Freelance Writing - Writer Tips

Why Being an Underachiever Exerciser Made Me a Better Writer

March 17, 2011 - By 

{flickr photo by: danmachold}

I used to exercise 5-6 days a week. When I was in my early twenties and really into it, I would sometimes work out for twice a day 6-7 days a week. I was not an athlete. I did not aspire to be a fitness model. And surprisingly I was slim, but not at all muscular or athletic looking. Maybe I was a bit of addict and had too much time on my hands.

But recently, my exercise has tapered down a notch or two. Muscle aches and pains make overdoing it less attractive and so I stopped doing so much. But I discovered something interesting in the process. Exercising without any plan, motive or ambition can be quite thrilling and beneficial. {Not for my thighs, but my career (stick with me here).}

The last few days this week I’ve been using a treadmill, walking slow and at an interval. I’m barely out of breath (I still take classes and exercise 4 days a week to do that), but exerting just enough energy has given me the clearness of mind to think.

Solutions to problems in essays I’ve been stuck on, topics for magazine articles and blog ideas (it’s how I got the idea to write this post!) all seem to come to me effortlessly while I’m breezing through my exercise routine. I wish I had discovered it sooner. High impact, intense exercises are great for breaking a sweat, keeping in shape and releasing stress. But doing minimal exercises gives you enough energy to really focus and think.

The only problem?

Wish there was a way to download my thoughts while walking on a treadmill. Unfortunately, pausing or taking a chance writing while walking are my only options so far. And since I once lost it on an EFX machine in college, I’m not opting for the latter.

Loading

8 Comments on “Why Being an Underachiever Exerciser Made Me a Better Writer”

  1. I know exactly what you mean. I alternate my routine between more intense cardio and brisk walks (and in the summer, swimming), and it gives me time to play around with thoughts, flesh out ideas, and think of things I might not have thought of sitting at my desk. Swimming is especially effective because the water blocks out the sounds of the world.

    I recently heard of this site, jott.com, that might help “download your thoughts.” It assigns you a phone number which you call and leave short messages, like notes. Then it transcribes them and emails them to you. I haven’t tried it yet since I just heard about it (and I can’t use it in the pool obviously!) but it might be worth looking into for the treadmill!

  2. Hi Natalia!

    I never thought of swimming. Something to try now that spring’s upon us. I can’t wait, btw.

    Isn’t it awesome how technology is always one step behind us. Will check out the site. Thanks for sharing!

  4. Hi Michael! You’re kidding me? Really?!! J/k. I guess my head was stuck in the two options of paper or computer. And not sure how I feel about hearing my voice on tape. Right now, what I’ve been doing is more like getting home real fast so I can empty out what is left in my brain before it’s gone to the dark place in my memory.

  5. Ho Brandi:

    I’m with Michael. My exercising is walking. I will soon start training for my 8th 3-Day, 60 mile walk for breast cancer. When I’m on training walks and get an idea, I record a quick note on my Blackberry. I have to – I have baby boomer brain. 🙂 Have a fabulous weekend!
    Cathy Miller recently posted..Friday Lite Review

  7. Congrats on doing the walk for breast cancer! That’s awesome. You’re inspiring me to do a walk this year too. And you’re so funny Cathy! I didn’t even notice the misspelling. Kind of looked at it like Yo, or Hi ho Brandi.

Comments are closed.