Work is making us fat.
OK, that may be a gross generalization, but the truth is, sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day isn’t helping anyone’s cause.
Since we made the move indoors and into swivelling office chairs, our overall physical activity levels have plummeted. It’s not like the old days when we were all working on the farm, hoeing and planting and pulling out weeds. These days we cozy up with a muffin and a full-fat latte and hunker down for the day—likely with horrible posture—only to get off our butts for a bathroom break, or a walk to the post office.
Now, of course, there are still physical jobs out there, we have our trail crew cutting down trees and lugging around chainsaws; labourers swinging hammers and lifting 2x4s; and ski patrollers carving up the hill, but the majority of us don’t live that life—the majority of us make a living behind a computer.
According to a Canadian Community Health Survey, in Alberta Health Services’ North Zone—which includes Jasper—64.8 per cent of the population 18 years and older is currently overweight or obese.
Considering our sedentary behaviour that statistic should come as no surprise.
But, surprised or not, it should be an eyeopener. Although it’s become the norm, it’s important to remember that eight hours is a long time to sit motionless, especially at this time of year when your office is undoubtedly full of irresistible holiday treats.
There are plenty of excuses not to exercise, but there’s a group of Jasperites that has chosen not to make excuses this holiday season.
They’ve embraced this year’s December Project, posting their adventures and exercise routines on the Facebook page and encouraging others to join in.
The December Project began last year with the goal of getting the community exercising every day of December, while raising funds for a good cause.
In 2015, about 180 people joined the Facebook group, buying in and participating in the project. This year, nearly 100 more people have joined. It’s been inspiring to see our community—which, let’s be honest, is already pretty fit—getting active each and every day.
Although the project is nearly through, with December coming to a close, we encourage everyone to get outside this holiday season.
Christmas doesn’t have to be all about turkey and eggnog. There are plenty of opportunities for skating, skiing, snowshoeing, winter walking and even a trip to the gym—just make sure you check the holiday hours first.
And, if you do get active, we hope you’ll post your adventure or your workout on the December Project’s Facebook page and buy in, donating $20 in support of the Caring Community Fund and the effort to bring a Syrian refugee family to Jasper.
It’s a win-win, not only are you supporting two good causes, you’re supporting your own health.
We hope to see you out there.
Happy holidays.
