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Fittingly Mad: Cyclists Not Wearing Helmets!

FitSugar — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:30:00 -0700

When I see images of cyclists riding in past Tours de France, they look odd to me. I recognize the riders, but they aren't wearing helmets. But over the course of the last decade, helmets became mandatory in the most prestigious bike race in the world.

Wearing a helmet is the simplest safety precaution you can take to protect your most important body part: your brain. Even though most casual cyclists are not barreling down hills and mountainsides at the speed of professional racers, wearing a helmet is a no brainer! Yet more than half the riders I see on the street are not wearing helmets. I just don't get it. I know helmets are not the most stylish of biking accessories, but is there really anything flattering about cycling gear? If messed up hair is keeping riders from wearing helmets, I would respond that a serious head injury is considerably worse than a bad hair day. We spend so much time taking care of our bodies and feeding our brains with knowledge, we really should protect our brains when biking.

Some helmetless riders argue that they're skilled cyclists so they don't need a helmet since they're not going to fall. Think of the helmet like the seat belt; it's there to protect you from crazy drivers or large potholes or, in the case of Matt Lauer of the Today Show, a deer. Without a helmet, Lauer would have suffered injuries far greater than a separated shoulder. Same goes for Lance Armstrong's collar bone-breaking crash a couple of months ago. Without a helmet his fate might have been much worse. If you're cruising around town or barreling down a dirt path on your mountain bike, wear a helmet. Please!

Fittingly Mad: Runners Who Pooh-Pooh Walkers

FitSugar — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0700

A few times a month, I run with a running group near me. For the most part, everyone is really supportive and there just to meet fellow fit people, learn some tips, and get in a good run. Recently though I overheard some runners badmouthing walkers. As they jogged passed them, one of the runners smirked under their breath, "Walking is for people who don't have the guts to run," and their two pals giggled. I was shocked. What gives that guy the right to pass judgment on someone else? It's like speedism - discriminating against someone because of how fast they move. It really made me angry since I feel all active people should encourage each other. All exercise should be applauded, and I wanted to breeze right by them and yell, "If you're too busy worrying about what other people are doing, then you're obviously not working hard enough yourself!" But I didn't want to perpetuate that kind of negativity. Tell me, have you ever experienced runners who pooh-pooh walkers?

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Fittingly Mad: Increased Membership Prices at the Gym

FitSugar — Sun, 03 May 2009 03:30:00 -0700

I don't have to tell you that economically speaking, times are tough. Many stores and companies are actually cutting prices to help lure customers to their businesses, but not my gym. Oh no. They've actually raised membership prices by $10 a month! That's no small amount, especially because my hubby belongs too, so that adds an extra $240 a year. It really bothers me that they can take advantage of people who feel so strongly about their health, since they know most gym goers won't end their memberships - they'll just suck it up and pay. Since my gym does offer unique fitness opportunities I can't get at other less expensive gyms, such as state-of-the-art cardio equipment, group classes, and of course, the pool, I guess I'll have to be one of those people who agrees to shell out the big bucks. It doesn't mean I won't complain about it though. What about you? Have your gym membership prices increased recently too?

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Fittingly Mad: Skinny Dressing Room Mirrors

FitSugar — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 06:04:00 -0700

I don't know too many people who enjoy trying on clothes in dressing rooms. Not only is it annoying that sizing varies so much from store to store, but the ginormous mirror and bright lights are utterly unforgiving. You can end up spending more time criticizing your imperfections than checking out the clothes! Store designers must know the emotional pain we endure in those tiny rooms, and that's why they designed skinny mirrors.

You know the ones I'm talking about, where you try on that skintight pair of jeans and your booty never looked so good. You think, "Wow, those squats are really working." Then when you get home and try them on again, they just don't look the same. Somehow your tiny bum has expanded in the 20 minutes it took to drive home.

I'm sure stores think we owe them a huge thank you for making our dressing room experiences more pleasant, but ultimately it's a huge disappointment. I don't need some stupid mirror making me look thinner than I really am. What do you think about them? Are you psyched with what you see, or do you think this deception is just a marketing ploy to get you to spend more money?

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Fittingly Mad: Dog Poo and Hiking Don't Mix

FitSugar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:00:00 -0700

I planned a two hour family hike last weekend and everything was going well, until my little daughter stepped in dog poo. I was so thoroughly disgusted. Not by the smell, but by the irresponsible hikers that walked the trail before us. Not to be gross, but the doggy deposit was definitely fresh. As we were hiking up the mountain, I tried not to glare at every hiker we passed with a pooch.

I have no problem with dogs on the trail. We take Bonnie the dog with us all the time. I also carry a couple of bags in case she goes on the trail. I do, however, have a problem with a dog owner not picking up his or her dog's business especially when it is in the middle of the path. It's rude and disrespectful to the mountain and to the fellow hikers to not clean up a mess your pet leaves behind. I think it is a lot like littering (although it does eventually decompose, but like trash it doesn't belong on the trail). Do you have issues with this too? If you do, share them in the comments section below.

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Fittingly Mad: Unlimited Indoor Tanning Free With Gym Membership?

FitSugar — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

There's a gym near me that has tootsie rolls by the front door, and that's not all the goodies they offer. In the lobby they have a bunch of stand-up tanning beds, and one of the memberships perks is unlimited use. WTF? To me, this is the equivalent of going on a 2-hour hike, getting to the top of the mountain and lighting up a cigarette. Doesn't it strike you as an oxymoron? You join our gym to help you stay fit and live a long, healthy life, but step into this tanning booth to dramatically increase your chances for developing skin cancer. It's idiotic and it aggravates me. I guess people are responsible enough to make their own decisions, but I'm just so surprised that tanning beds are still in existence, and just mortified that they're in a place like a gym. What do you think about this?

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Fittingly Mad: Snotty Tissues on Gym Equipment

FitSugar — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Spring is the time for allergies and I've seen so many people suffering. I'm feeling crappy too so I definitely feel for people, but I have to say I'm losing a little bit of my sympathy. While at the gym the past few weeks, I've been noticing men and women sneezing, blowing their noses, and then stuffing their snotty tissues into the cup holder on the machines. I even saw a guy blow his nose into his own towel and drape it over the handle of the treadmill. It's so thoroughly disgusting and inconsiderate. I don't understand why it doesn't occur to people that even though they're not sick, they can still pass germs and bacteria on to fellow gym goers through their snotty business. Is it so hard to stuff their used tissue into their pocket or in their shirt or waistband? Or how about this idea - they could get up and throw it away. What a concept?

Am I the only one out there witnessing this phenomenon? Let me know in the comments section below.

Fittingly Mad: Pedestrians Get No Respect

FitSugar — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800

I live in a state where pedestrians legally have the right-of-way, meaning cars are supposed to yield to people getting around on foot. Let me tell you though, this does not always happen.

Today, while crossing the street on a green light I was almost run over by a man driving a Jaguar. I am not sure why he couldn't wait for all the pedestrians to cross the street and then make his right turn. I guess waiting 20 seconds for the foot traffic to safely pass might make him too late. Chances are high though, as he motors about, he is going to reach his destination before all us pedestrians.

Walking is a great form of exercise. Walking is a great way to decrease our carbon footprint. Walking is a double win here: good for the health of people and the planet. And come on, walking is a necessity, especially in an urban environment, and that is why it should feel safe. Safe walking paths, and biking trails while we are at it, need to factored into community development plans and urban planning. Drivers need to pay attention to foot traffic too. Just like it is nice to give a stranger a compliment, if you're driving let the pedestrian go first. Give 'em a little wave-on-through motion and smile. If you are on foot or bike walk and ride defensively. You have to assume that cars don't see you, but if they happen to give you the right-of-way acknowledge it! Give that driver a nod, a wave, or a smile. Maybe with a little positive encouragement that driver will keep on sharing the road.

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Fittingly Mad: Don’t Drip on Me

FitSugar — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:30:00 -0800

The other day, I was waiting my turn for counter help at a fabric store (getting some detailing for Halloween costumes). I was behind an older gentleman, and I had to stand there and watch his nose drip directly onto the counter. And not just once, mind you. I was a little stunned he just let it drip out and onto a public surface. He made no attempt to wipe his nose. He pulled out no tissues. I am teaching my little girls these hygiene habits, and I thought a man 20 years my senior would have these healthy habits down.

The woman behind the counter did not offer him a tissue either; but when he walked away, she did produce a spray bottle and wiped the counter down. We were both annoyed by the drips, but why did it get to this place anyway. If you have a cold accompanied by a drippy nose you should carry some tissues so you can wipe your nose on a regular basis. Of course, after wiping or blowing your nose you should wash your hands, but most importantly don’t drip on me!

I would love to see tissues on every counter. Until then I will be keeping them in my own pocket! Along with some hand sanitizer, since I know I am a serious germaphobe, but I find it pays to stay vigilant to stay healthy!

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Fittingly Mad: The Myth of Work/Life Balance

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I have a full time job. I have two young daughters. I have a husband who I actually enjoy hanging out with, not that I see him much one-on-one. I have hobbies - well, "hobbies" might be a slight exaggeration. There are many activities I enjoy: running, pushing my girls on the swing at the park, baking cakes and pies, studying Spanish, learning how to dance salsa, learning how to sew...but I am finding it increasingly difficult to find the time to fulfill all my obligations and do the things I want to do. I just can't seem to find the elusive balance between life and work.

Magazine covers are filled with the promise that I can have it all: career, family and "me" time. I can be sexy, successful and maternal all with the blink of an eye, or the flip of a glossy page. For me though, there is no equilibrium, and I feel like I am falling short on all fronts. I always think the problem, the chronic feelings of dissatisfaction and failure, is me. The reason I feel unbalanced is that I haven't tried hard enough to figure it all out.

After trying to find balance for years, I have decided to give up the chase. First off, this idea of perfect balance is a myth. There really is no "balance," although there may be tipping points - but I digress. There really are too many things to do than there are hours in the day. I can make lists and strategize and then beat myself up for not meeting my expectations, but that really seems the opposite of balance.

In all honesty, I have been wasting time searching for the mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. There is no gold and there is no perfect balance between life and work. All the details of my life ebb and flow, I am going to try and ride the waves of activity that run through my life. I am going to give up the eternal search for balance. Yep, I am going to take stock in what I have and what is going on. It is a 360 degree perspective, not a this-or-that.

Am I the only one out here that feels this? I'd love to hear about your battle with the life / work balance. Tell me all about it in the comments section below.

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