Working it Out by Working Out!

Written by Mary McManus for the Just Finish Newsletter

There is a wealth of research on the benefits of exercise. I thought I'd share with you the benefits I derive by working out on my recumbent bike. As a polio survivor, I never learned how to ride a bicycle but that does not keep me from the joys of bike riding. I use my time on the recumbent bike as an opportunity to reflect, renew, transform and transport myself to wherever I want to go.

Right before my workout a few weeks ago, I received a phone call which aggravated me. I got on that bike putting my mettle to the pedal and at the end of 30 minutes I had released the toxic encounter. One day right before my workout, I received a phone call from a friend who thanked me for inspiring her. She told me she was able to take a risk and do something new in her life which was going to also benefit others. I got on my bike and my workout was fueled by the joy and love of that conversation.

When I work out with my iPod I can be transported to watching my favorite Broadway show again or be uplifted by Amy Grant or Kristen Chenoweth. If I'm feeling tense, I can work it out by bringing in Da Funk with Brian Culbertson or I can pump to shuffle songs which suit my mood of the day.

Some days I turn off my iPod. I use the workout as a time for meditation and visualization focusing on strength health and renewal. I celebrate life as I sweat and watch my heart rate climb. I remind myself with every turn of the pedal I am saying "I love you" to my body. No matter what I choose as the workout focus, I know that those 30-45 minutes of sacred me time fly by. I am refreshed and renewed having traveled miles in my mind while taking exquisite care of my body.

So I will not be participating in the Tour de France but in my mind's eye I can climb up and down hills and travel anywhere I choose. I don't even need to renew my passport!

Renewal
No need to refute, no need to rebut
The words from the past no power to cut.
Graffiti on soul with sweat now washed away
That waters self love in the light of new day.
Ride past the old world green pastures I find
To nourish my body, my spirit my mind.
The words on my heart, love laughter and Truth
Speak volumes to silence the voices of youth!

So get out there and work it out while you are workin' out!

Mary McManus has a BS in Public Relations from Boston University and an MSW from Boston College. To learn more about her poetry and her journey from post polio to the finish line of the Boston Marathon, go to www.newworldgreetings.com. Mary has been interviewed on www.runrunlive.com. She has written a series of articles on the Art of Healing for www.divatoolbox.com. Check out Mary's blog at newworldgreetings.blogspot.com.