Ever notice how many people stand on escalators and moving sidewalks? Obviously, some people need the help of these transport systems but there are plenty of people (young and old) who seem to automatically stop moving when they step on an escalator or moving sidewalk; becomes a habit. Notice this behavior the next time you visit the mall or go to the airport.
It isn't just escalators and moving sidewalks; I'm amazed at how many people drive their cars to the gym where I workout when I'm back in Colorado. When I was living here, I knew several people who drove their car to the gym even though they lived less than a mile away. Same for the grocery and other stores. I think we just get in the habit of relying on technology to do things for us.
I'm not criticizing others; they may have their reasons and are entitled to do as they wish. However, it does seem to me that we don't move as much as we used to. Plenty of studies support this perception; whether its watching TV, driving, or standing on a moving sidewalk, we are less active than we used to be and it shows. Its one reason I really liked the gadget I received from my old company when I was still working; it counted the steps I took throughout the day and allowed me to set a goal. Not a big deal, but it does give one pause during the day.
Gadgets and technology are neither the solution or the problem. The solution is attitude and determination. Ever notice how tough it is to get back into a routine (like going to the gym) once you've stopped for awhile? Think about how tough it must be for people who've never had a workout routine or never played sports or never did outdoor activities as a kid. Where and how do they start? It must be extremely intimidating for them. Maybe those of us who are active should put a little effort into helping others become more active:)
No comments:
Post a Comment