[quote]Sniper99 wrote:
Some good points on here. I think a lot of you are right on the money. That said, do you guys have some kind of universal hatred of video games or something? Yeah, playing that stuff to excess is bad, but its a perfectly good hobby as long as its not the only thing you do. Games are fun, they are interactive, take some brain power, and develop hand-eye coordination among other things.
I’m not advocating playing games 8 hours a day day in and day out - but I think you people have some misconceptions. Its possible to be healthy and have non-fitness related activities you enjoy. Most activities are okay in moderation - even TV! And come on - poker as a hobby is bad? I’ve got news, if you think all non physical hobbies are bad, you are flat out one sided. Nothing wrong with that, but you should realize it and not force it on others.
The problem isn’t activities, the problem is modern life. Let me outline an average American’s day:
Spend 10-12 hours working for the man.
Spend 2+ hours in the car commuting.
Stop and grab something to eat on the way home (usually unhealthy) because you are too damn wasted from work to do anything.
Veg on the couch, attend to whatever pressing matters exist at home.
Go to sleep, get up 5-6 hours later, and do it all over again.
This is, of course, the picture of unhealth, yet millions of people do just that every day. Telling your kids “get off the game and go play outside” isn’t going to do it. What does it is if mommy and daddy lead an active lifestyle, and little johnny sees this, and is part of it, from day one. Kids watch you - you have to practice what you preach or they are going to ignore it. Thats a given.
It’s not TV’s fault. It’s not Coca-Cola’s fault. It’s not video games. All these things are fine, in apprpriate amounts. Its the fault of parents who lead inactive, unhealthy lives, and then think they can just tell their kids to “be different.” And its a time thing. I know the big reason I hate cooking is because it takes time. And the healthier the food, the longer it takes to cook (and the more it costs). Its a reliable maxim. I cook it anyway of course. Then of course lifting and exercise take time too. Time’s the killer - if people aren’t willing to spend it, then they are just going to get fatter.
In short, there’s a lot of things that contribute to the obesity problem. All of them have to do with willpower, time, and habits though… not with video games, coke, and mcdonald’s.[/quote]
A post that makes sense. Amazing.