When I was in high school, most of my friends and I skipped gym class, and went off somewhere to smoke cigarettes or party instead. When we did actually get caught or forced to participate in gym, most of us could barely make it around one loop of the quarter mile track without panting, wheezing, and feeling like we were going to keel over. We viewed–as did the music scene I was heavily into, the so called ‘jocks,’ as what they often were; mindless, sexist, homophobic jerks, that had no knowledge of or appreciation of anything outside of their mainstream, corporate backed, testosterone filled sports world. Certainly, they typically had no knowledge or care for the arts, such as fashion, music (to the degree we did), dance, photography, filmmaking, or fine art. While they were busy playing football or basketball, we were busy checking out the latest fashion magazine talking about the models and designers, or discussing revolutionary ideas, the French New Wave, fine art, or the CBGB’s or London punk scene–and of course, more partying.
There was of course, the occasional jock that also loved the same music we did. I remember one in particular, who was on the wrestling team, that had the Black Flag stripes tattooed on his arm. Who could argue he was sincere? Overall however, most so called ‘jocks’ were everything we were against. They’d harass us in the halls, and we’d fight right back.
This anti-exercise mind set of mine continued for many years, until finally one year, I decided to quit smoking. I replaced my addiction to tobacco, with the addiction of the adrenaline rush of jogging in my combat boots all around the city for many miles blasting music on my headphones. This lasted for years, until I finally got a bike. (LOL). Many years ago, I decided to take a class in martial arts. I was hooked. I still consider myself an amateur, but I loved the art form. I also started jogging again off and on, finally got a gym membership, and even more recently, took up mountain hiking, getting up to 12 and a half miles which I plan to soon beat. I had to start telling people I am not a jock, just an old school punk rocker, that quit partying hard.
Fortunately today, fitness is no longer just a game relegated to the so called jock mentality. Fitness has become trendy, and that’s a good thing. The majority of health problems in the U.S. and world are attributed to a lack of proper nutrition, enough clean water, good healthy diet, clean air, and exercise. A major health hazard–stress, is reduced by exercise. America, which has seen a rising epidemic of obesity in adults and children, is caused by poor diet, and lack of exercise.
New generations of kids and adults addicted to technology have greatly reduced their mobility and exercise. American government has made it cheaper to buy GMO tainted food and junk food, than to actually buy healthy, organic foods and drinks. In addition to certain math classes, cursive writing instruction, and the arts, sports programs and physical fitness classes are being eliminated in many schools nation wide. This is a tragedy.
The eradication of sports and physical fitness in schools, the promotion of poisoned foods with GMO’s and promotion of junk food, and the suppression of healthy, organic, all natural foods and drinks, combined with the promotion of dangerous over the counter and prescription drugs, is causing the decimation of children’s health. This agenda is based on nothing more than evil greed, against humanity.
The good news is, eating healthy and working out is becoming more and more popular. Whereas I got harassed over twenty years ago for being vegetarian by meat eaters, today, most of them commend me for my “healthy choice.” One does not have to be a jerk to love to get fit and stay fit. In today’s junk food, slave to the smart phone culture, the most radical thing a person can do is to reject the mainstream poison GMO food system, go organic, and get in the best, top, most physically fit condition one possibly can.
I’ve been ridiculously busy last month and this month, and missed my usual work out routines quite a bit, and I can totally feel it in every way. When I work out, I breathe better, sleep better, have less stress, have more energy, and am more productive. I am forcing myself to get on and stay on my usual routine. Working out is free, and in your power and control to do. No one can take that from you. It is also your right to decide what you put into your body. I dare you to work out– if you don’t, at least for a half hour, and at least 3 times a week, and I dare you to stop eating GMO’s if you do, and eat as healthy as you can. Your body, your mind, your job, will all be better for it. Let’s stop the stereotypes, and lets embrace our commonalities. We can care about life, culture, and others, and still get and stay fit. We can have and create massive energy and do great things.
You CAN have it all. Enjoy the new issue.
This content is copyright, 2016, The Hollywood Sentinel, Bruce Edwin, all world rights reserved. Music video, copyright Casablanca Records / PLG, Paramount Pictures, 1983, 2016, all world rights reserved.
