Scientists have been working on a drug that's produced increased stamina in lab mice. Seems the treated mice could run 44% farther and 23% longer than untreated mice. The drug is supposed to chemically mimic the effects of exercise according to Ron Evans, the author of the study. The drug is called AICAR.
So I have to ask myself, if I could get all the benefits of exercise just by taking a pill, would I? Should I?
Short answer:
Scientists and savvy marketers are constantly and consistently discovering substances, devices and methods that promise to make me lean and fit while keeping my butt firmly planted in my Lay-Z-Boy. Take a pill? I think I'll pass. The less I put into my body the better.
Shorter answer: No.
There is satisfaction in achievement by virtue of effort. There are other benefits that can be derived from this new drug (such as preventing complications associated with heart bypass surgery), replacing exercise shouldn't be one of them.
Today's awesome distraction of really good stuff:
It was raining and cold on the bleachers yesterday morning- and miserably awesome! And this morning, while a little drier, made for a pretty chilly run to and from the gym. Not too many brave the cold and there were quite a few people on the treadmills this morning. My neighbors drive to the gym and probably think I'm weird as I trot up to door. I'll confirm their belief by confessing right here and now that I find something euphoric about doing physically strenuous activity in less than ideal conditions. It somehow unleashes my inner-Hulk and I rage right through. Any additional adversity beyond the forces of gravity augments my determination and the experience as a whole. So, bring it on Ma Nature- it's go time!
The scale was nice to me this morning-but was it really? Is it the scale or is it all the effort I put into reaching my goals? If you consider that, between weigh-ins, I had to run 2 miles, walk 1 mile, run the bleachers 6 times, lift 26,850 lbs., and eat right you may be given to pause. OK, it's the scale.
Over the years, I've seen lots and lots of exercise programs, devices, and eliminators all designed to make your exercise sessions more and more effortless. I've seen the special tables that move your body for you, electrodes that make you twitch, and body suits that make you sweat. If that's what you're into, hey, rock on. I guess I'm just a little old fashioned.
I believe that goals require effort to accomplish. I believe we (humans) can be our best when things are at their worst. I believe we rise above and conquer, adapt and overcome, gird up our loins and march on, kick ass and take names. I believe our potential is limited only by our resistance to make the effort necessary to accomplish our goals.
I think about people that have done things I'd like to do; people that have accomplished things I'd like to but just haven't done yet. What makes them different? What makes them able to accomplish the things I'd like to accomplish? I think it's a matter of commitment, action, and tenacity. I believe I'm no different in any other respect. I believe anyone can accomplish their goals with a heaping helping of commitment, action, and tenacity. That's my “Tao'r of Kapow'r” (c) TM; the three things that will ensure my success--- all wrapped up in a silly (but copyrighted and trademarked) nonsensical catch phrase.
