Or more appropriately titled, "The Failure of Fitness".
The start of the "fitness age" began with Jack Lalanne &
Muscle Beach in the early 60's, reaching to Lilia's Yoga & You
and jogging through the 70's; seeing Jane Fonda & Richard
Simmons get us hopping with aerobics in the 80's and into
gyms & sculpting the body through the 90's with Denise Austin.
Today we have fitness product infomercials available 24 hours a
day. There is a herb or supplement for any condition. And we
have fitness gurus leading the nation into being in the worst
shape & more overweight than any other time in history with
preventable adult onset diabetes cases rising annually.
Which one can we blame?
Jack, most of us really don't want to pull a boat across a body
of water, though it was an amazing display of, well...simply
amazing.
Lilia, where did you go? You didn't get us to sweat, but you
opened our eyes to looking at non-traditional methods of
exercise.
Jane, you looked great in the videos! Forgive me though, I don't
remember much more about them.
Richard, incredible job to lose so much weight...and it looks
like you are having a lot of fun. Unfortunately at this time I am
not looking to learn any cheerleading moves.
Denise, you came on a little late. With all the horrible fitness
products, in your face combat style aerobics, cosmetic
surgeries that plague the media and airwaves, anything
worthwhile you may be saying is simply being drowned out.
So let's look at what did not work:
1) "Lift Weights. Grow Big. Amaze Your Friends".
Large muscles are created through continuous,
hard, strenuous work. And most of us are not
interested in our mates being overly muscular.
Should I continue or just repeat?
2) "Stretch, Meditate, Sleep".
Ok. Some of us really do need a little stimulation,
a drop of inspirational sweat, some kind of jolt to
get the ticker moving.
3) "Run-like-the-wind"
Yea! Go! Hit It! ...(I just wish that I liked jogging).
4) "and 1, and 2, and 3, ...Come on, just 1 more."
Joining a gym, team sports and taking classes
seems to keep our interest a little longer, but
need we be reminded that we have not signed-up
for military action? And stop yelling at me!
Thanks fitness gurus, but with all due respect, the results are in
and your messages have failed to uplift us for any long-term
benefit.
Where to turn?
Fitness and what it takes to be fit have not changed over time,
but our understanding of being fit and the modes by which to
achieve fitness have varied.
If you are in search of getting in better shape through activity,
you must learn to lead yourself. Led by instincts, good
judgment and your own motivation to seek and try enjoyable
methods to stay active does work. Following expert advice of
those who encourage you to find what works best for you, not
just repeat routines that have failed decade after decade
improves the chances that you will succeed.
It may be that with the right guidance and a little
encouragement, you can be your own best "Fitness Guru".
Remember:
YOU have the POWER!
Darren Rieck
