I was thinking this weekend about all the fitness-related infomercials that I’ve seen over the years. So many of them, while entertaining, set a poor example for most of us by portraying unrealistic results and setting unrealistic expectations.
It’s kind of sad, I think, and yet completely understandable. We are all looking for the best, fastest result possible with the least amount of effort. Money rarely factors into the equation when someone is telling us that abdominal six-pack only requires three—now for a limited time, only two!—easy payments of $19.95 plus shipping and handling.
So, this week I want to talk about some things I’ve learned about fitness that have stood the test of time and I rarely see mentioned in fitness product infomercials. (Have you ever read the fine print on the before/after photos? Try it sometime and you’ll see what I mean.)
Far from only selling you a one-sided rosy picture, I want you to recognize what I think fitness really involves. I know you’re smart enough to recognize that with diabetes in your life, you need to take care of your body and I know you know that exercise is one of the best ways to do so. Even if you don’t have diabetes, exercise helps you live your life to your fullest potential. It’s good for me to know that I’m not hiding the ball from you, and it’s good for you to know these things without having to squint at the fine print.
Let’s get started. Here are both sides of what I consider to be the top four Fitness Truths, in random order:
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(Sad) Fitness Truth #1: Getting Fit- Truly Fit- Can Take A While
(Happy) Fitness Truth #1: Getting Fit Shows Continual Objective and Subjective Improvements
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(Sad) Fitness Truth #2: Calories Burned While Exercising May Not Be As Many As It Appears
(Happy) Fitness Truth #2: You Continue to Burn Calories With an Elevated Metabolism Even After You Stop Exercising
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(Sad) Fitness Truth #3: Reaching Any Goal Takes Good Old-Fashioned Work
(Happy) Fitness Truth #3: Fitness Goals Are Obtainable
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(Sad) Fitness Truth #4: 30 Minutes a Day Doing the Same Old Thing Isn’t Going to Do It For You
(Happy) Fitness Truth #4: Mixing Up Your Routine Keeps You Interested, Involved, and Improving
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I’ll talk more about each of these this week. Hopefully you’ll start to broaden your horizons or learn something or change your thinking or, at the very least, crack a smile once or twice as you read.
Bring it on.
Hi Amy!
Excellent post. Television products are so slick and convincing! It may seem easier to use a $40 machine but if we think about it, not as FUN as going outside for a walk/run/swim/bike ride/tennis match with friends or alone and for FREE!