Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Newsflash: gyms have TVs, too

By Rachel Conner

When I was still interested in pursuing a career in Broadcast Journalism, I signed up for this newsletter composed of headlines that update me on the happenings throughout the world of journalism. Despite my career path redirection, I haven't unsubscribed because I still like reading the daily news about the news when my friends still involved in the business aren't personally sending me updates. Here's a headline I came across this morning:

"Television Viewing at All-Time High (LAT) - The Nielsen Co.'s 'Three Screen Report' -- referring to televisions, computers, and cellphones -- for the fourth quarter said the average American now watches more than 151 hours of TV a month. That's about five hours a day and an all-time high, up 3.6% from over 145 hours in the same period last year."

5 hours a day?!?! That's a little much, people! Now, I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I'm completely innocent. I average about 2 hours of Family Guy (you're welcome for the plug, Seth MacFarlane) a night. And that doesn't include the other countless hours of mindless sitcoms that snatch up all my time and attention. But it's usually AFTER I go to the gym. So my point is this: by all means, sit and enjoy your favorite TV shows after a long day at the office. Just try not to let a sedentary lifestyle completely envelope your life. While you're still up and moving right after work, take a walk around your neighborhood, use the elliptical at your apartment complex, or take advantage of the cheaper membership fees currently being promoted at your local gym thanks to our economic slump. Besides, there's a pretty good chance your gym has at least one TV in it for you to watch while you burn fat and build some muscles!

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