This week my theme is exercise and how it relates to my essential question (what is wellness and how can I maximize the wellness of myself and others). I began by researching the impact of exercising on health, specifically in relation to the brain. I found that not only does exercise boost physical health, it also strengthens the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, resulting in a stronger system to fight off neurological diseases. Further, exercise can result in a sharper memory, higher self esteem, more energy, better sleep, and stronger resilience. I am also exploring different types of exercises and the different companies surrounding this topic. Not only have I been trying new apps and exercises that are different from my usual routine, I have been looking into the language these companies use to describe themselves and their goals. From personal experience, and many articles I’ve read, I believe that one’s reasoning for exercise fundamentally changes what they get out of the experience. Therefore, I think it’s important that these fitness brands promote an environment of motivation, inclusivity and goals that reach beyond merely losing weight or “getting in shape” to emphasize the mental benefits of exercise as well. For me, a moment, or more collection of moments, that relates to this topic, is the period during a workout where it reaches maximum difficulty, and one must use their mental strength to persevere. I first learned about “mental toughness” during a lecture at John McEnroe tennis academy’s summer camp, where I became restless, excited to return to playing tennis after it finished. However, this mental component to exercise has come back to me, whether it is through the perseverance Michael Jordan mentions in the “Last Dance” documentary, or the moment where I am trying to keep my balance in a difficult new yoga pose I am trying. I now recognize the importance of viewing exercise more holistically, to understand the true extent of the benefits and how to reap them.