This time of year, many fitness
facilities experience an influx of new members looking to accomplish a new year
of health and fitness. These resolution setters have established goals for the
New Year in an important aspect of their life, but often they do not know how
to accomplish their goals. Being a part of this industry, trainers consistently
hear member’s cry for help! Many people are looking toward the supplement
companies, diet pills, or over the top diets to create the changes. Often times
this can be the worst source of information, as people spend countless dollars
and feel miserable without getting results. When the simple truth is, our
bodies are designed to be ACTIVE!
In 2008, the CDC released an
article, Physical
Activity Guidelines for Americans, which outlines the basic level of
activity our body needs to maintain a healthy weight, and the amount of time might
be surprising how little effort is needed. For improved health benefits and
weight management, adult Americans need:
150 minutes of moderate cardio (brisk walking or jog) per week. In addition to
the cardio, the CDC recommends major muscle group strengthening twice a week.
Once you do the math, that is less than an hour a day. “Less than 48% of all
adults meet the 2008
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.” Topics for the coming weeks include workout
intensities, types of cardiovascular training, and strength training so check
back weekly for more information that you can use to reach your goals.
Age-Adjusted Estimates
of the Percentage of Adults Who Are Physically Inactive
Good information within this blog as a few questions came to mind: (1) What can trainers do (more than they already do) to publicize the correct way to improve health other than the fads that get advertised constantly? (2) What is your opinion of this graph and ways to improve activity in the southern states as compared to western states? Overall poor health of the general population astounds me, so maybe the best chance to improve this health issue may be required physical activity at the workplace.....just a thought. That would be the day!
ReplyDeleteAs trainers we have to fight the mass media, and unfortunately the mass media is out for the largest profits. So many times the mass media will "market" things to sell well, while keep some of the truth from the population in order to keep you coming back for more. To my understanding the biggest difference between the south and the west is historic life style. I have grown up my entire life in the south and I have seen the effect of southern eating!!! Ways to improve the health and well being of the south will take a complete over haul of thinking when it comes to eating habits and views of exercise. Many times i run into ignorance, people either simply not knowing or the thought "it wont happen to me"
DeleteMany companies in the United States have began to give cheaper insurance for their more physically active employees. Our bodies were meant to be active and physical!! The problem is western medicine, western medicine treats the symptoms not the underlying cause. All the data says we have an obesity and heart disease problem in the United States, but the true issue is an under active one!!!
I think it is a good point that you mentioned people buying supplements. Some people at the gym spend more time talking about what supplements they just ordered or have taken, and asking for advice about supplements than they do actually exercising. Some individuals even take more than the recommended amount thinking they will see faster results. These individuals often have no idea what they are taking or the effects they can have. They just take it because someone who may or may not know told them to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt never ceases to amaze me; the new years "resolutioners". Always looking for a quick fix, whether it be a diet pill or just a few weeks in the gym. Most people do not realize the health related benefits they can gain from minimal effort in the gym; the vanity benefits will follow. It amazes me that only 48% of the adult population are willing to give up 1 hour of their day to ultimately lengthen their life.
ReplyDelete