A new study has found that only a mere five percent of Americans choose to do any type of vigorous activity. The study was conducted out of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and looked at labor statistics in the United States. In fact, it was found that the most common vigorous activity that Americans perform each day is preparing meals. The research team reported this frequent “moderate” activity of food and drink preparation for both men and women. I can only hope that what most people are preparing is healthy.
Five percent of us are burning off those meals with activities such as running, biking, aerobics, etc. Eighty percent of others' activities includes watching TV or going to the movies. Still, some managed to burn up some calories including cleaning the house.
If my tone sounds sarcastic, it is because I honestly think that our sedentary culture is what is making us unhealthy. You may have read one of my prior articles on EmpowHER entitled, “America, The Land of the Sitting: A Personal View.” Well now, this new study echoes these statistics indicating that most Americans prefer to do tasks such as making phone calls that require less movement. Sure, it is true that most of our occupations require us to be sedentary, but is that because most of us choose careers that require less activity? I can’t believe that is entirely true. I do believe that many of us have come up with numerous excuses including the following:
Excuse: I don’t have the time.
My Answer: You have the time to watch TV; work out during your favorite shows.
Excuse: I can’t work it around my kids’ schedules.
My Answer: Do some sort of exercise as a family!
Excuse: I don’t have the money to join a gym.
My Answer: You can work out at home.
Excuse: I don’t have the energy to work out.
My Answer: Exercise gives you energy.
Excuse: I don’t like feeling sore after a workout.
My Answer: Make sure you are stretching and allowing ample time for recovery.
Excuse: I never see any results.
My Answer: Consult a fitness professional who can help you reach your goals.
Excuse: I am self-conscious.
My Answer: Exercise gives you the confidence you need to succeed in all aspects of your life.
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.