Friday, November 6, 2009

So you "Exercise," Huh?

Being a loser here at work has put a new perspective on what we all term “exercise.” Some controversy over exercise week and a lot of points earned by one of teams (28 points for 28 hours of exercise by one of the members who is not your typical work-out type of girl?) raised some valid issues and arguments. The “hardcore” exercisers – those that run, bike, swim, etc – felt those that claimed climbing the stairs just to get to work should not be counted. Those that were counting all that stair climbing never climbed the stairs before; thus, it’s exercise in their world. And they have a valid point. The weightloss resources website states:
“Exercise is also known as physical activity. In simple terms exercise is any movement that works your body at a greater intensity than your usual level of daily activity. Exercise raises your heart rate and works your muscles and is most commonly undertaken to achieve the aim of physical fitness. What would be suitable exercise for one person may be too much or too little for another. "

Those are some well stated words on defining exercise. It certainly made me see the light from a different angle. At first, I agreed with the hardcore gal who felt those 28 hours aren’t valid – they didn’t compare to her sprints, isometrics, and running. But, just like on the TV show biggest loser, there are some folks who seldom move their bodies much. So those 28 hours are likely valid hours. They might be hours that you and I and Ms. Hardcore wouldn’t consider “exercise” in our daily routines, but they are exercise, nonetheless. Oh the water cooler chit chat of Biggest Loser at Work!

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