who isn't as smart as they think they are.

Who's "they"?

Are you by any chance stupid?

The point isn't to motivate people, but to look at in a more correct way. It's absurd to change the oil in your car and think you're doing it a favor. It's what you're supposed to do. But actually, if the point were to motivate people, it would be better. People implicitly focus more on negative than positive things. It's easy to understand why. If we didn't develop that aspect of psychology your ancestors wouldn't have paid attention to things that needed their immediate focus. They would have died and wouldn't have had you.



This is a bit of new science that I originally heard about in some brain science podcast. We're constantly learning about new ways in which heavy cardio is important to body, and especially brain function. The sheer breadth of things it improves leads me to think that it must be something fundamental that the body expects. That would explain why it's so good for the body of those who exercise; it would explain why people in America are in such terrible condition in all sorts of domains. It's because they're missing out on something fundamental.

http://add.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/ratey.htm

Could be that we evolved to be on the move for a lot of our waking time, and that being sedentary goes against the way our bodies have adapted.

Could be that we evolved to be on the move for a lot of our waking time, and that being sedentary goes against the way our bodies have adapted.

absolutely, but i don't want to readapt to a sedentary lifestyle. we'll all end up like big ugly marshmallows laying and waddling all over the place, with the possibility of reconstructive surgery to artificially make us look healthy, or sexy, or deformed, or whatever.

that's disgusting.

absolutely, but i don't want to readapt to a sedentary lifestyle. we'll all end up like big ugly marshmallows laying and waddling all over the place, with the possibility of reconstructive surgery to artificially make us look healthy, or sexy, or deformed, or whatever.

that's disgusting.

Eeeeek.

I just agreed with Lori.

*faints*

Exercise is most certainly needed. Why do you think we have an epidemic of Type-2 diabetes? Our society has reverted to living sedentary lifestyles. If this was 100 years ago where we all had manual labor jobs working 16 hours a day, there wouldn't be any need for exercise. Unlike today, where most of us are confined to cubicles staring at a computer screen for 8+ hours, wrecking havoc on our bodies.

Who's "they"?

You. 'they' would be the correct term to refer to the person that called me an idiot.


Are you by any chance stupid?

Ha, funny. You struggle with basic grammar, and think I'm stupid. Priceless.

Eeeeek.

I just agreed with Lori.

*faints*

i'm not THAT bad. i actually think we're alot alike in some ways. i bet we could get along just fine.

My wife and I are in our 50's. We have both been in good shape since we met in university. We do about a 3km run every day. We look forward to it.

Most folks are not going to die at 40 like the guys who used to live in the caves. You will probably live to be 80 or so. We've seen friends decline in their 40's ...no longer able do the hikes in our mountains the way used to...not even able to run up a few flights of stairs without needing to pause for extra air.

If life ended at 40 I'd probably take up smoking, add some pounds and get a big screen TV. The reality is there's a lot of life to get through. Can your parents or grandparents hop on a bicycle and ride 10 kms...or run around throwing a frisbee? A lot of them can't and have limited their lifestyle to 'getting by'. Many set low health standards for themselves.

A couple of years back we were on a geology expedition in Nevada. This elderly couple in there late 70's were leading us up slopes, climbing over rocks, etc. Quite inspiring. The old fellow kicked the bucket last year.... that's the way I want to go.

i'm not THAT bad. i actually think we're alot alike in some ways. i bet we could get along just fine.

Um...alike?

Not wishing to be rude here...but you disagree with pretty much every opinion and ideology of mine and you disapprove of nearly every activity I like doing.

How are we alike?

We're both passionate and pig-headed, but I think that's about it.

Um...alike?

Not wishing to be rude here...but you disagree with pretty much every opinion and ideology of mine and you disapprove of nearly every activity I like doing.

How are we alike?

We're both passionate and pig-headed, but I think that's about it.

you forgot brash. and i bet we can both scare the hell out of a man, and enjoy doing it. right? :D

i don't disagree with most of your opinions, nor do i disapprove of your activities.

i think you seem like a pretty cool person.

you forgot brash. and i bet we can both scare the hell out of a man, and enjoy doing it. right? :D

i don't disagree with most of your opinions, nor do i disapprove of your activities.

i think you seem like a pretty cool person.

Aww. Thanks. :)

and i bet we can both scare the hell out of a man, and enjoy doing it. right? :D

Ain't neither one of y'all scared me yet.


Granted; I have a certain immunity...

Ain't neither one of y'all scared me yet.


Granted; I have a certain immunity...

people who know me would say, "lori? oh, she's totally cool; just don't piss her off."

the problem with exercise is developing an addiction to it is so EASY! to become addicted to exercise, over working your muscles to feel that intensity and burn , let's say if you get depressed you go to gym workout for 30mins come home, after couple of hours again another round of sadness you go to gym again? spend 2 hours, I'm not trying to make fun of this I'm one of those who got addicted to exercise , I know moderation is best but when you do a cardio workout or any workout and you feel the pain (good pain) in your muscles, after a while you get use to it so much that you have to work out more, like with me I started with 30mins aday 7 days,then 1 hour 6 days now it's close to 2 hours<< well not every day thou but 5 days a week for sure< I'm not proud nore happy about it , but can't find the solution, because it is as same as being addicted to drugs (now I'm not saying I ever was nore I am Addicted to any drugs for that matter) but I'm talking about that feel burn feeling doesn't happen unless you keep pushing yourself more and more :( It is a need for body, but how much is enough<

I love heavy resistance training, but I don't let myself get addicted. I let the microtrauma heal before I make some more, lol.

the problem with exercise is developing an addiction to it is so EASY! to become addicted to exercise, over working your muscles to feel that intensity and burn , let's say if you get depressed you go to gym workout for 30mins come home, after couple of hours again another round of sadness you go to gym again? spend 2 hours, I'm not trying to make fun of this I'm one of those who got addicted to exercise , I know moderation is best but when you do a cardio workout or any workout and you feel the pain (good pain) in your muscles, after a while you get use to it so much that you have to work out more, like with me I started with 30mins aday 7 days,then 1 hour 6 days now it's close to 2 hours<< well not every day thou but 5 days a week for sure< I'm not proud nore happy about it , but can't find the solution, because it is as same as being addicted to drugs (now I'm not saying I ever was nore I am Addicted to any drugs for that matter) but I'm talking about that feel burn feeling doesn't happen unless you keep pushing yourself more and more :( It is a need for body, but how much is enough<

What exactly is the problem?

if people spent as much time doing exercise as they do discussing it...
there would be no problem.

What exactly is the problem?

sounds like over contemplation..

Yeah. About 90% of the time when I have some emotional problem it goes away after I've been to the gym and thrown metal around like a she-monkey for an hour.

I find sitting down for long periods without recess not only gives me ADHD-like symptoms (when I don't actually have ADHD) but makes me feel a little sick. I don't know how people can work in sedentary jobs all damn day and feel ok.

hmm if your equating ADHD with sickness i dont know what to tell you i have had adhd my whole life and never once have i felt sick because of it.