My Controversial Theory About Minnesotans

To answer this question, an examination of the definition of "Physical Activity" and "Exercise" is warranted.  The American College of Sports Medicine defines Physical Activity as, " Bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles that results in a substantial increase over resting energy expenditure."  Exercise is defined as, "A type of physical activity consisting of planned, structured, and repetitive bodily movement done to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness."  The major distinction here is that physical activity is simply movement; exercise is actually designed and intended to improve our fitness.  As we migrate outside, many of the activities we engage in should probably be accurately classified as Physical Activity, not Exercise.  These activities are "good" for us but they aren't truly engineered to improve our fitness.  This is especially true when it comes to our muscles and the benefits of resistance exercise.  Engaging in outdoor physical activity does virtually nothing to stimulate the distinct and important health and fitness benefits of resistance exercise.  Now, I don't want to overstate or generalize this concept.  Make no mistake, going on a run outside is just as beneficial as running on a treadmill (all factors equal).

All of this leads me to my controversial theory about Minnesotans (and this theory only applies to exercisers... so it applies to most people reading this!)...  Minnesotans are in their worst physical fitness during the summer months.  Ironic, because this is "beach" season and the season most aspire to be in their best physical condition.  Where does this theory come from?  It gets back to the definition of Physical Activity and Exercise.  Minnesotans, by virtue of our winter weather, exercise in health clubs and fitness facilities more so than our warmer climate counterparts.  We EXERCISE.  When the summer months commence, we forego our trips to health clubs, fitness facilities, and the like and migrate outdoors.  But the unintended result is that much of our "activity" is actually Physical Activity and NOT Exercise.  We do more Physical Activity in the summer but less Exercise.  And by definition, exercise is what actually improves our fitness.

Don't get me wrong, I love a walk around Lake Calhoun as much as the next Minnesotan.  I'm just going to make sure that before I walk around the lake, I go to Discover Strength to stimulate the innumerable health and fitness benefits of Exercise.

Take home message: Understand the difference between Physical Activity and Exercise and make this summer an effective and enjoyable fusion of both.