I recently contributed to an article titled the Workout Drug that discussed the benefits of exercise and why there is such immense interest in developing a drug that mimics exercise. The funny thing is that we do not yet know all of the ways that exercise is good for the body. Each year startling discoveries are made such as the fact that chemicals or myokines created from contracting muscles travel to the brain and promote brain maintenance and growth. Or the discovery that exercisers can discern sounds better than non-exercisers! I am not sure how a drug can mimic the multitude of positive effects that have little to do with the actual muscles. How can a drug mimic the connection and positive mood of a nice long walk with family after a holiday meal? Or the feeling of exploring a new place by bike? Or the awe and amazement of taking in the views after hiking up a hill or mountain?

I do believe we will have a drug in the next decade. I am not sure of the efficacy and I am not sure if it will cancel out the effects of exercise generated by old-fashioned skeletal muscle contraction. Some time-crunched days, this may be a God-send. But for me, my workouts are split into a few different categories: metabolic benefit, cardiovascular function, stress relief, and mechanical. Some days I just need to get moving for the metabolic effects. Some days I need to stress my cardiovascular system to make sure the engine is working well. Other days I am overwhelmed and stressed out and I need something purely for the time to sort things out (this is when an outdoor workout or yoga class is key!), and other times I need to work on movement mechanics, strength, and flexibility so that when it comes time to exercise intensely or go on an adventurous hike or bike ride, my body is ready.

This is the time of year when many people re-evaluate their workouts and workout goals. So…if there were a workout drug, would you use it? What would you miss about your current exercise or movement if you no longer needed to do it for health reasons? What other benefits do you find from exercising and moving that could not be replicated by a small pill?

Happy New Year and I hope for many blessings in 2020!