At the time I entered my MFA program in 1987, my university required that all entering students have a physical exam. (No idea why.) My doctor said, gravely, that I was older now, and could no longer count on being naturally healthy: I needed to start exercising. (I was all of 22.)

So I began playing racquetball. It wasn’t really enough, but it was a good beginning. I began to remember the pleasure of exercise (which I hadn’t experienced, really, since I’d quit my soccer team in the ninth grade), though I was still unwilling to submit to its discipline. After all, I had writing and reading to do.

Once I got my degree, though, there was no place to play racquetball, as I couldn’t afford to join a health club and anyhow, the sport was waning in popularity. I took up running because it was cheap, and much to my surprise — loved it. Needed it. If I didn’t run regularly, I got jittery, anxious. Running calmed me down. And it also allowed me time to think about whatever story I was working on. Some of my best ideas came then. And if they didn’t, I was still in a calmer, more productive frame of mind afterward.

I can’t run anymore (flat feet finally caught up with me [a priceless image, there]), but you better believe I do cardio and weight training every week. I don’t get the same high as I used to get from running, but I’m committed. I’m healthier, I feel better … and more complete.

@David: Hotel lobbies and hallways? Cemeteries? There have to be good stories in that upbringing.

thanks for the comments and tips. I particularly like the bit about cardio being good for creativity… Good tip.

-gordon

But let me give you some advice anyway:

1) If you have to pick just one form of exercise, pick resistance training 3-4 times a week (i.e. weight training). You’ll add muscle which raises your metabolism to burn extra fat even when you *aren’t* working out.

2) Ideally, do a little cardio first thing in the morning as well, and do the weights later in the afternoon. This will double your rate of progress, and the cardio is good for creativity, as it brings oxygen to the brain.

3) Start slow with the weights. Do about half as much as you think you can the first several weeks. That way you won’t get discouraged by the (perfectly normal, but severe) muscle soreness that can result if you go too hard, too fast.

4) If you can afford it, hire a personal trainer. Ideally they should hold the certification of “CSCS” with the NSCA. ACSM certified trainers are also acceptable, but by sticking to one of these two credentials, you’ll get someone who actually knows what they’re talking about, and who acts like a professional.

5) Finally, keep a log of your efforts. The idea is to gradually increase the amount of weight you can handle, and the number of sets and reps you can perform using good form for each exercise. If you don’t consistently progress, your progress will be limited.

Hope this helps!