Upgrading My Exercise Mindset

I used to think exercise was important, like everyone else does. We all know it matters, yet many of us, including me, still end up gaining weight because we don’t stick to it.

Over time, I realized that exercise is not just about appearance—it is vital for our well-being and health. Of course, good nutrition, sunlight, fresh air, and water also play big roles, but exercise is the one we often neglect. The truth is, we usually need a strong reason to actually commit. For me, that reason is simple: longevity.

There are many types of exercises, but I think I would focus on weightlifting. Weighlifting keeps muscles from shrinking with age. Since I never go to the gym—I don’t feel confident there and memberships cost money—I decided to use the exercise tools at the town park instea

In one corner of the park, there are stationary bikes, a pull-up bar, leg press machine or something like it because everything is manual, ellipticals, bench, pull up equipment and others. I tried each one.

When I tried the pull-up bar, I couldn’t lift myself up. I just hung there with my hands gripping the bar, telling myself, “I’m just starting. I’ll get better next time.” I moved on to the other equipment for my legs, thighs, and arms until I felt tired but satisfied.

Most people just walked past the equipments, since these are located by a jogging or walking track. One or two people stopped giving the equipment a try. Most of them keep on walking and ignored the equipment. I could see why—walking feels easier. But for me, it's good that no so many people stopped and use the equipment It means I did not have to compete in using them. They are all available for me to use.

That little workout at the park reminded me of something important: we don’t need fancy gyms or perfect bodies to start exercising. What we need is the right reason. And once we find it, the rest will follow.