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The opposite of love is contraction. I know this doesn’t seem like it has anything to do with fitness, but it has everything to do with fitness. 

I must preface this by saying contraction is great when it’s on our terms. When we intentionally contract like during a crunch or a biceps curl. Contraction is not-so-great when it happens without us wanting it – like when we experience stress, grief, fright, worry, or when we are physically cold. 

You know what a heart attack is? Contraction!

Because exercise can elevate our heart rates, it helps with warmth. That warmth de-contracts.

Because exercise can drop us into our bodies and into the here and now, it grounds us. That grounding de-contracts. 

Because exercise can produce endorphins, it triggers positive feelings in the body, Those feelings de-contract. 

It’s not a coincidence that the people staying positive and energized right now are moving because moving de-contracts.

So keep moving party people! The more you use exercise as a form of life medicine, the more you’ll see how powerful it is. It’s great for the body, but it’s even better for your heart and soul.