Wow, 99th out of 100, really…I guess this is why we have some of the best heart hospitals? (Just kidding)
It does not shock me that we are low on the list but almost dead last is frustrating. Now when I caught this on the news they highlighted our low ranking because of our lack of parks and access to bike trails.
The American College of Sports Medicine puts out this annual list and they take into consideration several factors. See the complete list: http://www.
Some of the things Indianapolis struggles with is:
Access to parks, biking trails, availability to fresh fruit/veggies and smoking.
Seeing all this makes us want even more to get out there and help our fellow Hoosiers. We can’t just snap our fingers and have parks, bike trails and fresh fruit, but we can take personal responsibility to be “fit”.
Being fit comes in all different shapes and sizes. Just like this study took into account everything from dog parks to mental health we have to make the decision for ourselves to be fit. Also, define what “fit” means to you.
Not everyone wants a six pack, meaning abs. 😉
We choose what we do and do not do each day. We all get 24 hours.
Some find working out in the a.m. to be the best for them, while others need to sneak it in over lunch or others need to do an evening work out.
The main point is finding that time for you.
We need to be active most days of the week, but I would encourage you if you are just starting out to set aside two days per week. This could mean going for a walk, parking further away at the store, using the stairs for example. Other days it means 20-45 minutes of dedicated movement at a gym, home, garage, wherever.
We can always hit snooze, be 99th or say I’ll start Monday. It is in your best interest to start today.
Don’t fall into the statistics. I am always amazed when I get my blood pressure taken, they are always surprised. I am normally 108/60, but if I let my genetics play a role I would already be taking blood pressure medicine. I decided in my 20s that I did not want to be on a million medicines if at all possible and take care of my body.
Then I made it my life passion to help others do the same. I did not want to die early, let alone from a preventable disease.
Let’s not be 99th, take a stand to be fit, whatever that looks like for you. We don’t have to be defined by our label and it’s not your fault we don’t have more dog parks! But we need to take an active role in our bodies.
If you need help with where to start or what to do next shoot me a message!
On the bright side we were not last!
Take care,
Arin
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