Getting physically fit is a classic new year’s resolution, one that, unfortunately, seems to be difficult for many people to maintain, one of us included. We’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out why. Is it because it is not important to some? Is time an issue? Or is it not enjoyable?

Let’s address the most important issue first. Is fitness important?

While we were doing research for our book, both of us were surprised by how many new and ongoing studies there now are looking at exercise and health. And we were even more surprised by how many studies have already shown benefits for all parts of the body from regular exercise. Sure, everyone knows that aerobic exercise is good for the heart; but did you know that it is also good for the brain? And would it surprise you to know that people who exercise regularly live longer than those who don’t? We could go on and on, but the bottom line is that regular exercise is no longer a "nice to do" but is a "must do" to stay healthy.

And what about those who think they don’t have the time for it?

Time really may be an issue for some, especially since new recommendations by the Department of Health and Human Services came out in late fall 2008 advising a total of 2 ½ hours per week of moderate aerobic physical activity. The American Heart Association and the American College for Sports Medicine released their recommendations for the same amount of aerobic exercise, and in addition, especially for older adults, strengthening exercises two days per week, as well as exercises for balance and flexibility at least two days per week.

And what about those of us who just don’t enjoy it?

Well, although one of us loves to exercise and has done it regularly since elementary school, the other of us would rather read a book. Here, in an excerpt from our book, is what she says about the reasons she, and many of her patients, don’t exercise:

" One reason is that during the twentieth century, we have become spoiled about instant gratification; in other words, we like to do things for which we see results quickly. We have no patience for a long drawn out program, particularly if it’s not enjoyable. In addition, we like to tackle the problem, find the solution, and be done with it – not have to keep working at it forever so that it becomes incorporated into our lives, which is the way an exercise program should be. And if we don’t keep reminding ourselves of how beneficial and necessary physical activity is to our health, we forget, and instead see it as just one more chore (and the first thing to go when we get busy).

All of these reasons are true for me. My life, like yours, is very busy and crowded with things I have to do to keep it humming along so that it won’t crash. So I don’t have the desire/discipline to do things that don’t immediately affect my life, especially if they are not fun to do. . .

But, regularly moving is crucial to our long term health, especially now that we’re older. Like breathing, we need to move regularly to live. Unlike breathing, we will not die quickly if we stop exercising, which makes it easier to stop doing it after awhile… Perhaps an even better analogy is that of brushing your teeth. Aren’t you fairly regular about doing that? Have you ever stopped to think why? It’s either because this habit was drummed into your head since you were little, or because you know on some level that if you don’t, you will eventually have gum disease and lose your teeth. We need to think the same way about physical activity (not that you’ll lose your teeth if you don’t do it, but that there will health consequences)."

Hopefully, knowing that regular exercise is crucial to your health in the long term, you’ll be convinced to start, and continue, to do it. So, has that line of thinking worked for us? One of us will simply continue her longtime nearly-perfect (ok – perfect) exercise regimen this year, while the other, though better about it, still has it on her new year’s resolutions list, if that tells you anything. Stay tuned.