Movement: The Miracle Drug
“If we could just get the whole population going on a long walk everyday, it would have meaningful, suppletive impact on the health of our society at large. Get moving, it will payoff immediately and in meaningful ways.”
An MFF exercise class celebrates one trainer’s love of salads, he even has a salad challenge. Yep, I’m dressed as a tomato.
It’s the time of year when Central Park is packed with runners prepping for the New York City Marathon—hundreds of people jogging the loops and reservoir.
26.2 miles requires a lot of moving which fills the body with endorphins, one our brain’s natural feel-good chemicals.
However, there are other physical activities that can alter our moods and enrich our lives, like biking, swimming, and dancing—just think of all those TikTok videos.
I got into running more than 20 years ago. I even ran the New York City Marathon with a respectable time of 4:15:37. Crossing that finish line is something I’ll never forget.
In fact, it’s the inspiration behind this episode. I can’t help but think of the acronym (D.I.D.) Determination – Intensity – Dedication. Those three words are definitely part of the magical mixture making up what is called Movement: The Miracle Drug.
There’s no better person to talk to about how physical activity enhances our lives than the man who shares his name with one of New York City’s most popular gyms.
Mark Fisher began his career as a professional actor and musical theater performer, but became obsessed with fitness and fell in love with human physiology and the psychology of behavior change. That was the passion that opened the doors to Mark Fisher Fitness (MFF), also known as The Enchanted Ninja Clubhouse of Glory & Dreams.
Since its inception, Mark has helped thousands of people find their way to health and hotness, with something he calls "Serious Fitness for Ridiculous Humans." Through the many specialized programs of MFF, gym-goers lovingly called "Ninjas," learn to swing kettlebells, jump into burpees, and bear crawl their way to fitness glory.
On this episode, Mark explains why it is important to stay active. He also suggests finding a compelling "why,” saying a strong "why," made up of our emotions and value structure, can help us cross any finish line—whether it be a walk in the park, hiking a trail, or starting a weight resistance program.
Movement is a miracle drug that can take us places we never dreamt physically possible. Who knows, maybe it’s a finish line at mile marker 26.2 in Central Park.