Some Fitness Articles Do More Harm Than Good
I often cringe when I read fitness articles. Although many articles have a little truth in them, since many writers are not in the fitness industry, some articles can mislead readers rather than help them.
Magazines like to use catchy phrases and flashy titles to grab a consumer’s attention. Although most of us would realize that titles like “10-minute abs” or “lose your belly in 3 weeks” are unrealistic, there are still many people who believe the nonsense. No wonder people lose hope so fast – almost every article in every magazine promises fast results with little effort.
Even with as many controversial articles as I have read, none have been as disturbing as a recent article my mom passed along to me this past week. The opening statement printed in oversized text said “if you belong to a gym, it’s likely that most of what you are doing there is nearly useless – and might be ruining your chances of getting fit”. If that was the case, I’d pack up shop today.
The writer even attempted to blame health clubs for the obesity epidemic saying the problem with obesity followed the rise in health clubs. Did the writer ever think the rise in health clubs is due to America’s obesity problem – not a result of it? As my grandmother would say, “Brother!”
As health clubs strive to pick out the best equipment, hire the friendliest people and offer the most effective programs, it’s disheartening to think someone could actually believe the one place dedicated to fitness could “ruin your chance of getting fit”. This is a perfect example of how an article can do more harm than good.
Everyone has a tendency to point the finger, and I even understand why people are intimidated by health clubs. Ironically, this particular writer actually blamed fitness equipment – complete with a list of “the 10 machines you must avoid”, many of which included machines available in most rehabilitation centers.
As if there were not enough things about joining a gym to fear, now you need to be afraid of gym equipment? It’s frightening to think of all the people who were on the verge of getting help and joining a gym who may never get the help they need because of this one ridiculous article.
Are gym goers really wasting their time? Can you really get abs in ten minutes? If it sounds ridiculous, it probably is. In my opinion, no one is really responsible for obesity but the individual who continues to eat too much. There is also no real trick to weight loss - living fit takes work.
Despite what an article may say – there are people, like myself, who dedicate their lives to helping people get results. Just be careful what you read, because what you read may be fueled by a desire to increase magazine sales rather than a genuine desire to help people.
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Thanks Bonnie!
I completely agree with your statement! Being a writer myself, I am very cautious of staying with the facts and not adding too much fluff. There is a lot of controversy in the magazine industry... they are in a bind when it comes to writiing on health and selling their publications. Most people do not want to hear that being fit takes HARD WORK, DEDICATION, and TIME. These words will not make the magazines to fly off the shelf... however it is what people NEED to hear! I think more writers and magazines need to take the responsibility of writing truthful, helpful information and stop giving people false hopes in achieving success within days.
I agree with Melinda though, even being a writer and fitness professional the titles catch my eye too! There must be a happy medium. Meanwhile, I will continue to write the truth :)
In Health and Happiness,
Lauren Showers
AMEN!!
One of my mostest favoritest quotes, "NOTHING WORTH HAVING COMES EASY." First heard that in my journey to lose weight 6 years ago.. Wonderful post Bonnie!
Mona Liza "MO" Reyes
www.goteammo.com
Bonnie, this is so needed
for EVERYONE to read! You need to copy this and mail it to the publisher of the magazine.
I am LIVING proof that time is a friend and quick results are not lasting, LIFE CHANGES are!
It has taken me 3 years to lose and KEEP OFF my 30 + pounds and shed 45 INCHES!
10 minute abs or 20 minute once every other day did NOT produce where I am today.
PROPAGANDA is rampant! And you are so right when you say people buy in to that dream of "fit without effort."
If it were EASY, everyone would be body builders!
KUDOS to you girlfriend!
and do send the article to the magazine publisher.
I LOVED this write!
hugs 2 U!
Teri
When everything is said and done, be sure more is done than said.
I agree....
That is why I quit reading the magazines along time ago..They are just so repetitive. Just new bodies in the same articles, with just a little twist to them. I would much rather get the information from a site such as this, from people that have been down the road, and are not trying to sell something.
Great post...
that sounds...ridiculous!
I too cringe reading health articles. On the cover of every health and fitness magazine, there's always a catch phrase of "How to" in 10 min, 30 days or whatever! And the funny thing is...it still appeals to me to open it up and read it! Actually thinking there's some breakthrough discovery!??
I know better, but it still gets my attention and I just have to laugh! It's gotten so redundant and I have learned how to flip through an entire magazine in about 10 minutes now.
But this one takes the cake, doesn't make any sense! ??
You are right that living fit takes work....so once again, if it sounds too good to be true, then IT IS!
well said!
You are so right! And if the magazine isn't worrying about selling copies of the magazine, they're also worried about offending the big corporations that are buying ads in the magazine promoting a whole host of unhealthy foods and choices!
And you're tight, people have a hard time taking responsibility for themselves and their health. Its much easier to blame someone else like a gym! The problem is the cost in terms of your health and vitality now and in the future is much greater than you can imagine.
Darren Clair, MD
Vibrance Health Services