Aversion to Fitness Isn’t Funny

Our society’s aversion to fitness isn’t funny anymore. Too many people are riding those “jokes” straight into to a nursing home.

Recently, I joined area vendors at a local municipality’s health fair. The governing entity which sponsored the event gave employees time off to attend. Vendors displayed nutritional items, fitness products and services, essential oils, and all kinds of goodies designed help people become healthier. A handful of the attendees were interested in improving their health. They asked questions and were open to trying something new. Many more of the attendees, however, seemed to have an aversion to fitness. They looked at the displays about healthy lifestyles (including my display about yoga) and were pleased to offer their opinions. Below is a sampling of light-hearted statements made to the nutritionist next to me:

• Seriously, you drink water all day long?
• If I ate that many vegetables, my body would go into shock.
• I live on Diet Coke.

Here are a few of the comments laughingly made to me:

• My idea of exercise is going from the recliner to the couch.
• OMG – that’s you doing that (crow pose)?! That’s freaky.
• If I did that (a seated twist), you’d have to pull me up with a crane.
• Yeah, I don’t exercise.

The comments were made with humorous intent. But our society’s aversion to fitness isn’t funny anymore. Too many people are riding those “jokes” straight into to a nursing home. And that’s no laughing matter.

Every day, we choose how to feed ourselves (body, mind, and soul), and we choose to move in ways that build strength or to sit still. Those decisions directly affect our health. In the end, to a large degree, we will reap what we have sown.

So laugh – often and loudly. And take care of yourself. Because belly laughs are way better when your abs work.