IS EXERCISE BEING PROMOTED CORRECTLY?

©2001 ROGERPARAS, LTD.

Health clubs are currently in their peak season. Along with their regular clientele, first-timers are in abundance (due to New Year's resolutions). My step classes are overflowing. I'm in my glory. The rhetoric is flowing - all of these new faces to convert to a fitness lifestyle. I dream of healthier bodies, bigger classes and more expansion. Then reality sets in. For every ten new faces, I will not see three again. In several weeks, two of the remaining seven will no longer be exercising. Another two will drop out after several months. Only three of every ten (30%) will have adopted regular exercise as part of their lifestyle.

I enjoy teaching. I strongly believe in the benefits received from regular exercise. So, why won't 70% of new students adopt a regular exercise program? The problem may be in one or more of these words - FUN, EASY, IMMEDIATE, GUARANTEED or FREE - being used to promote exercise.

Webster's Dictionary defines FUN (the most often used of the five) as something that provides amusement or enjoyment. Aerobic exercise, which produces a continuous working heart rate, with internal heat and perspiration, is not the definition of fun for most people. EASY is defined as causing or involving little or no difficulty. Exercising to lose weight and become healthier will necessitate a change which may call for sacrifice and commitment (simple to do, but not easy). IMMEDIATE is defined as acquired rapidly. Years of neglect and abuse will not be negated rapidly. The definition of GUARANTEED is the assurance of the fulfillment of a condition. As fitness professionals, we can guarantee the method. You, the individual, will determine the results. FREE is defined as given without charge. Most club memberships and personal trainers are somewhat inexpensive and may even start out free. We have a tendency to place little emphasis on what we can acquire cheaply. It is relatively easy to give up on something that demands your time and costs little.

As fitness professionals, we are promoting a product that is essential to good health. Exercise is not meant to be something we do if we have time or if we feel like it. As my Grandpa Ernest always said, "You cannot travel the journey if you do not understand the way." Achieving a healthy, aesthetically pleasing body demands physical work, requiring time, sweat, patience, perseverance and knowledge, with results being commensurate to the commitment.

Health and Happiness!
Roger