2008 Woodie Awards
For a good workout, just add fun to your routine
Issue date: 10/9/08
In the United States lately there has been a lot of talk about obesity. It has been called everything from a startling trend to an epidemic and citizens have been warned to protect themselves. This has led to a surprising phenomenon. Athletes, health nuts, and people who are overweight are now not the only ones at the gym. Average people are feeling social pressure to make their health and fitness a priority in an attempt to avoid the obesity monster that might attack at any moment.
Hopkins is no exception. Students work out at the rec center everyday, and most of them are not star athletes. If so many are exercising, a large number must be encountering a common stumbling block: Working out is boring. Endorphins and increased energy levels aside, there is very little motivating the average jogger to tear himself away from Facebook or studying and put on his sneakers.
So what pushed all of those girls in running shorts and sports bras to get on the elliptical? Social pressure is definitely a big motivator. No one wants to appear uninformed about such a highly publicized topic. This is especially true since, personal fitness has been tied to self-worth both in how people see themselves and how others judge them. But on a basic level, the girls on the ellipticals have all found ways to make exercise appealing or even fun.
Since exercise has become such a big part of popular culture, some motivational tricks are practically common knowledge. Listening to upbeat music on an mp3 player and varying routines so they won't get boring are all standard advice in pamphlets and magazine articles. But there are other ways to get moving that aren't talked about as much.
For example, working exercise into errands is a great way to give some purpose to unappealing tasks. Jog to the pharmacy or grocery store and then power walk home with the bags. Bike around the neighborhood and stop at the bank or the dry cleaners on the way. Get even more creative and lift free weights while doing laundry. The less time exercise seems to take up, the more automatic it will become. There will be fewer excuses for avoiding it.
This trick can be used not just for unpleasant jobs, but for fun things like socializing. Having a workout buddy can be a great source of motivation, but convincing a group of friends to do something like rollerblading or playing squash can be just as effective. It can also be a great way to try new things like rock climbing, Pilates, or water polo. Working out with friends even opens the door for team sports through pick-up or intramural games.
The best incentive for working out, though, is simply making it a habit. Routinely scheduling time for workouts will make them seem like a vital part of the day, and eventually they will be. Long-term exercise will bring benefits that will help keep the obesity monster away for good.
Hopkins is no exception. Students work out at the rec center everyday, and most of them are not star athletes. If so many are exercising, a large number must be encountering a common stumbling block: Working out is boring. Endorphins and increased energy levels aside, there is very little motivating the average jogger to tear himself away from Facebook or studying and put on his sneakers.
So what pushed all of those girls in running shorts and sports bras to get on the elliptical? Social pressure is definitely a big motivator. No one wants to appear uninformed about such a highly publicized topic. This is especially true since, personal fitness has been tied to self-worth both in how people see themselves and how others judge them. But on a basic level, the girls on the ellipticals have all found ways to make exercise appealing or even fun.
Since exercise has become such a big part of popular culture, some motivational tricks are practically common knowledge. Listening to upbeat music on an mp3 player and varying routines so they won't get boring are all standard advice in pamphlets and magazine articles. But there are other ways to get moving that aren't talked about as much.
For example, working exercise into errands is a great way to give some purpose to unappealing tasks. Jog to the pharmacy or grocery store and then power walk home with the bags. Bike around the neighborhood and stop at the bank or the dry cleaners on the way. Get even more creative and lift free weights while doing laundry. The less time exercise seems to take up, the more automatic it will become. There will be fewer excuses for avoiding it.
This trick can be used not just for unpleasant jobs, but for fun things like socializing. Having a workout buddy can be a great source of motivation, but convincing a group of friends to do something like rollerblading or playing squash can be just as effective. It can also be a great way to try new things like rock climbing, Pilates, or water polo. Working out with friends even opens the door for team sports through pick-up or intramural games.
The best incentive for working out, though, is simply making it a habit. Routinely scheduling time for workouts will make them seem like a vital part of the day, and eventually they will be. Long-term exercise will bring benefits that will help keep the obesity monster away for good.
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