Engaging with the numerous methods of electronic entertainment is a prominent part of our culture. Our phones, tablets, computers, and televisions have become integrated into a uniformed presentation of digital media so that we look at a variety of screens present in our lives at any location and circumstance. Whether it be watching a series on Hulu, playing an online game, or looking at our email, it appears that we are constantly being prompted to interact with our digital lifestyle devices. Along with those prompts, we can’t help but notice the need to view the advertisements present during our digital experience.
Fitness advertisements and influencers have developed into popular channels on social media platforms, web searches, and even the advertisements linked to the streaming services of our TVs. It’s not rare to find a twenty-something-year-old gentleman with abdominal muscles chiseled enough to grate parmesan cheese on performing “the best exercise for burning fat.” Additionally, in any internet browser’s random ad space squares, you might find other health-related advertisements, such as local fitness businesses promoting the next monthly special deal. Expect to see a massive influx of fitness center membership specials as the new year approaches as well.
While the influence of emphasizing health and fitness has increased over the generations and become a pivotal part of our society, the decision to embark on a fresh new fitness journey can be challenging. Orange Theory, Planet Fitness, and other local gyms are in the community to help people. However, entering a fitness facility to speak with a representative who has the body of a Greek god might be a little intimidating. Additionally, other veteran participants at fitness facilities might have a one-up on newbies since they have had time to refine their fitness levels. Furthermore, entering a facility housing mechanical running devices, large iron heavy objects, and upbeat, high-energy music is overstimulating to individuals not used to this environment. Lastly, the advertisements we see while scrolling down our social media feeds or internet browsers initially meant to help us get into the gym and feel healthier can ultimately feel like we are being ordered to sign up immediately. Messages like, “Join now!” “Don’t miss out!” “Ends Soon!” could be perceived as an order from a drill sergeant or pushy salesman to get in right away. Why would you want to sign up for something that sounds like your boss telling you to get in and pay for a membership before a specific deadline?
Taking a step back from the pressures and intimating factors of exercise can be a helpful first step for emphasizing physical activity and health to improve our quality of life. The concept of having fun can get lost in the shuffle of doing something “we want to do and doing something “we have” to do. If activities are fun, the likelihood of remembering the engaging and enjoyable factors of that specific experience might make us want to return to it. In other words, if we’re looking for an activity to improve our overall quality of life using fitness as a catalyst, perhaps we should focus on physical activities that are fun, memorable, and something we look forward to.
Walking with your spouse or friend to get a cup of coffee a half mile away is a common activity because conversations, sights, and sounds are fascinating. The additional steps and calories burnt tracked on wearable technology are fantastic. However, the enjoyable and memorable experience of experiencing the world might be what drives people to take these walks. Meeting with three friends to play a game of ping pong or pickle ball produces conversations, laughter, and the chance to bask in the sunlight. Sure, the increased demand for the aerobic energy system and utilizing calories as a fuel source to burn more fat is an appealing feature of playing an hour’s worth of pickleball. Once again, the fitness-improving variables produced by a social game of pickleball aren’t always the driving factor in participating in the activity. People keep coming out to the courts because it’s fun, and they look forward to another game with their friends a few days later or next week.
We rarely hear an individual say, “I’m so bummed I didn’t burn the number of calories my Apple watch told me to do.” However, we might feel slightly disappointed if we miss a walk with our favorite companion or if a pickleball game gets rained out. The cancellation of these activities produces more disappointment because we look forward to the things that cause elation, joy, and fun. Perhaps we can take a step back from the consistent prompting and pressures from advertisements and social media influence as the driving force to get us fit. Stop taking orders and find physical activities that are fun, memorable, and that you look forward to. If we focus on enjoyment in our physical activity, we have found a gift of happiness, health, and strength by our side for the rest of our lives.
Sean McCawley, the founder and owner of Napa Tenacious Fitness in Napa, CA, welcomes questions and comments. Reach him at 707-287-2727, napatenacious@gmail.com, or visit the website napatenaciousfitness.com.
