If you were given the option to choose between an apple and
an orange, what would you choose? We may feel obliged to choose from the
options that are laid out in front of us, but what about that third undisclosed
item?
Let’s take physical activity as an example. I have always
associated physical activity with running or being part of a sports team, where
students are being assessed by physical fitness, strength, and movement skills.
That is what I was exposed to when I was in elementary school, the years of
education that introduced me to and laid the foundation of my knowledge in
physical activity.
..:: Physical activity & education ::..
The notion of physical activity has changed since then and
it is comforting to see how many supportive organizations and initiatives exist
to promote physical activity and wellness in a different manner.
For example, the Canadian Physical Education Association
(CPEA) was founded approximately 80 years ago, in 1933. After several name and possibly
mandate changes, we know it today as the Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada). The shift from physical education to health education brings
forward a different emphasis on what constitutes a “physical activity” (they
also have a lot of free health education resources to support educators!).
What is more significant is the societal shift in the understanding
and meaning of physical activity and, by extension, physical education. What
does it means to be physically active? Does it mean the number of sit-ups you
can do in one minute? In some aspects, the measurable fitness levels should define
one’s fitness ability (such as sports teams – we do want to make sure that the
skills and fitness levels of the Sedins are measured against professional
quantifiable standards!). However, being active can simply mean engaging in
activity that increases your heart rate and be something you enjoy.
..:: The shift ::..
I talked to someone from SFU Athletics and Recreation and
they were telling me that the greatest number of fitness centre and gym users
peaked in January of each year but slowly declined after approximately a month. This seems to coincide with when people make New Year’s resolutions. I was one of these
people – I would consistently go to the fitness centre at the beginning of the
year but my visits there slowly declined in mid February.
Individuals have this
preconceived idea that in order to be physically active, we have to be doing
something others recognize as physical activity, even if it is not something we
enjoy. I decided to try something new and discovered zumba, a mix of dance and
fitness. Zumba has become one of my favourite and consistent ways to have a
fantastic time while getting an excellent workout. The energized and amazing
feeling I get during and after class is what keeps me excited to return to it
time and again. I love being healthful and getting physically active as much as
I value the enjoyment and gratification I get from the activity!
..:: My One Thing ::..
I realize that it doesn’t, and shouldn’t, take a lot for an
individual to engage in healthy behaviour change (whatever that means to you) if
you just choose one thing a day that makes you happy. The Canadian Cancer
Society has a great initiative called My One Thing that I love. Just a
small change or action each day that can make a difference!
For me, I like to look at it as one thing you can do each
day to be happy and healthy.
- Take 5 minutes to sit and do absolutely nothing and clear my mind.
- Take a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood.
- Call up a friend and have a conversation.
- Try something new.
- Go dancing.
- Laugh.
So when given two options that aren’t ideal, maybe think of
something else that you would enjoy!
I’ll end this off, and perhaps with each post, by sharing
“my one thing” that I did or will do that makes me happy and healthy.
[Source: Lehoa M., Sept 2013]
What is your one thing?
