Small Windows Of Opportunity

         

          Each day whether you believe it or not, a favorable circumstance presents itself in your life. This circumstance stares in your face, gives you a chance to react then runs away quickly as if to mock you. That bait is what I like to call the “small window of opportunity”. Every day presents many small unscheduled chances for you to act on appropriately but if you don’t answer in a timely manner that chance can be lost.

My mom once told me that her father said once that if a person dies without having any true regrets, then that person may not have lived at all. To me what he was saying is that he let some opportunities pass him by during his lifetime which caused him to have regrets. It’s human nature to have regrets because regrets involve active decision making. Without deviating too far away from looking at these small windows of opportunities I have a story to tell…

         Last Tuesday I was studying for my NSCA exam (to become a certified strength and conditioning coach), at a Starbucks in North Raleigh. I looked up for a moment only to see “Miss North Carolina” standing in front of my table looking for a spot to use her iPad. I was somewhat in awe of her beauty yet a bit curious to talk to her so I said hello then told her I was waiting for someone. I didn’t take advantage of an opportunity I may have had because what I think I should have done is offer her my table out of courtesy. I could have talked to her about her life and could have possibly gotten a photo with her. In missing this opportunity I regret not acting appropriately to generously offering her my seat. Will I ever meet her again, probably not. Here is something to remember: Sometimes those small windows of opportunity only come once in your life. You can graduate from the best Universities, know the best people and have the best car but if you allow a small chance to slip by you may miss it for the rest of your life. So what small windows have you missed?

            Now you’re probably thinking, “Ryan what is the point of this blog and how does this relate to wellness?” Well, I describe wellness as a series of decisions which lead you from living a good life, to living your best life. If you do not act when those small windows of opportunities arise then how can you achieve daily wellness in all areas of your life? Don’t spend your life stuck in the past with your head down and don't spend it stressed about your future. Look for the small windows each day and act accordingly.

Ryan Fahey

Physical & Health Education Specialist

B.A Human Kinetics

CPTN Canada

canfitpro FIS, PTS

Relative Strength Video

Ryan Fahey
Physical & Health Education Specialist
B.A Human Kinetics
CPTN Canada
canfitpro FIS, PTS

Baby Boomer Wellness

        

           If you were born between 1946-1964 and looking to increase your physical activity, it may be time for you to purchase a Piezo Pedometer. These simple pedometers can gauge your daily, weekly and monthly physical activity by showing you the number of steps you have taken each day. 

My dad is a perfect example. He retired four years ago this spring and he took it upon himself to stay active. He continues to focus on getting outside everyday and working out a few times a week along with some recreational hockey. However, until recently my dad was not actually tracking any of his activity. Partially because he didn’t need to in order to motivate himself to move and partially because he just didn’t think it was overly important. 

However, once I introduced him to the Piezo StepX Pedometer model he has found it very helpful in tracking his physical activity levels which help him maintain his healthy weight at 56. Everyday he puts his StepX on first thing in the morning and takes our new family puppy out for a walk to start the day. 

When I asked him about his physical activity levels he said, “I have always been moderately active Ryan; even as a young child. As far back as I can remember I was outside playing and riding my bike or in the woods. It is a big part of my life. Being active outside helps me think clearer and live happier. The pedometer you gave me has helped me out a lot in making my physical activity visual to me each day.” 

My dad’s average number of steps (excluding his hockey games two nights/week) he moves an average of 6,440 steps per day. The average sedentary male moves an average of under 5,000 steps per day. On the weekends when my dad plays hockey he averages just over 8,000 steps just after about 90 minutes of ice hockey. When paired with his regular 6,440 step average, dad moves a total of ~14,540 steps per day when he plays hockey.      
       According to recent studies, accumulating over 12,000 steps classifies you as being “highly active”. That should be the benchmark of steps to accumulate to produce strong health benefits as adults. That being said, 14,540 steps is pretty impressive!

For a greater look at how many steps you should be getting as a baby boomer or an adolescent, feel free to check out this study: http://www.health.utah.edu/peak/health_fitness/Tudor%20Locke%20Paper.pdf. 

          While 14,540 isn’t going to happen for everyone, having the StepX to help visualize how active you are can really give you a picture of where your physical activity level is and give you simple motivation to improve it, simply by adding more steps as time goes on. Imagine walking into your doctor’s office and being able to say I started out taking less than 5,000 steps a day, but now I take about 9,000! Your doctor will surely be thrilled and you will have proof that you have been listening to their advice.  

          The StepX is simple and is a great investment in your health. Try one out for yourself; you will not regret the extra steps! 

Ryan Fahey

Physical & Health Education Specialist

B.A Human Kinetics

CPTN Canada

Canfitpro FIS, PTS