Why You Shouldn't Settle for Being 'Average'
Categories: Advice, Fitness, Fit Family Guy
PrintWhy You Shouldn't Settle for Being 'Average'">
A little while ago I wrote an article about fitness fashion and it twisted a few knickers; the comments section turned into a battleground. Many people liked the post, but others were so miffed I'm surprised they didn't really unleash the fury and go ALL CAPS on my ass.Because I extolled the virtues of higher-end workout clothes, some felt that the post was "elitist" and wasn't written for the "average" person. So it got me thinking that if there are people who want something written for average Canadians, then I'm more than happy to oblige.
But just who is the "average" Canadian?
But just who is the "average" Canadian?
Here goes:
- 60 percent of Canadian adults are overweight. This means that the average person in Canada is overweight.
- The average Canadian does not eat enough fruits and vegetables.
- The average Canadian watches over 20 hours of TV each week.
- Only 25 percent of Canadians are exercising enough to achieve minimal health benefits. This means that the average person barely exercises, if at all.
- The average person's life expectancy in Canada is 80 years, which is less than two-thirds of our potential life span.
- The average person suffers numerous debilitating conditions in their older years, whereas the vast majority of centenarians experience "compressed disability," meaning that these above average people remain high functioning and have quality lives until they are close to death.
- After age 25, the average person is getting weaker, not stronger.
- The average person eats far more refined grains (like white bread) than whole grains.
- The average Canadian spends 35 percent of their food budget on dining out, much of which is fast food.
- The average person prefers to remain anonymous when writing angry comments on the Internet.
- The average person hasn't called their mother recently just to say, "I love you."
The lesson here is that being average sucks.
My job is to help you to be better than average. If you eat a healthy diet, then you're not average. If you run or lift weights regularly, you are not average. If you ride your bike to work, then you are not average. If you are in the normal BMI range, then you are definitely not average.Don't settle for being average. You have what it takes to be more than that.
I do believe that the average person, with some careful budgeting, can afford to make an investment in their health. It doesn't mean that you have to buy high-end equipment or an expensive gym membership, but committing time, effort and even some money to fitness pays off in a myriad of ways. Furthermore, if enough of us try hard to raise the bar, then "average" becomes a higher standard for all, and as a species we're better off for it.
People need to take a stand against settling for mediocrity. My stand is right here, and it's in your face.
Do you agree or disagree? That's what the comments field is for, so go big.
And if you're lucky enough to still have your mother in your life (and she's not some wire-hanger-hating Joan Crawford clone), then give her a call. She misses you.
James S. Fell is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a middle-aged family man with a desk job and not much free time, yet he's able to keep in shape because he loves exercise and doesn't mind eating healthy. He is the author of Body for Wife: The Family Guy's Guide to Getting in Shape. His column for That's Fit.ca focuses on weightlifting, running and exercise motivation.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Carolyn Nichol 2-16-2010 @ 9:18AM
I'm 35 next month, I run 5 times a week, eat little to no refined foods, 50% of my diet is raw veggies and I eat no dairy or meat products. I haven't had the common cold or flew for over 10 years. I have 3 children under age 10, and I feel stronger and healthier today then I was at age 20. I'm not saying this to boast. I'm saying this to say, that I wake up every morning feeling and looking great. I love life, I hate the television, and there's nothing better then a 10k run on a winters morning with snow gently falling,... but I'll do it even in a storm, cause I want to go that extra mile, want to be better then average, and want to stand outside of the crowd and not lost in it. We can all be better, I'm still learning, we just have to make that choice. If your not already you can do it, choose to love your self at any age.
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Curtis 2-16-2010 @ 9:39AM
sounds like you deserve a steak!
JbarTjustice 2-16-2010 @ 6:52PM
Enjoy Life, Work Hard, Suck in the smog air, get terminal cancer and get taken out by a truck while running. Enjoy - Cheers. Bottled water right.
tracey love 2-17-2010 @ 12:24AM
you must have a nanny or a live in grandma - no women I know have the opportunity to go running 5 times a week with kids under 10!!!!!
glenandkarengordon 3-04-2010 @ 9:33AM
An excellent challenge Thanks!!
dsignercarly 2-16-2010 @ 9:36AM
wow sounds like your doing great carolyn
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dsignercarly 2-16-2010 @ 9:39AM
good for you!
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john hall 2-16-2010 @ 9:47AM
Right on! Even my 87 year old mother understands these issues and exercises regularily; takes care of her diet - lots of fruits & vegies.
I exercise every day and three times a week do a killer spinning class - have been an dedicated work out person all my life. This is ones basic responsibility to self, family, friends & society - eat well, keep fit, enjoy life - every one wants happy healthy family & friends. These articles on this web site are wonderful sources of current lifestyle data. We need to know what is best for us - kale chips, etc. Always strive for better - share the passion for an above average quality of life.
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Kris 2-16-2010 @ 10:05AM
I'm not average then, either. Running and yoga are my 2 greatest passions these days and I'm 1 year away from 40.
Although I do fall slightly in that TV average in the winter. *sigh* I can't wait for spring!!!!
I just wish people could have a taste of what it's like to be fit and healthy, maybe it could motivate them more....
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msebaldt 2-16-2010 @ 2:28PM
Interesting article. I certainly try to be more than average. especially now that I'd joined up with Weight Watchers and certainly make sure I walk every afternoon after work or in the mornings before work and or work out at home. I do not believe in spending lots of money in a gym, etc. when there are lots of things one can do on a daily basis, as use stairs instead of elevators/escalators, walk instead of drive. etc.
Good luck to all!
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Richard 2-16-2010 @ 2:28PM
Don't settle for being average. Being average just doesn't cut it.
Financial fitness guru Dave Ramsey (www.daveramsey.com) encourages us not to handle our money like the average person (i.e. go deep into debt / spend money that has not been earned). The average Canadian thinks that common sense and rational advice is boring. David Bach (www.finishrich.com) writes in his best-selling books that the best advice on saving, investing, realestate, etc. is boring.
Wake up, Canadians. It's time to leave mediocrity and wishful thinking behind. Come back to real life.
Put good advice into action. Get help from www.bodybreak.com.
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Sammy 2-16-2010 @ 2:30PM
Well said! - to the article and all the comments above! I think the one thing we have to remember is when did growing up mean you had to stop having fun? Being active doesn't necessarily mean you have to drag yourself to the gym or go through an excruciatingly boring workout - i'm mean if that's your passion then by all means- but its not for everyone. Remember what it was like to just go outside and play and have fun with yourself? We live in the most beautiful backyard of anywhere with so many fantastic things to do. So throw yourself into something you truely love and start enjoying. Life doesn't happened zoned out on the couch. Its outside doing what you love, with the people you love.
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Luc Hebert 2-16-2010 @ 2:30PM
I'm proud to say that at almost 42 i excercise more than i ever did all my life,it gives me energy my back does hurt like it use it feels good after doing a workout.''try it once you start seeing results you dont want to go back''
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maothleannan 2-16-2010 @ 2:31PM
Wow you really are petty mr pretty pants.... IM hardly average; i am a can fit pro instructor, a national dance champion for 5 consecutive years, and a coach of junior national champions for three. Just because i care about substance instead of packaging, doesnt make me "average".
Youre quite pretentious and unprofessional..... consider the source. That is why you cant write a legitimate article about anything of substance... but can antagonize real well.
But nice socks anyways. lmao
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SaraMack 2-17-2010 @ 10:38AM
maothleanne why do you always have to brag? do you have low self esteem ?
maybe your mom is proud of you but i dont think anyone else here really cares at all. you just seem angry for no raeson. i thought this was a great article
Jillian 2-16-2010 @ 5:40PM
Amazingly well said.
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StaceyWynn 2-16-2010 @ 5:01PM
I agree with you and found this piece motivating, as I am currently trying to be less average but never thought about it like that. I look at healthy active people and pictures of myself when I was in a non-round shape and focus on how much I am failing. It's nice to look at my progress/ attempt to live heathier as rising above average.
Side note: I live with my mother, she does not miss me!
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Heather 2-16-2010 @ 6:11PM
The average person does not obsess about eating healthy or exercising either. I am overweight but strong, I don't always eat healthy but I don't remember the last time I've had a cold or illness either. In your terms, I've settled for "average", but it hasn't let me down. I've travelled the world, gotten married to a man who is head over heels in love with me, am 3 weeks away from having my first baby, and about to graduate college with honours. Believe it or not, people with less than perfect bodies and habits can have great lives as well!
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JessicaRose 2-19-2010 @ 5:27PM
I do not think the author meant to say that those who do not have "perfect" bodies can not lead joyful, successful, and strong lives.
And good for you for being awesome. :)
Robyn 2-16-2010 @ 7:29PM
Well, I'm not average either. I'm a 45 year old woman, 5 foot nothing, 103 lbs, all muscle. No refined whites, eat healthfully. Because of a bad car wreck many years ago, it's more important for me to eat healthy. And, due to circumstances beyond my control, I have no money, work 7 days a week, forking manure, lifting hay bales, water buckets, riding horses(it's my living), and I could never afford a membership at a gym, or fancy work out clothes. Everything I have is hand me downs, and believe me, it shows. I think that is the point the "complainers" to your other article were trying to get across. There are alot of us that stay active and healthy, but still can't buy the gym membership or the work out clothes. I think if they are in hand me downs, and still working out, GREAT for them. I can barely buy food, and rely on family to give me most of my groceries. I could not justify spending money on work out gear when I can't buy food.
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