7 Reasons Why The Gym is Better Than Therapy | Hacker News Reader

7 Reasons Why The Gym is Better Than Therapy

scotthyoung.com

22 pointslanger12 comments

While many people who see therapists would probably also benefit greatly from an increase in their exercise level, a lot of people have issues that can't be solved by lifting weights or running. One is not really a substitute for the other.

Why pay to exercise? Grab a pair of sneakers and learn to run.

* http://www.runnersworld.com << learn to run

* http://www.hundredpushups.com << learn to do 100 pushups in 6 weeks.

* http://news.ycombinator.org << learn to stop wasting far more time than is necessary on this site xD

I'm 2/3 on that list.

Have you followed the 100 pushup program? 100 push ups in a row is no easy task, I would love to be able to do it ... might take this challenge on and see how it goes!

There is nothing wrong with following a program like that but one thing push-up don't do is allow you to work your upper body through the full range of motion. Full range is important because it will work all of the supporting muscles, create a natural look to the muscle group and create more overall strength. Dumbell chest exercises, flat bench, butterfly, and incline, I think, are a better exercise option.

Good points. I do a lot of swimming and soccer playing for general overall fitness - would like to do some upper body work, but just cannot motive myself to do a full range of exercises (takes to long and I find them too boring!) ... so pushups may get me started!

Learn to run?

You'd be surprised how many don't actually know how to run properly.

"... #1 - The Gym is Cheaper ..."

#0 - pt, walking, running & climbing cost nothing.

I don't know what it is about "Gym's" but they have the "kiss" of death about them. I don't know if it's the idea of exercising in crappy air, looking at the same sterile view of some other poor sod trying to exercise last nights excess. Instead I enjoy this ~ http://flickr.com/photos/bootload/2803128286/ and this ~ http://flickr.com/photos/bootload/2602820069/in/set-72157605... Nothing quite like exertion, fresh air & natural views.

Therapy is just a substitute for true friendship in our increasingly friendless world.

The wealthier we get, the safer we feel, the less need we have for friends, and then the only choice left to us is to pay a stranger to listen to our problems.

Regular exercise has been shown many times to improve many factors as eluded to in this article. But it all just appears as opinion and I feel would be more persuading if cited some of the slews of studies.

On that note I love working out, in gyms and outside... its even related to my current web app, but telling people the benefits isn't really going to motivate them enough for a lifestyle change unless they enjoy it.

What's next? Maybe

7 Reasons Why Aspirin is Better Than Massage Therapy

Figuring out how you became who you became -- that's therapy. Improving your mood and health -- that's the gym.

Why the false choice?

I suspect it's related to the prominent "Advertise Here (click for details)" at the head of the article.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com