Lower them, higher them, if you ask me it's not going to make one bit of difference when it comes to how much exercise Canadians get.
Canada's new fitness guidelines are set to be released January 24 and word has it that the standards will be lowered this year.
Hmmm... with more Canadians than ever before overweight, why would we opt to LOWER the standards?
Well according to an informed source, new guidelines will be less discouraging and help people to more easily reach their goals. The idea is to get those who don't currently take part in any physical activities, to become active and to move a little more. Behavioral scientists say they believe the move will help "couch potatoes" establish and reach new targets.
Now I'm not sure about you, but honestly, I wasn't even aware we even had an actual fitness guideline. When the new year rolled around and I decided to up my exercise levels (well actually I decided to start exercising) Canada's fitness guideline had no bearing whatsoever on my decision. As you sat on the couch enjoying holiday snacks and beverages day after day over the holiday season did the thought that the government suggest you get at least 150 minutes of physical exercise per week cross YOUR mind? While admittedly the vision of increasing pant sizes had me worried, I can't say it did mine.
As of January 24, kids are supposed to be getting 60 minutes (down from 90) of exercise each day. Adults are to be engaging in 120 minutes per week, down from 150. These will be the new "generalized" government recommendations.
Encouraging physical activity is great. With the popularity of computers, television, video games and the like at an all time high, we most definitely (well most of us) are not active enough to maintain optimum health. I don't think though, that "behavioural scientist" studies and federal government booklets are the answer to turning things around. It's up to each of us to make the choice to become more active and healthy. Rather than spend dollars on a guideline book and costly studies of which we already know the answers and outcomes, why not offer incentives and/or get the word out through positive advertising?
Lowering the bar sends the message Canadians aren't capable of accomplishing recommended goals. (So why bother trying?) We know we're better than that. Some of us just need the encouragement and support to take the step in the right direction.
