It's interesting, because I'm teaching English to new immigrants here in Canada at the moment, and my main class is mostly middle-aged professional type people. Of course they have many additional stresses of adapting to life here, some from difficult situations (refugees), but many work and have families, and our current unit is "health and safety."
I've done some activities where I've taught them about healthy vs unhealthy habits and asked what they do for exercise, if they use their local pool, etc. and the sentiment among most of them, and nearly all the men is "I don't exercise much, life makes it difficult, I don't have time, I used to do more, but now I drink and eat more instead," basically.
Trying to get people out of that self destructive cycle is really hard. Once you get into shape once you remember how good you felt while you were in shape and can get back to it if you fall off the wagon. But if you get yourself into that slow slide into physical breakdown while never experiencing what it's like to be fit then it's a problem.
When my second daughter was born I took quite a few months off training. I went from running ultras to being unable to finish a 5K without stopping. Many people are at that "unable to run a 5K point," but they don't have that, "I need to get back into shape," mindset.
Yes, though they also raised very valid points--being healthy and having healthy habits, and good access to healthy things these days is very correlated with income, where you live, and a certain degree of privilege, especially in a world full of pollution, inequality, etc. unfortunately. But yes, I'm right there with you, on a personal level. I'm constantly amazed by how much older people around my age look than me.
I get that it is harder for some people. But ultimately with this the decision to form healthy habits needs to come from within. There are many people that have every opportunity possible given to them on a silver platter and they still squander it. Which is a shame.
Thank you for sharing this insightful article. The last paragraph may explain the reason soldiers who were in combat together often form strong, long-lasting friendships with each other.
One of my favorite poems ever is a war poem by Seigfried Sassoon. It's short but it really encapsulates the bonds that form between people through war.
Enjoyed this article as well Anthony, I think I would face pretty much the same challenges as you did, if I moved to Japan, especially at the beginning.
And definitely, the people who can kick each other's head with no hard feelings and some healthy rivalry, are the keepers. 😁
That initial stage is something that everyone needs to get over. It's a struggle at first but having a support system really helps you get through it. And a good dojo is a great support system.
I do love a bit of face kicking and friendly rivalry. lol
Whenever I read your entries and see all the things you're doing intensively, I think, "this guy must not be married" :)
Haha! I need to use the free time I have efficiently. That means no TV, no video games, no drinking alcohol. Only family, training, and work.
I actually took my family to a parkrun event last year. The post is up on Instagram. :)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0n_O4DyJhM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
I take it all back! Well done.
It's interesting, because I'm teaching English to new immigrants here in Canada at the moment, and my main class is mostly middle-aged professional type people. Of course they have many additional stresses of adapting to life here, some from difficult situations (refugees), but many work and have families, and our current unit is "health and safety."
I've done some activities where I've taught them about healthy vs unhealthy habits and asked what they do for exercise, if they use their local pool, etc. and the sentiment among most of them, and nearly all the men is "I don't exercise much, life makes it difficult, I don't have time, I used to do more, but now I drink and eat more instead," basically.
Trying to get people out of that self destructive cycle is really hard. Once you get into shape once you remember how good you felt while you were in shape and can get back to it if you fall off the wagon. But if you get yourself into that slow slide into physical breakdown while never experiencing what it's like to be fit then it's a problem.
When my second daughter was born I took quite a few months off training. I went from running ultras to being unable to finish a 5K without stopping. Many people are at that "unable to run a 5K point," but they don't have that, "I need to get back into shape," mindset.
That problem is a tough nut to crack.
Yes, though they also raised very valid points--being healthy and having healthy habits, and good access to healthy things these days is very correlated with income, where you live, and a certain degree of privilege, especially in a world full of pollution, inequality, etc. unfortunately. But yes, I'm right there with you, on a personal level. I'm constantly amazed by how much older people around my age look than me.
I get that it is harder for some people. But ultimately with this the decision to form healthy habits needs to come from within. There are many people that have every opportunity possible given to them on a silver platter and they still squander it. Which is a shame.
Thank you for sharing this insightful article. The last paragraph may explain the reason soldiers who were in combat together often form strong, long-lasting friendships with each other.
One of my favorite poems ever is a war poem by Seigfried Sassoon. It's short but it really encapsulates the bonds that form between people through war.
Absolution
The anguish of the earth absolves our eyes
Till beauty shines in all that we can see.
War is our scourge; yet war has made us wise,
And, fighting for our freedom, we are free.
Horror of wounds and anger at the foe,
And loss of things desired; all these must pass.
We are the happy legion, for we know
Time's but a golden wind that shakes the grass.
There was an hour when we were loth to part
From life we longed to share no less than others.
Now, having claimed this heritage of heart,
What need we more, my comrades and my brothers?
Similar for me, but with running and cricket.
Sport is a great leveller and conversation starter. Sport when you’re in deep with someone - ie.. an ultra - removes barriers.
Of course, I guess for some knitting has the same result… just not for me!!
I'm sure people in knitting clubs have a lot to talk about. It's totally lost on me though.
And I absolutely agree. That concept of working together towards a common goal is a really great way for people to bond.
Enjoyed this article as well Anthony, I think I would face pretty much the same challenges as you did, if I moved to Japan, especially at the beginning.
And definitely, the people who can kick each other's head with no hard feelings and some healthy rivalry, are the keepers. 😁
That initial stage is something that everyone needs to get over. It's a struggle at first but having a support system really helps you get through it. And a good dojo is a great support system.
I do love a bit of face kicking and friendly rivalry. lol