78 Comments
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Gareth Thomas's avatar

That's essentially why I gave up general medical practice 20 years ago, retrained in sports and exercise medicine, and became a marathon runner!

I largely stopped being a drug prescriber and became a lifestyle prescriber!

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RL Parzek's avatar

Wish what changed your focus was contagious. We need more real “doctors”!

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Elle's avatar

So true. Did that daily for years and it cured the downs and stresses away, at least

emotionally. Start out slow and build up. It’s worth it and the rewards are priceless.

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Mary-Anne Sillamaa's avatar

And if you are 77, a daily 2 mile walk is also very mentally refreshing. I'm pretty sure that running would be even better, but my body can't crank up a run any more.

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Nancy's avatar

At 80, I’m with you. Also can rotate with biking (stationary) and rowing! Additionally , see if you can fit in lifting, yoga and/or

Pilates! Amazing how the flexibility helps with everything!

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Fred's avatar

I like the saying, “Don’t exercise to add years to your life. Exercise to add life to your years.”

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Brien's avatar

I was a 3 or 4X a week jogger for 40 years before switching to the elliptical 4 years ago. Completely agree with John. There is no better anti-depressant than vigorous exercise, and if your knees aren’t up to running try the magic 10,000 steps a day. It will also work wonders, especially if you can get outside.

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TMC's avatar
Jan 28Edited

Totally agreed with you. Motions affect e-motions. Staying active under the sun helps us stay positive!

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wkenn's avatar

Doing miles, back when I was able and doing 5 miles/day, was the greatest cleansing of daily stress I've experienced. At ground level the seasons change, wonders of nature (so often overlooked), appear as if by magic.

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Kathleen Nathan's avatar

Very happy that this has benefitted so many. I hate running and it hurts my knees. I usually do about a 9O min stint with a Bikram yoga CD....works for me and my knees feel great! Also found this cures all back aches and no need to go about in terrible weather getting cold and damp. I heat up my small bathroom to 1OO degrees and have at it-- thus avoiding traffic, dogs, rain and sleet and icy sidewalks.

But I do not get that adrenaline rush which comes from almost getting attacked by your neighbors bloodhound or being narrrowly missed by a speeding bus as it makes a sharp right turn.

I have infinite respect for you, John Leake, and all others risking life and limb on America's streets and sidewalks. I paid for the Bikram CD...you can get them used in e-bay or other places...much cheaper than good running shoes...A brisk walk is good, though.

Congratulations to everyone who is able to be a "runner"...Please be careful John. Your substack is important to me and I think, the world. Thank you for all you do and for your bravery.

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John Leake's avatar

Thank you Kathleen, I greatly appreciate your kind and encouraging words. Warm regards, John

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Jane Spring's avatar

Being outside seems to lift my mood as I walk every day. At 79 walking is a must, trails or street in my neighborhood, fresh air and sun!

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Ubetcha's avatar

My knees are shot (from heel striking for 30+ years). So I took up boxing at 64, it’s even better than running. No sparring though due to blood thinners.

Running is excellent for your physical and mental well being, I miss it.

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Denise Lewis's avatar

My knees won’t allow it but I can walk really fast!

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Corrin Strong's avatar

Given that there is definitely such a thing as a “runners high,“ I don’t think everyone is cut out for “pounding the pavements.“ If you must run, try to run on more gentle surfaces such as grass, dirt or other forgiving surfaces.

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earl's avatar

Going for a trail run is what I love. Especially with a dog.

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carmen vidal's avatar

Exercise is key to minimizing stress and anxiety. Walking is always my go-to, and yes, I feel so much lighter; so much of life really doesn't matter that much in the end.

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Robert Labossiere's avatar

I'm 72 and a couple of weeks ago I thought to myself, fuck it, I'm going to run again. I walk, I'm reasonably fit, but at this age even breaking into a slight trot becomes unimaginable. It was tough at first during my daily morning 'walk the dog' to just run a few steps. The dog gave me a look like waaaa? But I've kept at it. My pace is not much faster than a brisk walk but the whole dynamic is different. A lot more muscles are in play. Once you get going, you sweat. Hallelujah!

And my dog, an alpha female, loves that I'm finally at least trying to keep pace. In the morning she's like, "Let's go!"

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DaughteroftheKing's avatar

Dear Mr. Leake, SO THANKFUL you have a NATURAL way to restore your mental health and THANK YOU for sharing.

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Holly Malloy's avatar

Thanks for the inspiration!

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Ruth Gordon's avatar

Very inspiring, John. Thank you!

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