Nurture Vs. Nature

Scott Schwab
Today I wanted to spend a little time with what we spoke about the other day. The Hypothalamus, was discussed on Monday and I figured that we could get more in depth with a discussion on what it does. Apparently it regulates much more than just appetite and whether a person is full or not. It has many functions that benefit a person in almost every function of the body. This seemingly insignificant tissue valve, (for lack of a better term) gives us the ability to maintain a status quo. The question that I have, is what sets this status quo, this set-point system of the body? I personally believe that there are many factors; however, we will explore a couple today. Before you read on, I want to share the website that I am getting my information. This way you can read and draw your on conclusions.
http://www.psychiatry.wisc.edu/courses/psych619/text/Ch03.html

I believe that with many of the arguments that steam from the operation of the brain, we must consider a couple of factors. Nature vs. Nurture.
Nature
This portion as it relates to exercise is the talents, skills, abilities that have naturally found its way into our lives. It comes in many different forms and to some is the most interesting. Where do these abilities come from? How is it that people have different traits, skills? These are deep questions that I will not tackle; however, often we are spectators in life, I believe that it starts with the viewing of activities. It is obvious that genes and history play a role, but I also would submit that it has something to do with visual stimulation. I believe that everything starts as a thought within the brain. In summary, it started with being around something and viewing it. An example would be a child seeing others swimming. The basis is that this child will think of how others swim and then in progression, how he would replicate what he sees. I believe that this is only the part that does not involve the genes and history of who you are. With exercise I believe that it takes knowing your muscles. A successful person at the gym, can visualize what workouts need to be done and in progression of what will help them achieve their goal. Again these individual workouts were seen in a magazine, performed by someone else, or done at some point earlier in life. In summary; I believe that the nature side starts with a visual or bodily stimulation, which then provides a natural feel or ability thus developing a skill or talent towards that thing.
Nurture
Is more straight forward and a little easier to explain. These are the things that you were nurtured to do. Like the family who loves to run, bike and hike; the children statistically, will more likely be drawn to these activities down the road. Not all of us were exposed to exercise at a young age. In fact back in the days of my grandparents, they were not encouraged to lift weights often. Times have changed and it is apparent that the need for exercise is a reality. Even when we did not grow up having something that we did often, it is never to late to develop the nurture side. See the nurture side deals directly with what is enjoyable. When we consider how joy and happiness starts, it begins with endorphins. Endorphins are present in all physical exercise. Then why doesn't everyone exercise and we are all in shape? It will actually go even deeper with satisfaction. In economics they talk about utils of satisfaction. We base our decisions off of satisfaction, which links to our intrinsic needs and desires. In short, we find more satisfaction doing other things. Going to the gym is not as satisfying as going out, watching a movie, or just relaxing. I believe for us to nurture exercise into our lives, we must look at the end result, or benefits. There is not a person in this world that would say that they would not be satisfied being healthier or more fit. This is why I believe that it is a key element for us to focus on the end result. It will take a lot of work, it will not be fun at times, and you will want to quit because naturally we are more satisfied with relaxing then working our body. However, if we nurture our minds and begin with supporting thoughts that we can do it, and implement goals and benchmarks, we can do anything. Literally, you can change your life, but plan on work, time, and a whole lot of effort.
Begin now with the desire, implement thoughts on how you will do it, and then get to work. Those are the steps to begin. After that, it is getting a support group, dedicate yourself, and make it a habit. After 21 days, anything is a habit and you will find more satisfaction by doing something, then by doing nothing.