Study Promises Benefits of Exercise in a Pill

Wired has an article that it an interesting read.

People are always looking for the ‘quick fix’ magic pill. And, as we continue our way into the future it continues to present itself in different ways. This is a very conflicting subject though. The part of me excited about the future (and also the part of me that knows we’re already there) is quite interested to see this type of study. Healthy or not, this is fascinating. The part of me that enjoys bodybuilding is interested to know what this type of treatment would do to enhance progress in weightlifting. But, the ethical part of me is worried about this. Not only for the animal testing I imagine that went into this research, but the long-term benefits/risks associated with quick fix pills, and the unhealthy expectations this could have for people.

Bottom line is — if it’s worth doing, the hard work is typically the more rewarding path to go.

Working out

I’ve begun working out regularly. Funny, when I started, I intended to “just go two or three days a week at first”. Yep, that lasted about a week. Now I go almost every morning before work. Jerid said it, and was completely right — if you’re going to do it, getting in a daily habit is the easiest way.

I didn’t know if I’d like it much, but I committed to trying it out. I love it. I’ll be honest, some days are definitely better than others, but I always feel better when I exercise. I get there between 6 and 6:30 AM each morning before work; depending on the morning meetings I have. A typical workout will consist of; 15 minutes of cardio on the cycle, 5+ minutes of cardio on a treadmill at it’s top incline, then the fun stuff — weights! I REALLY never thought I’d enjoy weights. Once you start to notice the small changes in your physique, that happen relatively quickly, you get quite interested to continue those changes. Seeing progress is really motivating. I have more energy throughout the day, I eat better, and I sleep much better at night. I’ve even lost 7 or 8 pounds.

It seems a lot of us are getting fit and I think that really helps. Tony is getting more fit (he’s also training for his El Cap trip — yes, he’s insane but more on that later.. haha), Tricia is really into rock climbing now, Jerid and Steve are going to the gym (they were the ones who got me to start), and David is an entirely new person! Having the motivation of friends is helpful too.