New Moves: Culture of Wellness

Only 100 years ago, cars were rare, and people walked to and fro.

Only 75 years ago, the majority of the population were farmers, in the military, construction workers, homemakers and other laborers who were physical active throughout the day.

Only 50 years ago, more people played sports than watched them; more people went out dancing than watched Dancing with the Stars. And, less than 5% of kids were obese.

Only 25 years ago, most children had physical education and recess every day, along with life skills, home economics and health class. And today, thanks to truly impressive and enjoyable innovations from automobiles to TV to video games to manufacturing robots to professional sports and reality TV, we sit at a desk, drive, and we watch TV, for far more hours than we walk, play sports, or dance. So, we enjoy ourselves, but know that something is missing, and not quite right. And, we can barely defend ourselves: 75% of 17-24 year olds are ineligible for military service, according to the Washington Post. How do we continue to enjoy TV, automated labor, intellectual work and mechanical transport, while reinserting the movement our bodies and minds need back into our life?

What if you had a treadmill in your office? Would you walk and type? What if everyone had a treadmill in your office?

What if there were after work sports at your office. Would you play?

What if there were bars you could go to where instead of just eating, drinking and talking, or getting shy about getting on a dance floor, you could play night basketball, volleyball or flag football with music playing overhead?

If your kids wanted you to play outside with them, would you? Is it too cold? Is it too hot? Is it unsafe? Is the park too far away? Does your yard have killer groundhogs that keep you inside?

If you could take a job near your house, work from home, and move closer to work would you? Or, is the extra $20,000 in salary worth the extra $10,000 you pay in gas, car wear and tear and meals on the go, and the unquantifiable cost of your lost years of life or time with your friends in family you paid for your commute?

What if swing dancing made its second comeback? Would you do it (too shy?)? Or, do you have your own New Moves you want to show off? Go for it. We're not giving up all the gadgets that have made modern life easier and, at times, a lot of fun. But, your body has evolved to move, and needs to. In the the words of Reel 2 Real, I like to move it move it, You like to move it, so, move it.