WASHINGTON, 29 June — In spite of our knowledge regarding the link between exercise and health, a new survey found that most people think they’re fine just as they are and can live with being fat and getting too little exercise.
A poll for the health club industry found 74 percent of respondents saying they were generally satisfied with their health. But separate federal figures say 55 percent of Americans are too fat, and that more than 60 percent do not get enough physical activity regularly to benefit their health.
“It appears as though the accepted norm has shifted to an overweight person, who does not exercise,” said the International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association, which commissioned the survey. “Most Americans are satisfied with their health, yet are most likely overweight.” The Roper Starch Worldwide survey attempted to understand people’s thinking on exercise — why some people work out and others don’t. It found a range of attitudes; from exercise believers who get big mental and physical benefits from their workouts to couch potatoes who think exercise is just a passing fad. The report groups attitudes into six profiles, with the opinions of the rest — about one in five — being too diverse to categorize.
Six profiles — which one are you?
Three of the groups tended to be no exercisers.
About 14 percent were termed “Abracadabra’s” because they wish there were a magic pill that could give them the benefit of exercise without having to do the work. “They don’t think it’s a waste of time, but they don’t seem to feel a whole lot of guilt about not exercising,” said Roper Starch research director Geoffrey Feinberg. Many are middle-aged moms who say they don’t have the time, he said.
The “Woulda-Shoulda’s,” 12 percent, can’t commit to a fitness routine, the study said. “They know they should exercise, but they have trouble getting motivated,” Feinberg said. “They feel kind of bad about it.”
Another 13 percent that were termed “Sitcom Skeptics.” The survey found this group viewed exercise as unnecessary, and therefore was unlikely to do it regularly.
“Sitcom Skeptic’s” will be hard to reach with the exercise message, but “Woulda-Shoulda’s” could be tempted, Feinberg said. “If they can somehow become aware that they would feel so much better in so many respects if they would exercise, I think that would appeal to them,” he said.
IHRSA’s research director William C. Howland Jr. is interested in targeting the “Abracadabra’s.” He thinks these time-pressured people might respond better if they looked at exercise’s more immediate benefits, such as stress reduction, increased energy and better sleep.
Other segments realize the benefits of exercise — and do it. About 13 percent, termed “Balanced Holistics,” believe fitness not only helps their bodies, it gives them a more positive attitude toward life. Eight percent who are “Conscientious Preventors” focus on the health and medical benefits. These include a reduced risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as improvements in weight control. And “Social Competitors,” who are 20 percent, are young risk-takers who say their activities bring them friends and fun.
Obesity is one of the major public health challenges of the coming century.
A public health approach would be beneficial in providing public support and a framework to transform our society into a healthier one, but real transformation and change must come from within each and everyone of us. And no public health imitative or program or directive can do that. No social or public program can force you to eat right and/or exercise every day.
We have everything we need right now to achieve “Optimum” health. We don’t have to wait for the food industry and all their scientists to invent or discover some miracle food. They exist already. The miracle foods are fresh fruits and vegetables.
And one does not have to join some sparkling new gym, or buy some fancy elaborate gym equipment or hire a personal trainer to start exercising and get into shape. All one needs to do, is to get off one’s behind and start moving and walking.
Add in a few simple calisthenics and you are on your way to fitness.
And remember this is not just about physical health. Eating right and exercise is essential for optimal health, which includes physical, mental and spiritual well being. Don’t you believe that you, and your body, deserve nothing less than the best?