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.<p>* <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.runnersworld.com</a> << learn to run<p>* <a href="http://www.hundredpushups.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.hundredpushups.com</a> << learn to do 100 pushups in 6 weeks.<p>* <a href="http://news.ycombinator.org" rel="nofollow">http://news.ycombinator.org</a> << learn to stop wasting far more time than is necessary on this site xD<p>I'm 2/3 on that list.
<i>"... #1 - The Gym is Cheaper ..."</i><p>#0 - pt, walking, running & climbing cost nothing.<p>I don't know what it is about "Gym's" but they have the <i>"kiss"</i> 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 ~ <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/bootload/2803128286/" rel="nofollow">http://flickr.com/photos/bootload/2803128286/</a> and this ~ <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/bootload/2602820069/in/set-72157605779246088/" rel="nofollow">http://flickr.com/photos/bootload/2602820069/in/set-72157605...</a> Nothing quite like exertion, fresh air & natural views.
Therapy is just a substitute for true friendship in our increasingly friendless world.<p>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.<p>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<p><i>7 Reasons Why Aspirin is Better Than Massage Therapy</i><p>Figuring out how you became who you became -- that's therapy. Improving your mood and health -- that's the gym.<p>Why the false choice?