Why is “whenever you can” the worst time to exercise? This topic was inspired by a woman who, upon being asked “Do you exercise,” answered “When I can.”
Exercise is something you need to commit to.
The “when I can” approach will discourage commitment and consistency.
The woman who told me that she exercises when she can weighs 302 pounds.
Her only exercise is an occasional 30 minutes of pedaling on a stationary bike – at resistance 1.
People with a high degree of physical fitness do NOT work out “when they can.”
They’re on a regular schedule of at least a few times a week, and often, at least four days a week. Many work their bodies every single day without fail.
When do you watch TV or play videogames?
The concept of “when you can” better applies to passive activities that don’t do a single thing for your bodily health.
I myself watch TV when I can. This means I hardly watch TV.
Sometimes, when I’m watching the tube, I’m exercising. I have a treadmill in that room, and also, when my leg day is at home, the TV is on while pushing out intense sets of dumbbell squats.
If your approach to exercise is that of doing it whenever you can, then this simply isn’t enough to substantially ward off future chronic disease or gain the many benefits of consistent structured workouts such as preserved mobility and balance, a sharp brain, robust mental health and a strong lower back.
If you’re a young adult, you can get away with a sedentary lifestyle.
But once you get into your 30s, and for sure, 40s, the “whenever I can” mindset will start catching up to you – EVEN IF YOU’RE THIN.
Showering When You Can
Imagine if you applied this approach to bathing, brushing your teeth, cleaning your bedroom and doing your laundry.
It’s not a pretty thing to think about.
You’d never settle for showering when you can. Same with washing your socks and underwear.
Now of course, there are people who obviously do these things only when they get the chance.
If you’ve ever been around them, you know it.
Exercise should be treated as crucial as is keeping your body clean, practicing good hygiene, brushing your teeth and brushing your hair.
Do you save money “when you can”? If so, you’re probably in the poorhouse.
Structured exercise should never be a spur of the moment activity – regardless of age or weight.
