For human beings, motion is life. Our bodies are made to move. By exercising modestly on a regular basis, we can change the rate of our aging on a biochemical level. Regular exercise also improves mood, boosts energy levels, and builds self-confidence.
Art & Science of AgingWell by Mark E. Williams, M.D.
On the second day of her hunting, as she was returning from the chase, and was arrived within a little distance from Mr Western’s house, her horse, whose mettlesome spirit required a better rider, fell suddenly to prancing & capering in such a manner that she was in the most imminent peril of falling.
Tom Jones, who was at a little distance behind, saw this, and immediately galloped up to her assistance.
As soon as he came up, he leapt from his own horse, and caught hold of hers by the bridle.
The unruly beast presently reared himself an end on his hind legs, and threw his lovely burthen from his back, and Jones caught her in his arms.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding (1749)
A man walks upright. For him it is strenuous to climb a steep hill, because he has to keep pushing his own vertical mass upward and cannot gain any momentum.
The rabbit is better off. His forelegs support his horizontal body and the great back legs do the work. They are more than equal to thrusting uphill the light mass in front of them.
Rabbits can go fast uphill. In fact, they have so much power behind that they find going downhill awkward, and sometimes, in flight down a steep place, they may actually go head over heels.
Meticulous record keeping of daily routines is prescribed for useful feedback; the checked habits suggest adjustments pointing in the right direction, toward enlightenment.
My biking buddy and I were stretching the concept of aging. We were trusting our instincts to keep us out of cars’ way, and pushing forward in terms of distance, testing our survival chances one way & another.