Unstoppable you: Early morning exercise sets you up for the day

^{Local citizens work out each morning along Sai Kung Waterfront Photos: Roger Medcalf}

“It is better to work out early in the morning than it is to look in the mirror and not like what you see.”

At Sai Kung Waterfront Park every morning you will see mature ladies exercising to the rhythm of a portable radio. They walk in time to the beat and move their hands and arms as if they are dog paddling. Then they put their hands on top of their shoulders looking like they are mimicking birds.

All are in good shape for their age. Usually there are about 18 of these ladies, all in black trousers. Occasionally there is a solitary male. It’s about 6:00 am and the pre-autumn sun gives the clouds a soft pink glow. Pigeons, starlings, mynahs, magpies and sparrows are flying or hopping about looking for breakfast.

Perhaps there is something in the theory that women live longer because they are more sociable. The life expectancy for women in Hong Kong is 88.4 years; for men it is 82.8 years. Regular exercise promotes mental health and physical well-being. So get out there, running if you’re young, walking if you’re not. If you do so, you’ll feel happier about yourself and ready for another lovely, positive day.

“Nothing can stop the man (or woman) with the right mental attitude” — Thomas Jefferson