In Fear Of Technology
By Charles Staley, B.Sc, MSS
Director, Staley Training Systems
One of the societal trends that I enjoy observing is our instinctual distrust of technology. This trend encompasses nearly every segment of society, but today, I’d like to discuss technophobia from a fitness/nutrition standpoint:
“Processed” food: We all tell anyone who’ll listen to avoid processed food, right? But factually, food processing is what allows most of us to reach an old age that was impossible only 100 years ago. Cleaning and disinfecting processes, pasteurization, refrigeration, and insecticides are all examples of advances in food processing that have greatly reduced food quality, quantity, and food-borne illness and disease.
Weight-training machines: I don’t use them myself, and I’ll try to talk you into free weights, but there are uses for machines, particularly for physical therapy purposes.
Plastic bottles: I constantly read and hear about the dangers of drinking from plastic bottles, and my point here is not to debate the merits of this argument, but rather, to examine the merits of not using plastic bottles- could you imagine using glass (or some other material) for all of your food and drink packaging?!?! Even technologies that have downsides usually have upsides, which should be considered before abandoning said technologies.
Stability balls: I frequently suggest that they’re over-rated and over-used, but they do have some legitimate uses.
The internet: I once remember Louie Simmons saying something along the lines of “If you wanna get strong, get off the damn internet and get in the gym!” I get that, but still, this is how we all communicate, learn, and share ideas.
Vaccinations: Do they cause autism? I have no idea, but they’ve unquestionably saved millions of lives.
Air conditioning: In Europe, people (especially older generations) tend to distrust AC, as well as ice- they’re both seen as unhealthy. On the other hand, 120 degree temperatures (which we see every summer here in Arizona) are also unhealthy.
Shoes: Ever see Nike Free’s and Vibram Five Fingers? The manufacturers of both are trying to convince you that shoes are e-v-i-l. Me? I like shoes!
Cooking: The raw-food advocates love to align cooking with all things evil. The fact is however, that cooking is a marker of advanced civilization. It also prevents a number of food-borne diseases. It also increases the nutritive value of many foods- for example, lyopene is only of value when the tomato is cooked.
“Unnatural:” We tend to trust “natural” and distrust the opposite. But many natural things are unhealthy, even deadly: tobacco, botchalism, cobras, arsenic, and sloth, just to name a few. Would you prefer training on a stability ball (unnatural) or lying on the couch (natural)?
Artificial sweeteners: Some are safer than others, and again, I’m not attempting to debate the dangers, but rather, remind you of the benefits: they stop you from eating sugar. And that’s significant.
Microwave ovens: Most people today consider them safe, but does anyone remember when they first came out?
The way to keep technology in perspective is to think of it as a tool that has (in most cases) both positive and negative attributes. If the positives outweigh the negatives, the technology in question is useful.
If you have additional examples, I’d love to hear them- just click the “discuss” link below to share your thoughts!
About The Author
His colleagues call him an iconoclast, a visionary, a rule-breaker. His clients call him “The Secret Weapon” for his ability to see what other coaches miss. Charles calls himself a “geek” who struggled in Phys Ed throughout school. Whatever you call him, Charles’ methods are ahead of their time and quickly produce serious results. His counter-intuitive approach and self-effacing demeanor have lead to appearances on NBC’s The TODAY Show and The CBS Early Show.
Currently, Charles competes in Olympic-style weightlifting on the master’s circuit, with a 3-year goal of qualifying for the 2009 Master’s World Championships.
Learn More About EDT Training!
You can build muscle and strength and burn fat in as little as 15 minutes, 3 times a week with EDT…it works for EVERYONE – male, female, young, old…your body simply has no choice but to get results!
Click here to learn more and get your copy today!
Related posts:
I appreciate the observations. I don’t necessarily understand how food processing allows us to live longer. I agree that the sanitation of our water sources is probably the most important factor. Pasteurization is only necessary for milk from unhealthy cows. Raw milk loaded with nutrients would inarguably make us healthier. Refridgeration, I agree, we can keep food fresher for longer and therefore, have more “fuel” to survive and be more efficient with time spent to accumulate food. Insecticides are unnecessary when small farms know how to function sustainably ie. cows fertilize grass, chickens come after to consume the grubs, etc.
Other than water sanitation and refridgeration, I believe technology (in addition to the start of petroleum use for fertilization) is the biggest problem with our food supply and maybe even healthcare today, which go directly along with our nutrition and fitness. Open for discussion. Thoughts?
[Reply]