Walking on purpose.
One of my teacher pals exercises 5 or 6 times a week. I thought only professional athletes and Hollywood sorts who have to whip their kit off for ‘artistic reasons’ did that. I mean, why would anyone jiggle about so much when Netflix and Jaffa Cakes exist? Nah mate, bollocks, not doing that.
But… My colleague always looks sparkly eyed when the rest of us are flagging. Even though she has a dead stressful job, I’ve never once seen her with a right face on. She might just be of a naturally sunny disposition compared to my naturally drizzly one, or maybe it’s that exercise is actually, and I can't imagine how… good for you?
I’ve happened upon loads of senior leaders and managers who are fitness fanatics. I've been at conferences where there is an actual scheduled city run at the crack of dawn. I’ve never been tempted. Maybe they’re disciplined with their physical health just as they also must be disciplined in the areas of their lives that elevated them towards positions of power? Or maybe they need to invest time and energy in staying healthy and building stamina because their role is a crucial one? I dunno…
Up until recently I’ve only made myself available to physical activity if I'm assured of a medal, a round of applause, or cold hard charity sponsorship cash. The worst exercise of all is unplanned movement for practical reasons - having to walk somewhere in a city, or run to catch a train. I can only submit to exertion if it’s on purpose - a lovely stroll round a lake, or even a yoga class (I’m aerobically inept but ever so bendy).
But as part of my crusade to achieve a bare minimum of health, I occasionally relent and actively seek new athletic experiences. I've done everything from boxing to ballet, though I'll not be enduring a spin class again - the saddle played merry hell with my nethers. Frankly, I've has less invasive smear tests.
Still, walking on puropse isn't too bad I suppose. Planned walking. For the sake of fitness, not travel, you understand.