The major problem that most of us have with exercise is
instant gratification. It's a flaw of our generation. When we do something, we
want someone to acknowledge it, even if it is as trivial as going to the gym
and putting in a few sets.
And let's face it, our nation is growing... in waist size. And
the media isn't getting any nicer to anyone they don't deem
"attractive." We are constantly being told how we should look, how we
should dress, and what we should eat. Or more forcefully, what we should not
eat.
But isn't that part of why we go to the gym? So we can eat
the things we love and not feel bad about them? I mean, that's why I go to the
gym.
There is a problem in our society. We should not have to
defend the 6 cupcakes we ate for dessert, or the loaf of bread we ate instead
of a proper meal. If I want to eat a bag of Doritos for dinner, that should be
ok. I don't owe anyone an explanation.
But also, society doesn't change over night. And those
habits I detailed above are not necessarily the most healthy decisions. So what
can we do to alleviate the pain from these important social problems?
This is the part of the infomercial when someone busts through
the wall and exclaims "Sweet Ending Gym!"
Here's the idea.
On the surface, the gym looks like an ordinary gym. Except
that everyone inside is working really hard and enjoying themselves instead of pretending
to do another set and considering giving up on life.
Every person proudly carries around an identification card
that tracks all their activity in the gym. The card is inserted into each piece
of equipment and records your movement. And it's calculating. So every time you
run a mile, that card is tracking your distance, your steps, your speed, and
the number of calories you burned during that time.
That's not the exciting part.
Now imagine you are at Dave and Buster's because this is
about to get crazy. At the end of your workout, you take your ID card to the
clerk. The clerk will swipe your card and tell you how many calories you burned
during your session. That number will be converted for you in any way you
choose: cookies, pizza, milkshakes, whatever you want. When you make your
conversion choice, you will receive your instant gratification, in the form of
delicious snacks.
Wait, you may be saying. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of
working out in the first place if you replace the number of calories burned with
calories eaten?
The short answer is, kind of. Sure, you aren't going to lose
weight that way, but are you going to feel bad that you indulged a little that
day? No. You won't. Because you worked for those cookies. You earned those
french fries. You'll eat those precious goodies with a smile on your face and a
light heart. And that's the society I want to live in. The one where people
feel good about themselves for being themselves. Not where they work hard to
achieve an ideal that doesn't exist.
We aren't perfect people. We have flaws. We have vices. And
if I want to run 50 miles a day to support my Doritos habit, I think that
should be ok.
Owning It,
Alice and Quinn
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