Exercise: Body Play that Benefits the Soul

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published December 2006, Community Leader

A patient came to see me for the first time recently. He arrived on foot—literally—having run from his home several miles away. As it happens, this individual runs a fair amount. I do too. I told him as much, and he responded, “Yes, I’ve seen you out there. That is one of the reasons I chose you as a doctor.” Runners understand one another. We love this crazy pastime that forces us out in the wind and the rain, collecting blisters and calluses. We love feeling the strength and speed of our bodies. We love letting our bodies play. We can’t comprehend why others wouldn’t want to experience this connectedness with their physical selves.