Today (4/3) I’m going to complete my 100th day of working out in a row. To be honest, it doesn’t feel like anything worth celebrating or making a big deal about. But doing 100 of anything good in a row kind of sounds cool, right?
As you know, I’m a huge proponent of physical health and its effects on improving our overall wellness, and consequently, our musicianship. I guess it doesn’t seem like it’s a big deal, but I guarantee if you asked my body whether it prefers my current physical health compared to a year ago, I’m positive it would choose today.
Benefits of sustained physical activity include:
Decreased stress
Decreased social anxiety
Improved processing of emotions
Prevention of Neurological conditions
Short-term euphoria
Increased energy, focus, and attention
Hindrance to the aging process
Improved memory
Improved blood circulation
Decreased brain fog
I often hear many people dismiss working out as “primitive,” or something that takes time away from their daily tasks and objectives. Being “too busy” is also one of the worst excuses I’ve ever heard as to why people don’t workout or engage in some sort of physical activity. If you want to improve your cognitive function in order to optimally complete the daily challenges of your job or life in general, you’d best make some time for working out.
Working out does so much more than just make our muscles bigger or our gut smaller. It improves overall cognitive function, transforms your self-image, and reduces depression, stress, and anxiety (see references).
Reflecting back on the past 100 days, I think the mental benefits have been just as important and transformational as the physical benefits of working out. The newfound sustained energy and improved mental function has allowed me to: read several books, begin various creative projects like this blog and my new podcast, relentlessly practice my drums, study for my personal training certification, and much more with less fatigue and more joy.
After reading the section above, I feel validated in the fact that I organize my day by first warming up my brain through meditation and journaling (plus coffee, of course), afterwards I take time to study or work on this blog, then workout. Immediately after a workout is when I usually practice. So it comes as no surprise that working out hasn’t been draining energy and taking away from my practice, it’s doing the exact opposite! The workout I do every day is improving my long-term retention of the motor skills I develop during my practice session! Personally, I think this is all fascinating.
As always, my intention is not to brag, but to show you why I approach life and drumming in a holistic manor, rather than just spending every waking hour practicing drums. I think no matter your situation - even if you have zero workout equipment or suffer from a physical limitation or handicap - you can find a way to improve your physical health, and as a consequence, improve your overall wellness in the process. If you’d like some assistance in the process, or have ANY questions about beginning the journey to making healthier choices, please feel free to reach out. Either in the comments below or via email groovi.drummer@gmail.com
Best,
Austin
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