The Out-of-Work Work Out

Recently, I've made an observation I find interesting. I've noticed that exercise, specifically group events like charity runs, bike rides, triathlons, walks, and others are "hot". Exercise events are selling out where I currently live, when they never have before. New types of events such as "Muddy Buddy" and "Adventure Racing" are being invented as quickly as the participants can sign up. Even new excuses for exercise are being marketed and selling - tour London by rollerblade, tour Chicago by running with a tour guide. Newbie sport introduction courses are up in enrollment. The trails/fields/roads are teeming. So, what's leading to this trend? Well, perhaps it's because times are tough. Huh?

Especially where I'm living, economics have become more central to people's lives than ever before, as jobs are lost, pay is cut, and the feeling of worth via worklife is trimmed greatly. So, My theory is that people are participating in sports/exercise activities more because:

1. It's a diversion from life's other downers, and the resultant endorphins create a bit of opiate type euphoria. Both allow an escape from a harsh reality, even if they are short lived. Inversely to drugs and alcohol, exercise is actually a diversion that's good for humans.

2. It's something to affirm life. When difficult times arrive, exercise is one of those base things humans can do that is simple, ageless, and provides everything from solace/introspection (individual sports) to social acceptance (team sports).

3. It's something that gives people hope, and provides an ego boost. This is something Dick and Jane can do for themselves that can't be taken away by an employer or government.

4. Charities are more needy than ever as those with hands out grow in number. Those that aren't in need see these events as something they can do to help, and likely feel less guilty for surviving with less difficulty.

Regardless of the reason, I'm really glad to see people outside doing things, feeling better about themselves, and making the world a nicer place. Perhaps we've relied on worklife to provide more than it's fair share of life satisfaction. We all know that exercise is very beneficial, and even has been shown to extend one's life through an increased measure of happiness. Here's to being truly happy!