Thirty days from now, the world’s attention will turn toward London as the opening events of the XXX Olympiad will kick off a 17-day spectacle, showcasing the accomplishments of over 10,000 elite athletes from around the world.
Here in the United States, Olympic hopefuls are tumbling, jumping, swinging, shooting, dashing and diving their way through qualifying events. Their personal stories are truly inspiring as they stretch to reach their goals, hoping that their dedication and commitment to their sport will pay off in an airline ticket to London next month.
While athletes from an expected 204 nations will dare to dream in gold at these summer games, far too many of us will settle for a cozy spot on the couch where we’ll exercise little more than the buttons on our remote control.
In England, organizers of the 2012 Olympic Games had high hopes that improved athletic venues and access to intense competition would serve to motivate the one in three British citizens who claim their lives include zero physical activity. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case, as the one million citizens they hoped to inspire into action have responded with a polite, but highly disinterested, “no thank-you.
In fact, some believe that the high level of competition only serves to further discourage would-be athletes who become overwhelmed and discouraged by the disparity between their capabilities and those competing at the Games.
Fortunately, you don’t have to swim like Michael Phelps to experience the health benefits of a few laps in the pool or waddle like a medal winning speed walker to take small steps to improve your overall fitness level.
In fact, walking can be a great place to start, especially if it has been a while since you engaged in any sort of physical activity.
While sunny days often serve as inspiration, it’s foolhardy to wait around for perfect weather. Locally, both the Everett and Alderwood malls offer free mall walking programs. They open early in the morning, before official mall hours and offer a safe and weatherproof space to walk. Stop by the information desk at either mall for further information about these popular walking programs. Or, if you live closer to downtown Everett, checkout the “Walk-On” program at the Comcast Community Ice Rink where a free indoor walking program is offered most Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 until 11 a.m.
Even if your ultimate dream doesn’t involve a gold, silver or bronze medal, there’s no doubt that many of us could benefit from re-engaging our inner athlete and improving our overall health.
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