UNITED STATES—Spring has finally arrived America and with that being said I’m seeing more and more people outdoors. As soon as the weather gets slightly warm it’s like you see a complete change in the personality of people. I mean kids are outside playing, adults are running or jogging, the bicycles are out and yard work is being completed. Yes, I will admit it I love when the weather gets slightly warm, but NOT too warm. I hate summer and we’d have to take 2-3 columns for me to fully explain why so let’s not focus on that subject at the moment.
So let’s talk about the elephant in the room: we’re not being as active America. We would like to think we are, but we’ve become so comfortable with technology that it is hindering our physical activity. Look, before the smart watch, the fit bit, the pedometer, people exercised without keeping track of what they were doing. You don’t need technology to keep track of your weight. It is a major misconception and as a result we feel this need to go out and spend excessive amounts of money on active wear, devices and sometimes equipment that is not needed.
If you can move your legs you can go for a walk, you can job, you can do pushups, jumping jacks, sit-ups, and the list goes on America. You don’t need an actual device to be active; it just helps, so those using that as an excuse it’s not. I feel the pain of those who have kids because it is a chore to carve out time to exercise, but I have a solution. Get the kids involved in your workout. Now, you can’t get the kids on the elliptical or bicycle, but you can do exercises that are part of the norm.
A kid can easily burn you out, so why not burn them out with all that energy they have by having them do jumping jacks, some pushups or just chasing them around outside. If there was ever an easier way to force your kids to take a break get them exercising; on top of that you stay active at the same time. Another approach that can be taken is to utilize the devices in your home and utilize technology as an advantage and not allow it to be your kryptonite. You might be asking me what I mean. Utilize your iPad to watch one of your favorite shows or listen to music.
I am a firm believer that you don’t need technology to motivate one to work out, but to each is their own. I’m a firm believer that if you’re motivated to work out, you’re going to do so regardless or whatever obstacles might by tossed in your direction. Consistency in terms of time frame is going to be critical. Changing up the time can help some, but it tends to be a hindrance for many because once you jump off that schedule you find it difficult to get back on it. It’s like going to work at the same time and the same days each week. When that shifts it totally throws off not only your equilibrium, but its impacts your schedule. The same applies when it comes to exercise.
If you keep a steady schedule you are likely to follow it daily or weekly and keep that consistency without interruption. We have to stop looking at exercise as a chore and look at it as something that helps us remain active and engaged in the outdoors. Remember you can eat whatever you want, but moderation is important. The same applies with exercise you don’t need to be that person who does it nonstop, but it’s better to do something than nothing at all. People argue walking is not exercise, but little do they know, a brisk walk for 30 minutes to 1 hour is way better than sitting on the couch for 2-3 hours. It’s your choice America!
Written By Kelsey Thomas
