Boost workout because?
Paid a visit to a favorite service center today, Grease Monkey. I remember they said at my last visit in September ‘if you ever have a need to return before your regular service, please do…we’ll check out anything that you need…it’s on us”. Well, the funny burning smell wasn’t funny anymore and I was in the neighborhood. These guys have such great customer service that they will get me as a return customer forever. Or until at least I have no reason to go there anymore. So, as I await their great service I see the local paper sitting there, so I grab it and check into current events since I am so behind the 8 ball on that.
Section K 11 ‘Gifts that can boost workouts’. I knew I needed to read this one simply because it caught my attention not to learn about the boost but more curious on why people may want a boost?
The first line starts off ‘In simpler times maintaining good health was a matter of joining a gym…these days a range of gadgets can help boost your workout…and I’m not talking about iPods that distract you as you lift weights or sprint to nowhere on a treadmill. Technology now can track your workouts, count calories, and more’.
Wow. What? Is there a difference in the dumbing down?
Pardon me Ms. Jesdanun, from the Associated Press, but in simpler times it was simpler. Simpler wasn’t joining a gym. Simpler was physically working & moving…not paying a monthly fee to go into a box where the distractions are in the thousands and the idea is beyond simple fitness. Simple fitness simply needs a little more definition if you are going to talk about it.
But I must brief you in on the gadgets and you know that will lead to a little commentary.
The Garmin Forerunner: a GPS device to keep track of how far you have run and how fast you have run. For the sake of what?
Nike Plus Sportsband: a small sensor fits into a Nike shoe and send data wirelessly to an iPod to track what you’ve done. Do you really want this?
Timex Expedition: this offers elevation, temperature and compass readings….oh, and a barometer mode. Wow, it says the compass can guide you which way ot go once you emerge from the subway. Oh dumb me a little more, please.
Coheso Calorie Smart: a handheld calorie counter that resembles a pocket calculator. Just type in what you’re eating. Oh and then type in your exercise. Great, no more guessing. Finally, a device that lets me completely not have to think.
Gymboss Interval Trainer: oh! this one helps keep you on track by letting you know when to stop and start. Good, I didn’t know when was good. This year’s model has new colors AND a louder beep. Wahoo! Wow, reason to run out to buy now. The author says what’s nice about this is ‘the beeping’. What?
The point is in all of these gadgets designed to boost fitness are really designed to boost your ego, your dumbness, and any amount of thought and human calculation. doG forbid that someone that has chosen to workout actually has to put additional mustard into the whole project. Damn, I have to resort now to the human-ness that I am. I actually will have to use my brain, my perception, awareness, mindfulness, and listen to all my feedback to make a decision.
In simpler times, it was simpler. Period.
You can have that anytime that you choose.
Your choice.
Just what we needed!!! Great commentary on structure vs. spontaneity–really enjoyed this!