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Some of the best quotes about physical fitness come from John F. Kennedy. He understood the importance of fitness and how it is critically important not only to us as individuals but to the nation as a whole.
“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. The relationship between the soundness of the body and the activities of the mind is subtle and complex. Much is not yet understood. But we do know what the Greeks knew: that intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong; that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhabit sound gods.” —John F. Kennedy
You’ve heard that we have a healthcare crisis in this country? That’s bullshit—we have a lifestyle crisis in this country.
The United States of America spends more money than any other country to treat and mitigate disease. Why? In part because only 20% of the population exercises on a regular basis, and easy access to rich, salty, sugary food is the norm.
If 20 minutes of daily physical activity were the norm, we would see a huge reduction in healthcare costs. If individuals had to walk 20 minutes to find food, obesity would be eliminated within 6 months!
Instead, most Americans can walk 20 steps to the fridge or pantry and find an unhealthy processed snack. Our ancestors who hunted and foraged were not obese! They did not have gym memberships, organized sports, DNA analysis, Fitbits, or Peletons. Movement was the norm.
Restructure your life. Disregard what all the experts say and disregard the government recommendations. Our ancestors didn’t walk for exercise, they walked for survival.
Engage in activity with a purpose: Get outside, perform yard work, pull weeds, cut the grass, walk around the neighborhood and meet your neighbors, ride your bike, paint your house or the mailbox, kick or throw the ball with the kids and pick up litter while you walk.
Keep active and don’t overcomplicate your lifestyle. Eat less and move more.