Obese Isn’t Always Lazy
My last entry (the obesity map) generated some heated email responses from many regulars on the site. The common reaction was that obesity was directly related to laziness. Therefore, this hypothesis suggests that our world first became lazy, and then obese. Thus (in theory), as the world shifts towards an indolent lifestyle, obesity gradually appears, spreads, and intensifies.
This theory is weak however. Fat does not equal lazy. There are certainly obese individuals who classify as lazy, but there are also many hard working adults who are obese. Contrary to popular opinion, there is not always a direct relationship between obesity and laziness. More often than not, several factors contribute to obesity. Laziness may or may not be present.
Earlier in my life, I may not have recognized this fact. As a father, husband, and business owner however, I now understand how certain individuals get caught up in the game of life, and slowly put fitness and health on the backburner. Clearly, I do not support such actions, but I do see how it could happen.
For example, consider the parent who works all day and must then care for the kids. This could be a mother or father who is literally working all day. An infant may even call for his or her assistance in the middle of the night. Sleep is therefore limited, and before you know it, the alarm is ringing to start a new day. There is little time to exercise, so fitness is all but forgotten. When a parent in this situation becomes obese, it is not because he or she is lazy.
On the contrary, these are hard working, loving parents who are simply misinformed regarding their exercise options. For example, many assume that a fully equipped gym is necessary for exercise. The gym owner who is trying to pay his rent will do his best to sell this story. He doesn’t want you training at home. But when driving across town to the gym doesn’t fit into the schedule, no other options appear to exist. The result is inactivity. After all, what else can you do?
Clearly, misinformation is a problem, but it is a problem worth fixing. Unfortunately, I often see fitness professionals who spend more time scrutinizing the obese, rather than offering simple solutions to the problem. Peruse a few fitness message boards and you’ll likely come across members who find it humorous to criticize the obese. It is as if you must start out already in shape to receive any kind of support or assistance. This kind of behavior is ridiculous. What good comes out of criticizing someone who is different from you?
No one is born with knowledge. Like it or not but the fitness industry is loaded with garbage. How you can blame someone for being misinformed? Look at all the ridiculous infomercials and ad-copy that litter the web. It should come as no surprise that the world is obese. It isn’t easy to sort through the nonsense that exists within the industry.
As for where I’m going with this blog entry, I wish I knew. I suppose the real message is that if you know someone who is misinformed (and we all do), take a minute to explain some options. Most do not realize what can be accomplished in 20 or 30 minutes. You don’t need a marathon session to improve physical fitness. Less can be more if you put forth an honest effort.
Make time for fitness, as you will never find time. Wake up earlier, or find a break within the day. I personally wake up at the crack of dawn while the rest of the world sleeps. I put in my own workout, and then start the day running my business and training my athletes. If I didn’t put in the early morning workout, I’d likely fly through the day without finding a break for exercise. Some days are literally non-stop with no time for myself.
Ultimately, laziness is a problem in the world today, but it isn’t always the cause of obesity (somtimes, but not always). Don’t be so quick to judge the obese. Many are hard working adults who do not know how to proceed. No one is perfect, and we’ve all made mistakes. I know that I’ve made plenty in my time. Fortunately, we can all learn from our mistakes and improve. Being obese isn’t a death sentence and it sure as hell doesn’t give anyone the right to poke fun at the condition.
If we all spent more time trying to fix the problem, rather than cracking jokes about it, we’d all be better off.
Ross
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Thank you, Ross. That needed to be said.
Ross,
Great post.
Reminds me of something that happened a while back when I was weight training at the gym. While working out I noticed an overweight (ok, obese) guy who consistently busted his butt on the weights. One of the days he was putting up some serious weight (at least some intense effort), when a lean guy went up to him and told him that he inspired him to work harder and be more consistent. How do you think this compliment made the overweight guy feel? Ross, thanks for the reminder to put out some positive vibes and be a part of the solution.
Good call Ross. IMO one of your better blogs. I especially agree with your early morning workout advice and feel it should be strongly emphasized. Not only do you get your workout in, but you also raise your energy level for the whole day, preventing the dreaded afternoon nap syndrome.
Right on the money Ross. I find that with clients every day, and the simpler option is always there, many just don’t know where to look.
Ross
Your blogs are always of the highest quality, and this is no exception. You’ve tapped into a perspective that many don’t consider. Thankyou and keep it coming.
Ross,
In response to your latest blog about obesity, I thought I would put in my two cents. I think you hit the nail right on the head. At 320 pounds I was easily in the obese category. However I was far from lazy, I worked two jobs and took care of my daughter every night when I got home so my wife could spend a few hours working from home. The fact of the matter was, Exercise was very low on my priorities. I believe that many factors come into play for obesity.
One huge change I noticed in my health, was when I followed your advice and started eating foods in their whole forms. So many processed foods pack on the calories through unnecessary sodium etc. But even if you all you have is canned crap processed food, you can still learn to eat in moderation.
Another big change came when I made exercise something that had to be done as well, just like my job, I made it a priority, not meaning it had to come before my family, in fact many nights, after spending time with my daughter and putting her to bed, I would go running at midnight or even later. Since I got hired with the Sheriff’s office, money is less tight and I can exercise at nicer hours.
I think you are correct, being obese doesn’t make you lazy, but in my case, I lacked the necessary knowledge to make a change in my life.
Make time for fitness, as you will never find time
I have just added that saying to my work signature, says volumes
Cheers!
Well said. This is exactly why I think you are one of the top trainers in the nation, and more important, a stand up guy.
I’ve recently started back at training. Training in the morning whilst everyone else sleeps is awesome. I love to think how I’m training whilst my competition sleeps. Recently I slept in. Whilst on my jog I was struggling to breath (more than usual). I couldn’t put my finger on why until a dirtier than usual truck drove past spewing out it’s unburned diesel. It was the cars exhausts that was killing my training.
Two thumbs up for early morning training
Ross,
Your compassion and humanity are to be commended–if there’s anything lacking in this world, it’s that. People can learn to lift weights, run sprints, and chisel their body into finely tuned machines, but without a heart and soul none of it matters. There can never be too much kindness.
Cheers to that.
Ross, hats-off to you once again. At times, I think the conditioning/fitness/lifestyle wisdom provided on this site is unrivalled.
Great blog post.
Hi Ross
In a similar vein, albeit for a different ailment:
Exercise aids depression, say GPs
Trainers devise personal exercise regimes for each patient
Doctors are increasingly prescribing exercise for people with depression, mental health campaigners have found.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7234303.stm
No surprise to me, or you, or anyone else visiting this site, I would guess!
Regards
great post that made me think.
there are a lot of lazy people, but not all of them are fat, so it follows that not all fat people are lazy.
I’m obese, but on the way to a healthy weight and improved strength and fitness.
I got obese because I was both busy with family, work and university commitments and rendered sedentary for a number of months after surgery. These are reasons though, not excuses.
Now that I can exercise (and have discovered Ross’ website(s)) I do whatever I can whenever I can. I don’t always get 6 days of exercise in each week, but I make sure that when I do get into the shed I come out stuffed.
Bit by bit I am improving.
Thanks Ross!
Regards,
David Obeid
Ross,
I just wanted to thank you for the following artical. To often does our society base it’s opion on looks or weight as a sign of fitness, sucess, or even a sign of value. Being in the fitness industy for over 5 years now i also agree that many people are ill imformed about fitness in general. It is my own personal belife that the fitness industry is filled with smoke and mirrors, and while a full size gym and even a personal trainer may be good for some, it is not good for all. Coming from an obese family myself i have learned that not only do getetics have a key role on how you look, but also a combination of diet and exercise. If we would take the time to learn proper nutrion and 30 minutes for even basic exercise i think as a whole our nations epodemic of obesity would be greatly decreased.
Laura
Ross. I thought that the post was very well put together. It is clear that you have a heart not only for combat sports but, for people in general as well. I personally appreciate your willingness to be part of the solution instead of selfishly contributing to the problem.