So who’s heard of Maslow? As in, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
This theory provides our most basic needs (physiological needs) to those higher inward thinking and feelings needs. As you can see, one can only begin to consider safety needs once his physiological needs are adequately met. First I’ll list some of my favorite exercise activities and then examine how these activities can satisfy many needs at one time — how’s that for efficiency?
BIKE RIDING: One of my very first loves — more active and enjoyable (and at times, more time and cost-efficient) than driving, and quicker than walking or running (often without the additional sweat). Makes day trips possible.
Bikram Yoga: I was beguiled into taking part in this activity and now I love it! However, membership is expensive and actually going there is not necessary, in my opinion, if you have the discipline. The postures are great and challenging and even if you work on a few postures a couple times a day, you’ll notice the benefits.
Walking: For the times when you want to have greater control over your pace so you can window shop, closely examine flowers, take pictures, or just take time to closely examine different angles and perspectives, walking is great. Depending on the speed at which you walk, you can even burn more calories than running (which is an activity I HATE)!
Let’s take a look at the various benefits the above activities provide:
- Physiological: air (yup, or at least I’d hope), water, food (you should be consuming both of these if you’re participating in any physical activitity — if somehow you aren’t but can still run marathons, just shoot me an email and I promise I won’t sell your story to the media for millions of dollars), rest (you’ll be doing this as a result of the exercise), and exercise (straightforward)
- Safety needs: none, but my middle name is “danger” anyway
- Love and belonging: I’ve met my greatest friends through group bike rides and they continue to be a major part of my life. Common hobbies and activities is where, I believe, the strongest relationships are formed because there exists a basis upon which you both derive a similar happiness. Sweet.
- Self-Esteem (1): Not necessarily accomplished, but when you look good, you feel good, and vise-versa. I mean, would you rather be this? (Though they must all have a decent amount of self-esteem — more than I’d have!)
- Self-Esteem (2): FREEDOM! The best part about exercise is feeling free — knowing that you can stretch yourself mentally and physically! And more literally, getting out in the open for fresh air is rejuvenating and healthy!
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