Physical Activities that Don’t Suck (that much)

Now you may be reclining in your ergonomic desk chair in front of your custom built powerhouse PC in a polished chrome case that’s glowing green and blue with the unholy power of the dark abyss you’ve channeled into your multi-core pro gaming processor and spliced with an nvedia graphics card that has harnessed the color and saturation precision of a nano surgeon slicing open your soul to implant Windows 7…wait what was I talking about before that adjective filled run on?

Oh yeah! You may be wondering why we’d put out a post on physical activity, well it’s clearly because we care. Let’s be honest a lot of us spend a lot of time in front of computers and sitting for work (see Brian’s lovely visuals for important information on the shitty side of sitting), then come home to watch movies or playing games in front of a screen while munching on leftovers from last D&D session, which means Dr. Pepper, Cheesy Poofs, and pizza.

Now perhaps you’re one of those gamers that actually enjoy sitting down across a table and throwing some dice in a board game, or still role-play with pals in a pen & paper game turned miniature war game. But even now with the advent of Fantasy Grounds and the like, many RPer’s are turning to remote gaming across the worldwide whatever it is. Most gamers though spend their time, or a significant allotment of it, in front of a media device.

Hey guys, before you grab your pitchforks and torches in an old school dirty south attempt of a lynching of Jonathan, let’s get real. I’m not passing judgement…well much of one…okay I am a little, but it’s only because I care remember? “My love is like a truck”…free gift to whoever names that quote. Anyhoo, I enjoy unwinding in front of a good show from netflix or playing some CoD as much as the next guy, but the frequency of how much we do it is stunning as a nation. We’re very unhealthy and lets not even get started on diet.

Sure if you know me you’ll know I’m a Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ…yeah lets just get the jokes out of the way now) guy. Sure I train a lot and my life is in a unique place so that I have a lot more liberty with my schedule than most people, but I didn’t always. So the first defense of “I’m too busy” is crap. We make time for gaming and what’s important; we can make time for healthy stuff too, because it should be important too. But let’s be honest, it’s hard to get started, maybe you’re embarrassed, don’t know what to do, or it’s just plain boring going to the gym. Trust me I understand.

I used to hate running. I kind of still do. The only reason I run is because it helps me in my jujitsu. It serves a purpose. But if I wasn’t a bit of a jujitsu scientist fanatic type, screw running. My sister used to be a marathoner type, and my brother in law. Me? Nooooooo thanks. Some people like running. I’m not that guy. I do however like working toward a goal that I see refines a skill, like how running wind sprints and endurance cardio workouts helps my BJJ. And that’s what we need to tap into to maintain interest in our health.

Sure we can lose weight and get in shape by exercising, but I think there are equally important effects of working out that are often overlooked. Like stress management. OMG! I would be the biggest douchenugget if I didn’t train as much as I do. Like right now for instance, I’m grounded due to a back injury given by an over zealous training partner…I need to train to be happy. Why? Well choking people is a huge stress reliever as is being tapped out multiple times. Humility is always a good lesson to be refreshed on. Plus did you know you get high when you work out? Yeah. It’s called serotonin and endorphins… my friends. Makes you happier through out the day with an overall better outlook. So bleeding off that crappy stress from a complaining client that makes you wonder why you went into that back hair braiding business in the first place and just the feel good results of working out are two reasons enough to be excited about getting off the couch.

But in case self-improvement isn’t quite enough motivation, and lets be honest, some days it isn’t. How about we give you a fun list of cool things that might appeal more than just hitting the gym:

• Airsoft – shooting people with 1:1 replica firearms? What’s not to like.
• Martial Arts – from swords to breaking stuff with your head? Sweet.
• Parkour – I mean if you’ve got to run, why not flip off buildings while you’re at it?
• Paintball – shooting people with balls filled with paint and leaving welts that make people question if they’re hickies from the weekend? Always a laugh.
• LARP – Role-playing meets smashing a foam axe on your buddy’s head? Just as long as you’re not that annoying lighting bolt guy…
• SCA – Kind of like LARP but considered more “acceptable” because it’s kind of a Ren fair on steroids. Only good for the health if you stay away from the fried turkey legs and strap on some armor and grab rattan swords to fight for glory.
• Yoga – get a stretch.
• Rock Climbing – No rocks? No worries. Go sports climb.

So there are a few ideas for fun stuff to go get active doing while still getting your geek on. Do you guys have any other ways you like to get the stress out and a sweat on?