The Blackboard
(December 2002)

“Don't Just Workout--Be a Fitness Ambassador!”
By Ron Jones, MS 

This month I want to talk to the people that exercise regularly.  “Regular” exercise is 5-6 days per week for a total of 30 minutes per day.  Actually I want to do more than talk—I want to challenge you.  The holidays are here.  There will be many opportunities for you to promote fitness and health at family and work gatherings.  Your workouts are important, but there is more at stake than just your personal workout or mine.  Why don’t you be a “fitness ambassador” at these gatherings?  Why?  Because McDonald’s (or McSpread!) is spending one billion a year on advertising and the 5-A-Day nutrition and activity program only spends a million per year.  Be a fitness ambassador because 14% of the kids in California are now obese.  Be a fitness ambassador because adult obesity in California rose 92% from 1991-2000.  Be a fitness ambassador because A Healthy America is a Strong America.  Get the point?  “We” can help get the important message out to friends and family this holiday season to get moving!  Try this—after the big meal see if you can get someone to go for a little walk after dinner.  Even better--take a couple of the kids if you can.  Don’t kill them.  The “workout” is not the point on this one.  The point you are trying to make is that they should at least consider doing some sort of physical activity.  Keep it fun and conversational.  Talk about how much better you feel when you’re in shape.  Talk about how expensive health care is getting when you’re sick.  Talk about something related to the positive benefits of fitness and health!  Think of it this way…a few walks around the block is better than getting your toes and feet amputated because of Type II diabetes.  Hmmm…walkin’ ain’t half bad!  Next month a shift in focus—how to begin a New Year’s exercise program and keep it going for more than two weeks while having fun!  This will be the first in a series of “fitness training” articles covering strength, cardiovascular, flexibility, and balance.  If you’re ready for action, I’ll show you how to Get Fit and Be Strong!  Happy holidays—and for us “regulars”—let’s talk up some fitness and spread some positive chi!

"If you want to be 100 you can't just sit around waiting for it to happen.  You have to get up each day and go after it.  We're talking about perhaps the most important key to longevity."
--George Burns

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