Fellow writers, it’s time we had a talk. You know what I mean. We need to talk about the connection between writing and getting fat.

Since dedicating myself to getting published I’ve put on five kilos. Almost all of those five kilos can be traced directly to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches eaten at inopportune times.

That, and sitting on my rapidly expanding behind getting no exercise except for typing. Typing does burn a few calories, but not nearly enough to make up for the amount of food I’ve been shovelling in.

Exercise prescription differs from person to person, but rest assured you should be doing something to offset the long hours you’re spending at your desk. Walking’s great, but I heartily recommend that you talk to a doctor (to make sure you’re not going to keel over and die if you go for a run) and then talk to a qualified personal trainer to get a weights program going. We spend so much of our time hunched over keyboards that weight bearing exercise is doubly important for writers to help offset writers hunch.

Weights are also a good way to start looking better naked. Health benefits are great but nothing beats looking in the mirror and seeing something you like.

I’ve recently gotten back into Mixed Martial Arts, but I’m willing to accept that getting punched in the face isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. Taking up some sort a sport will get you some social time too.

All of this aside, getting some exercise has a direct benefit for your writing. Exercise promotes blood flow to your brain. The more blood flow you get the less likely you are to end up with that cotton wool feeling.

Weight loss is harder for some than for others, but if you work out and eat right, then you’ll look better, feel better and write better.*

What’s not to like?

* Strangely I’m actually more qualified to give fitness advice than writing advice. Still not properly qualified of course. Use this blog with a pinch of salt and an otherwise normaldiet consisting mainly of published authors advice.