I have been exploring options near me to work out. I am debating between the cost and time to travel to work out.
I am comparing it to doing what I do today instead with some modifications.
Could anyone who works out regularly let me know what other potential benefits amd costs I may have missed?
Social - I volunteer and sometimes barter labor for tasks like cleaning someones home, prep work in a kitchen, planting trees, landscaping, an extra hand on their projects, group meals. This replaces social activities a gym may provide.
Financial - I do not pay fees to work out. On some barters I get food or assistance with things I need to do. I could get paid for some tasks like walking a neighbors dog.
How I feel - when volunteering and doing acts of kindness I am told the 'feel good chemicals' in my brain are raised. People I do the acts of kindness for have their 'feel good chemicals' levels raised too. Anyone witnessing these acts also have theirs raised. A Indian Guru I watched once said if you feel depressed go volunteer and be of service and you and others depression will be reduced or eliminated. Maybe the Guru was corrct?
A lot of the activities I do are during the day, outdoors and around nature. I interact with plants, critters and have the sun shining many days. There is a lot of scientific data that shows been many studies showing how this helps us on many levels.
In the original Karate Kid movies, Mr Miyagi told Daniel Son to do repeated excercises. Such as while waxing a car, 'wax on' and 'wax off'. I try and use similar types of movements when doing dishes, cleaning, etc. Could these low impact excercises be better for me?
Cortisol levels - being at a gym sounds stressful based on who I am. Based on what I understand about cortizol, how does the gym lower your stress?
At 50 years old, my goals are to stay fit and healthy. I do not want 'a six pack' or to be 'ripped'. I am okay with having a little extra for the winter lol.
To those who regularly work out (and those who do not) please let me know what other costs or benefits are not included?
With gratitude.
