Back when I could get away with it, I subscribed to Norman Mailer's view that exercise without excitement, without competition or danger or purpose, didn't strengthen the body but simply wore it out. Swimming laps always seemed to me especially pointless. But I can't get away with that attitude now. If I don't swim, I will be a pear-shaped pillar of suet.
📖 William Finnegan
In his book "Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life," William Finnegan reflects on his past mindset regarding exercise. He once agreed with Norman Mailer, believing that physical activity needed to be filled with excitement and competition to be worthwhile. For him, monotonous activities like swimming laps felt futile and exhausting rather than beneficial.
However, as Finnegan matured, he recognized the necessity of exercise for maintaining his health. He acknowledges that without swimming, he would become out of shape and unhealthy. This shift in perspective illustrates his growing understanding of the importance of consistent physical activity, regardless of its perceived excitement.
