There are many, easy to see advantages to being in-shape:
- You feel good
- You have more energy
- People of the other gender generally over-respond with smiles and enthusiasm when you randomly ask them how they’re doing
- You look good (well, relatively)
- You have more confidence
- You can eat cookies without looking like a shlub
But there are some disadvantages to being in shape that I think are often overlooked when someone decides, “Hmmm.. should I have get in-shape? I think I will.”
The Slippery Slope
Initially, when getting into shape, it’s easy! When you go for a walk, your pulse gets increases, and by walking you’re generally (in theory) increasing your lifespan. Go you!
After you get in shape, that’s no longer the case. Tonight I went for a fast walk. I usually go for runs, but I ran this morning before work, so I figured I was good, and I could just go for a walk to get some exercise.
Anyone who knows me knows that my walk is pretty quick. I mean they know that it’s quick all the freaking time. The only time it is slower is if I’m interested in talking to someone, usually one of the female-type (so ladies, if I slow down when walking with you, take it as a compliment).
Since I’m usually a fast walker, tonight I went for a walk. I was walking pretty fast (4.5 mph). After a 12 minute walk of this, my pulse was a mere 85 to 90. It also takes longer before anything.
So the disadvantage of being in shape is that it takes more time, effort, and discipline to work out. I apparently can’t go for walks and get a cardio workout. Runs only, I guess.
Essentially, being in shape makes a person have to go faster, harder, longer, and stronger. Maybe that’s the reason to number three….
Obviously “disadvantage” is sarcasm.