This chapter allowed me to reflect on my lifestyle and fitness levels, and how my fitness has affected my personality over the past 20 years. In middle and high school, sports helped me make friends, strengthen friendship, gain confidence, and served as an outlet for releasing stress. In college, although I do not exercise nearly as much as I did in high school or middle school, exercising increases my self esteem and also helps me cope with stress. Based on the chapter, it is clear that while specific exercises, like jogging, do not affect longevity, being active in middle age does increase longevity, for reasons similar to the ones mentioned above.
I think you made a good point about how exercising increases longevity by incorporating examples from your experiences. Other chapters of the book have discussed the important of intimate relationships, self efficacy, and minimal catastrophizing, which could all be affected by physical activity.
Similarly to you, I have experienced many benefits from exercise throughout my life, mostly with team sports. I still exercise a lot in college and even though I do not want to willingly go to practice everyday, it is good to be reminded that regular exercise is helping me live a healthier lifestyle.