Lead By Example and Fight Obesity!

     I don't usually read the papers or national magazines because frankly... the news is depressing and I like to stay upbeat. However, the annual report on obesity in the U.S. by Trust For America's Health was released recently.

Here are the results:

Not 1 state showed a decline in obesity rate. NOT A SINGLE ONE! Are you kidding me?

31 states actually had an increase in obesity rate. AAAAGGGHHHHH!!

Do the facts lie? Do people throughout the United States really want to live shorter lives?

Look... your health/fitness needs and goals are a personal choice, and it is your responsibility to make them a priority. BUT, if obesity rates keep going up and waistlines keep getting wider, it's clear that we face huge problems ahead.

Health care is going to be stretched as thin as a 32" belt on a 48" body. Our mortality rate will plummet and our nursing homes will be packed more than our already overpopulated prisons. YIKES!

What can you do about it?

Don't follow the crowd. Be a leader and start a trend. You control what and how you eat, how you exercise, etc. You need to lead by example. Make smart choices on take-out menus, take the stairs, start a walking club at lunch.

With the new year fast approaching, it is a great time to set a new fitness goal and get outside! So grab some of your fellow state inhabitants and get moving. There is no better time than the present to get outside and get moving.

Here is my challenge:

- On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday pack a healthy lunch that you can eat at your desk.

- Find 3-5 people to take the challenge with you.

- Then when your lunch hour comes, put on a pair of sneakers, head down the stairs, walk for 25-35 minutes, come back to the office and remember to take the stairs again.

- Do a 3 minute stretch at your desk while you eat your lunch.

Not so hard right? You will be amazed at the energy you will gain, the inches you will lose, and the impact you can make on the people around you.

You don't need to reinvent the wheel to get started.

Will this get you a six pack of abs or a lean hard body?

Probably not for a while, but it will be a start. And once you start to see changes, you will be motivated to do more. So buck the system my fellow patriot! Tell "the Man" you're not going to take it anymore. You're sick and tired of your state being fat, overweight and out of shape.

Want to see the article I was talking about? The article can be found by typing 'Obesity rates climbed in 31 states in U.S.' into Google or any other search engine. Be afraid, very afraid.

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