Steal this... by Art Rothafel

Here's an article I wrote for a consumer publication.  They rejected it.  Why?  They felt it was too harsh to doctors.  They said, "Edit it!"  I said, "No!" 

 So, I figure why not give it away to people (fitness pros) who "get it" and would not be afraid to post it on their website or brochures or whatever.   So, this article is all yours.  The ONLY thing I ask is that you give me credit as author (that's ART ROTHAFEL)! 


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Fitness Ain’t Rocket Science… Or Is It?
by Art Rothafel

When it comes to health and weight-management, most medical professionals offer nothing more than this familiar cliché --  “eat right and exercise.”  

Really?

O.K., will someone please define “eat right and exercise?”

Seriously.

Eat Right?

Do you know how many calories your body actually requires each day?  Do you know the proper ratio of protein, carbohydrate and fat for your body?  And, if so, what foods should you eat to achieve those ratios?

And Exercise?

Today, there are hundreds of exercise theories, methodologies and protocol advancing thousands of specific exercises.  There are boot camps, Pilates, yoga, cardio, strength and functional training - all which have their place.  

Which one is right for you?  Thanks, Doc.  We’re more confused than ever.

No wonder people just throw their hands up in despair.  Where does one start?  

Just Do It!  Not.

That we naturally eat and move doesn’t mean we do it correctly.  Weight-management, fitness, disease prevention and long-term health are dependent on proper protocol.  Yet, each year, incredible amounts of time, effort and money are wasted by millions of Americans who – just do it.   It’s a set-up to fail despite the good intentions and doctors’ advice.  

Ground Zero - Reframe

The health proposition is not “Eat Right and Exercise."  It isn’t “Just Do It.”   The proposition is this:  The key to long-term weight-management, health and fitness starts with education.   That’s right.  Education is “ground zero.”

Think About it.

You didn’t simply hop into a car and start driving.  Nor, did you jump off a dock and immediately start swimming.  To correctly perform most activities a certain amount of education and guidance is necessary.  And, nowhere is this more evident than with de-conditioned adults who decide it’s time to get in shape.

Education Required

The need for basic fitness education is now being addressed by progressive health and fitness professionals at clubs, studios and spas throughout the country.  Topics including digestion, protein, carbohydrate, aerobic training, resistance training, food additives and stress reaction are part of the curriculum.  It is a holistic approach that provides the reasoning behind proper eating and productive exercise.

Weight-Management / Fitness 101

Several Weight-Management 101 Courses are being taught in quasi classroom settings within fitness facilities.  Corporate conference rooms are being transformed into "Brown-Bag" lunchrooms where lunchtime fitness and weight-management courses are taught by retained health professionals.  Mobile fitness professionals take their educational courses "on the road" to serve police officers, fire crews, high school students, Sunday worshipers and, yes, even doctors!   

Do the Right Thing

Beyond personal safety, a basic fitness curriculum helps members understand the rationale behind optimal caloric intake and increased physical activity as well as exposing a multitude of misconceptions regarding health and fitness.  So, doctor, before you advise your next patient, why not do the right thing and refer him or her to a health and fitness professional who not only understands, but actually teaches people how to "eat right and exercise."

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Comments

[Troy West]

Good article Art