Exposure To...

Exposure is very important, interesting, should be introduced at a young age, and can have positive implications on the future of individuals both young and older. Below are four categories that describe the positive impacts of exposure or the need for exposure.

Sports, for after a recent conversation with three boys ages 13 and younger, I am definitely convinced that exposure to certain sports will help them to like the sport, watch the sport, and know how much the sport is played around them. I asked the boys who they thought would win the 2015 NBA championship. They all replied almost in unison, "[Golden State] Warriors!"

OK.

Then, I asked who they thought would win the Stanley Cup. Pause....what's that?... Trailblazers (no, kid, wrong sport). Then, I prompted them in saying it's between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. "Oh" was there response..."I don't follow hockey." My heart hurt a little bit. So, I asked them do any of their friend play hockey. Two of them said that they had one friend who plays. People, we live in an ice hockey state (MA) that has a rink almost every 5 miles. For every person that I meet up here who has never been to an ice hockey (yes, even the free ones and the inexpensive ones), I automatically think: you have never been exposed to it. Personally, it is almost like living close to the beach without ever visiting it. Do you think the person who has never been exposed to the beach likes the beach? So then, do you think the kid who has never been exposed to a sport likes the sport? Sometimes, kids just need someone to introduce them to the great strategies and lessons in a sport.

The overwhelming description of ice hockey during this conversation was that it reminded the boys of rugby on ice. Rugby...next to lacrosse it is one of the fastest growing sports.

Nutrition receives the good rep of "sure, I will try that" and the bad rep of "that sounds nasty" or "it's so nasty that it needs loads of extra stuff." Personally, I am convinced that everyone knows what they should eat. Sometimes or many times, the choice is not to eat in a more convincingly and wholesome manner. Exposing yourself to good foods that are non-allergenic boosts your health. Eliminating food habits such as using extra salt (you know this already, right?) and mixing the tastes of other foods boosts your health. Abstaining from meal rituals for a bit will not kill you (i.e., coffee-less mornings when you know you drink too much coffee or when it drives you up with a ripple effect downfall as the afternoon approaches.)

Fitness seldom gets vary reps of positive and negative feedback. But, for something that is so incredibly life-changing and beneficial, everyone should be exposed to fitness. Why? Because there are all kinds of ways to get in adequate fitness. Yet, fears about these ways develop, which is why it is important to adopt a functional and sound exercise regimen that fits your body and lifestyle!

Outdoors or the outdoors has so many benefits hidden to the naked eye. You really have to squint to see the gyms outside. The outdoors receives is largest criticism in the cold weather months and in extreme heat although there are ways to endure these weather extremes. Exposure to the outdoors makes you more aware of your surroundings. Honestly, just get out more often.

With heart,
Derek

Derek Arledge, MS, CSCS          www.teempt.com                TEEM Performance Training