ODTUG Kscope12 - Kscope12: Health and Fitness

Kscope12: Health and Fitness

Dec 13, 2011 by ODTUG

Becoming an Oracle Warrior, Part 2

So how’s that new workout going? Did you get started doing something to improve your fitness level? (Seriously, I don’t want to catch you falling asleep during one of my presentations!).

So, in case you did not get my point the last time (https://kscope12.com/news/item/27-kscope-fun-factor-focus-on-fitness ), there are many good reasons to add a little exercise to your life:

1. Increased Energy

As counter intuitive as it may be – working out actually increases your overall energy level. Especially if you do it in the morning. A little activity helps jump start your metabolism and can actually keep your body burning fat and calories far into the day. This is much better than just jolting yourself awake with a cup (or three) of coffee, and has the added benefit of no big crash mid-morning.

2. Increased Self-Confidence

Like any goal, setting it and achieving it makes you feel good about yourself.  Even if it is a little goal like walking a half mile three times a week, you still get a sense of control over your own life and accomplishment when you actually get out there and do it!  You get to say – “Hey, I did it!” If you feel good about yourself in one area of your life, it is easier to deal with other areas where you have less control. (And we all know how little control we have over the dang database crashes, etc.)

Pretty soon you will be setting bigger fitness goals:

Walk a whole mile.

Then maybe jog that mile.

Then (who knows?) run a 5K!

 I know I felt great after I actually worked up to doing a 5K trail run a few years back and actually beat my own best time. (And I HATE running!)

3. Reduced Stress

We all know how much stress working in IT land can be what with dealing with the constant new releases, upgrades, downsizing, outsourcing, and those users! Oiy!

Exercising on a regular basis can be your mental oasis. Our brains can’t really multi-task (no matter what anyone tells you!), so it is hard to be stressed out worrying about the latest upgrade fiasco while you are trying to keep the beat in a Zumba class.

One false step and (well you know…)

Try a boot camp class sometime – let me tell you there is no time to think about anything other than the current drill as you try to figure out how to get enough air to not pass out.

 (Can you tell I like challenging workouts? Call me nuts…my wife does)

Years ago I had a martial arts student who was a very successful venture capitalist and risk management consultant. He told me that my class, even though it was physically challenging for him, was the least stressful part of his day. He said he really looked forward to it because all he had to do was show up and follow directions. No decisions to be made, no opportunity to dwell on what went right and what went wrong – he had to focus on the task at hand (in this case kicking and punching) and he found that to be very relaxing for him, mentally.

But he made the most important decision already – to show up and train!

(And of course, exercise releases some lovely hormones into your body and brain, which really do make you feel much better).

So don’t wait until New Year’s…make a resolution NOW:

I will exercise a little every day.

I will be fit in time for Kscope12.

I will live long and prosper!

In the meantime, check out all the great fitness classes offered at the spa at our host hotel to help you stay fit once we are there: http://www.jwlantanaspa.com/files/LS%20Fitness%20Schedule%20Fall%20Winter%202011.pdf

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

- Kent

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