Fitness first

I used to run a lot. I used to run everyday. Then it dwindled to 4 times a week. And slowly, it became twice a week, until finally, I stopped running. I don't know why. Maybe I was busy with work. Maybe I thought playing basketball 3 times a week is sufficient enough to supplement my running needs. Maybe I'm too tired, or too lazy to run anymore. Maybe I'm using the weather as an excuse not to run.

But today, I started again. And as always, it felt good. Which kind of made me wonder, why did I stopped in the first place? I have always love running, because once upon a time ago, running was my key out of depression. A good run always make me feel better afterwards. And it make me feel good about myself too. So if you know someone who is depressed, get that person to run. And really run, till you get breathless and a sharp pain in your gut.

There are many reasons why people joined the friendly neighbourhood gyms that keep sprouting in every new malls nowadays. Most of the time, the joining fees are waived, and the monthly fees are not that expensive as before (more gyms mean more competition). It's affordable, and it's a good excuse to be out of the house, if you're married.

"Honey, I'm going to the gym," said the husband.
"Again?" Complained the wife.
"Well, I'm paying for it every month, so better make good use of it," replied the husband.

Of course, it's better to get the wife to join together, so that you can sweat it out together and have a better and healthy relationship. But I guess the husband is more interested in sweating it out in the bedroom with the wife, while checking out other targets in the gym. If you don't believe me, go and visit the gym, and check out the studio where the aerobics classes are being held (such as body combat, steps, coyote dance), and you will also notice a bunch of guys sitting outside watching the girls jumping up and around (I was in that crowd previously).

But that besides the point.

It's good to be fit and feeling good about the shape of your body. And yes, round is a shape, but it's not a good shape to begin with. Round should be only associated with doughnuts, and not the shape of your body, or your tummy. Don't you think it's good to stand naked in front of the mirror and admiring your nicely-toned abs? Or your muscular chest? And don't you think it's good to be able to look down and see something (hopefully huge) dangling about and around instead of seeing your tummy potruding out and blocking the view?

And what about being able to reach the top of the mountain and not feeling totally out of breath while doing it? And also being able to play basketball, or futsal, and outlast those who are even younger than you are? And being able to finish the 10km race well within the appointed time?

Don't you think all that is worth achieving?

I do, and that is why I'm starting to run again.