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Mr H2O
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Joined: 10/31/2006
Msg: 1 | |
| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 2:07:00 PM | All those people with powerboats might want to re-think their options,
ditching the expensive upkeep, marina charges and fueling bills,
opting for paddle sports instead ? I've often paddled 20-25 miles in a day.
Flipside - perhaps more automotive owners will opt for panniers on their
pedal bikes or at the very least a decent backpack for some grocery shopping on bike.
Perhaps a few might even learn to enjoy walking to the store. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 2:21:14 PM | | Since we are (from what I hear) the most obese and largest car owning and driving country, maybe America will finally trade cars in for bikes and good walking shoes...but I doubt it. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 2:28:47 PM | I have to agree with DJChickie... the only way you'll see North Americans ditch their cars and SUV's for another mode of transportation is when something equally as lazy but environmentally friendly comes along. A family sized segwey perhaps? Who knows, but the odds of north americans actually starting to bike or walk to work are slim and none.
I would gladly use public transportation more if it wasn't for the fact that the public transit system in my city is absolute garbage. We only have buses and the routes are terrible and the service isn't around the clock so it makes certain activities difficult without a car (and I sure as hell won't pay ridiculous taxi fares to get around everywhere). The problem is there's very little demand from the general public for more environmentally friendly transportation solutions, nobody wants to give up their bad ass SUV for a prius or god forbid: the bus. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 2:41:51 PM | Most of America is pretty screwed even if it wanted to use public transport, which often involves walking many 100s of yards per day, to/from your residence and workplace to/from your end-stops, train changes, standing between changes, up/down underground stairways. iow, the exercise is naturally built into your day, rather than artificially.
About the only place non-automobile transport will work is where it already works: in dense urban cities and metro areas like NYC, Boston, Chicago, SFO (BART), etc. American simply hasn't, won't pay for public transport infrastructure, esp now that dubya has run the country into a financial ditch, and won't use it until forced by $1000s/year in gasoline.
10s of Ms of houses were built in the suburbs and more recently assuming cheap gas and 2,3 cars for every family. You can't move those houses. Screwed.
As for bikes: I live very close to my bank and frequented stores. I also already have a bike and ride it daily for exercise, but I won't risk a bike trip to those stores, certainly within biking distance, where the traffic heavy and the bike lanes are absent.
I would love to have an electric bike, under $900 delivered:
http://thesuperkids.com/electricbikes.html
... but the risk in traffic on my local roads is too damn high.
Go Spurs Go | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 2:46:07 PM | Nope! Fat people will just sit on their couches watching "Movies on Demand" instead of getting in their big honkin' SUV's, driving to the theatre , and circling around the lot till they find a parking spot next to the door.
Plus 6 gallon servings of mirowave popcorn and 2 litre cokes are cheaper than the smaller tubs of the stuff at the theatre!
They'll probably just start making keg-o-raters with longer hoses, so they won't have even have to get off the couch. So why get in their big honkin' SUV's, drive to the bar , and circle around the lot till they find a parking spot next to the door? Then waddle over to a bar stool that is too small for them anyway?
Oh yeah, did I mention frozen Buffalo wings? They come in 12 lb pound bags now.
Equals -- more calories, EVEN less exercise.
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 4:14:44 PM | I hope it does. If only there were more hours in a day (or, actually, fewer WORK hours to interfere with my day).
Ironically, I use my car BECAUSE I am so active. While we have a pretty good bus system, it would take me hours to get to volleyball or soccer after work by bus, as opposed to minutes by car. Or it wouldn't get me there AT ALL (how many buses go out to ballfields? None). And then I camp and hike out in the boonies--the boonies would take a REALLY long time to get to if I didn't drive there. Skiing? Have to get UP the mountain to get back down it.
I DO find it really funny [in a sad, pathetic way] that here at work there are TWO women who run marathons, yet take the elevator up ONE flight.
I'm sure I could do better to reduce my footprint (and get rid of the "few extra pounds"), though. | |
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Mr H2O
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Joined: 10/31/2006
Msg: 8 | |
| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 4:59:10 PM | I'm afraid people will buy cheaper, less nutritious food instead of spend less for gas.
The money has to be re-allocated in the households, and many will make poor choices.
Many people forget that even when we finish the ''exercise'' for the time being,
the process of increased metabolism continues until all the mitochondrion
regain their pre exercise energy and oxygen level.
In effect our metabolism keeps going for a while even after we're done
climbing stairs, biking to and from the grocery store, parking far away and
walking an extra 200 yards to the store entrance, etc., etc.
Not everyone want to be a gym animal, or an outdoor adventure racer,
but they can certainly build a little exercise into their everyday routines . | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 7:21:01 PM | | It would sure be nice if everyone was forced into public transport or more healthy means of travel. Although it's pretty doubtful since people, especially in America, have become far too accustomed to being incredibly lazy. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 9:32:41 PM | "I'm afraid people will buy cheaper, less nutritious food"
This is already the case in low-end of the income scale.
I read an article with funny antectdote, to paraphrase: wife convinces husband that the family needs to eat healthy. At the grocery store, he see 4 oz of blueberries cost $4+, crappy farmed salmon $10+/lb, avocados nearly $2 each, etc, etc. He drives the empty cart over the shelves of packaged, food-like, dead substance and fills the cart. Still set him back nearly $200. Would cost him at least double, maybe triple, for the same calories from the produce dept only. Nuts? $10/pound Seeds? not much less. nut, marine, seed oils? ouch ouch ouch
I just got back from Wholefoods in San Antonio. $48 for a 16 oz bottle of Carlson's fish oil (twice the on-line price). How many months are you going take it at even the on-line price? (ok, Wholefoods is located to support our wealthiest zip code, 78209)
etc, etc, etc.
Life has been very cheap in the USA since WWII. It's OVA! Other industrial countries have been spending a much larger portions of their personal incomes on housing, food, and trasnport ($8/gal for gas in Europe). The USA is finally catching up, esp these last 7 years of dubya and his BS wars, while refusing to face facts. eg, household debt now exceeds household income considerably, iow, people (the bottom 98%) are living way beyond their means.
We're all gonna get a lot poorer (and a tiny few are going to get a lot richer).
High gasoline prices produces more exercise?
Nope, can't move those houses closer to work, and won't build public transport (aka increased taxes), so vehicles will get smaller (not cheaper) and will become hybrids and plug-in electric for 80%, probably much more rapidly than we imagine. Oil $120+ and the Repug oil companies are eating refining margins to hold down prices in a election year. $5+/gal gas will kill the oilco's candidate, McFlopPanderKeating.
Gasoline is only a tiny part of the big picture. Here's a Big Picture artist whom I think presenting an accurate BP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx3luZ2aB9k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KReZyAZLI0
In the same vein, and a very important thesis, read it all:
http://www.alternet.org/democracy/85728/?page=entire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u6lCBnRoHQ
We're all going to hell in a handbasket! And NONE of us are prepared, as individuals or as a country! Good night, and good luck. :) | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/20/2008 9:43:31 PM | Ok... so here in BC we have a new thing called the carbon tax which will be in effect starting july 1/08. So in addition to the rising gas prices there will also be a tax as well (increments increasing over a 4 year period). The reason for this said tax is to hopefully lead British Columbians to use less gas... therefore, decreasing the impact on global warming (obviously this is a quick rundown of the tax.... ). It is to be considered revenue neutral so the surplus or revenue created goes back into the community. Starting end of June each bc resident with recieve a $100 cheque in the mail.... to assist them with living an eco friendly life... and hopefully reduce the amount of gas.....buying local, investing in a bike etc....
Anyways, with that money I will be putting it towards a bike most likely. I've taken up walking alot more.... usually only driving if i have a big shop to do or crunched for time to get from one place to another. I def drive less than i used to at any rate. Because of my geographical location it is going to be pretty tough for me to be riding a bike in the snow or - 30 weather, but i will when the weather allows me.
I think that the people that are interested in health and the environment are going to be the ones that will make more of a change in their ways due to the gas increase. Those people that are in a comfortable lifestyle and not used to change may have a harder time. IMHO, I think that many many people see a vehicle as necessity, and would rather cut costs in other ways. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/21/2008 5:13:40 AM | Speaking of BC, I just watched a show on discovery today that was all about green building and sustainability. They were highlighting an architect/engineer from BC who is a leading authority in designing these new "green" buildings (think his last name is Busby). They are going to be (or already have... kinda missed a minute or two of the program) constructing what they call the "pinnacle" of green building, and it's going to be used as a research centre for future green building technologies.
Anyways, to get to the gist of it, by law in BC this building would normally be required to have 100+ parking spaces, but since it's a special green building they're offering ZERO parking on site and giving all employees bus passes that they must use to get to and from work. I thought this was an amazing idea and I really hope other companies follow their example wherever it's possible (no excuses for people in large metropolitan cities where there is excellent public transit). | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/21/2008 9:28:38 AM | When you guys say BC, I assume you mean the city parts. There is NO WAY you can get around that large an area by relying exclusively upon public transport. I think of BC as along the lines of Colorado--you can't get there by bus, and we don't have very many trains. So you MUST have a car.
The green thing works well ONLY when alternatives are available (a bus pass is one of the perqs of my working at the university, and it's used almost daily). Basically, if they make is BETTER/FASTER to use public transport, people will do it.
To characterize all Americans (USAers?) as "lazy" is harsh as well. Come to Boulder, or Portland, or anywhere akin to Vancouver (a young population) and then compare--you cannot. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/21/2008 9:58:44 AM | "I'm afraid people will buy cheaper, less nutritious food"
This is already the case in low-end of the income scale.
I read an article with funny antectdote, to paraphrase: wife convinces husband that the family needs to eat healthy. At the grocery store, he see 4 oz of blueberries cost $4+, crappy farmed salmon $10+/lb, avocados nearly $2 each, etc, etc. He drives the empty cart over the shelves of packaged, food-like, dead substance and fills the cart. Still set him back nearly $200. Would cost him at least double, maybe triple, for the same calories from the produce dept only. Nuts? $10/pound Seeds? not much less. nut, marine, seed oils? ouch ouch ouch
I'll be very honest here and say that it really gets me going when people say they can not eat healthy because they are low income. I am on a fixed income at the moment and raising two children. We eat extremely healthy.... organic.... nuts, seeds, fruits veggies.... chicken breast, turkey breast.... gluten free most of the time, as well as dairy alternatives that are roughly $3 for 1 litre. My kids would choose sweet potato and salmon with sauteed cabbage anyday over hot dogs or kraft dinner. Sure we eat junk on occasion... but not as a staple. If people make that choice that is there decision, but don't tell me it is because of income.
People are in debt so much now because of indulgence.... not need. Live within your means and there would be no problem.
Cassago
When you guys say BC, I assume you mean the city parts. There is NO WAY you can get around that large an area by relying exclusively upon public transport. I think of BC as along the lines of Colorado--you can't get there by bus, and we don't have very many trains. So you MUST have a car.
The green thing works well ONLY when alternatives are available (a bus pass is one of the perqs of my working at the university, and it's used almost daily). Basically, if they make is BETTER/FASTER to use public transport, people will do it.
BC is a very large space with sporadic communities... it is not just the lower mainland. I live roughly in the centre... Prince George, largest city up north. Transit system runs, but isn't the best. If you are not in a hurry to get somewhere it is fine to take. It doesn't take too long to walk anywhere centrally located. Things that are within an hr or so, are easy to walk to IMO...
There is always a green alternative.... walking, biking, carpooling, transit, skytrain.....
Cars are convienent though for many, and yes a necessity for some. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/21/2008 1:25:47 PM | | I would think so..... if you cant afford the gas to get there the next best thing is a bike for longer distances, and of course your feet for walking.... could be a good thing...JMO | |
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Mr H2O
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Joined: 10/31/2006
Msg: 16 | |
| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/21/2008 6:37:52 PM | Electric plug in cars are not the answer
They’re not much greener than conventional technology
About 70 percent of the energy used to make electricity —
more than four million gigawatt-hours — comes from fossil fuels.
About 70 percent of that amount is wasted generating the power and transmitting
it to your door. Additional energy is lost when charging batteries and
running electric motors. Overall, electric cars use fossil fuel at 20 to 25 percent efficiency
Smaller car/ motorcycle and use of bike/ foot power is the answer.
Having lived in a various states my observation is that ""most"" Truck SUV VAN
owners operate their vehicle empty a majority of the 365 days a year they are on the road.
Business owners, farmers, etc. who truly need a larger vehicle actually use it often.
Soccer moms can get by with 4 door hatchback most of the time.
Many parents still have only 2 kids, sure a few still have 3 or 4 ...but kids are expensive.
Especially when they force you to buy a larger car due to child seat laws.
Is it fair to skimp on good food for your kids when you pay $100 to fill the tank ?
Chevy Suburban gets about 15 mpg and has 31 gallon tank @ $ 4/gallon = $ 120 a fill
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/22/2008 3:38:07 AM | Oil just hit US$136 a barrel or something ridiculous like that. My bicycle is going to be getting progressively more use, winter be damned I say.
Cycling for 30 minutes a day does not do a whole lot for my fitness... and I suspect that the other cyclists I pass are doing even less for their fitness. I wonder how much carbon emissions I make though? The energy for cycling all comes from C6H12O6 + 6 O2 -> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O ... it is not like it is emissions free... | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/22/2008 4:44:04 AM | ^^^^^^^^
So it's fitness freaks who're to blame for global warming (in ref to a thread in current events)
You might have a point. Think of all the heat we generate, the excess CO2 & H2O we produce when working out.
I'm gonna go eat a pie and save the planet 
Seriously though, People have become so isolated, intollerant to those around them that the shear thought of travelling with strangers scares them to death.
I honestly believe that people would rather give up food than their dependance on the car so something serious will have to give before we get a change of attitude.
Here in the UK, petrol is currently £1.12 per litre....about $2.05, yet sales by volume are higher than they've ever been......Scary | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/23/2008 11:01:32 AM | | It's been my personal observation that the amount of time in front of the television affects fiteness levels more than that behind the wheel. Unless you have a long commute that impacts the time you are about to workout or be active. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/24/2008 7:06:21 PM |
Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Maybe, but not before it affects income levels, and housing choices. That old fart upthread had the right point: if you're commuting boo-coo miles from semirural BF, Egypt cuz that's the only place you could afford a house, you probably can't afford your house anymore. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/25/2008 5:16:56 AM | "it really gets me going when people say they can not eat healthy because they are low income."
There's lost of news recently about public schools switching from fresh foods to food-like substances to save big money. Their food budgets are pretty much fixed, just like the incomes of poor people.
"Get going" looking around for how people trying to eat fresh foods and, even worse, organic fresh foods are getting punished. People who aren't so dedicated to healthy food, or as able to pay, are switching to dead food-like substances from BigFood.
Poor, poorly educated, uninformed people at/below the poverty level simply don't have the means to eat fresh, healthy food even if they wanted to. BigFood's high-calorie-density food-like substances are so much cheaper. People can and will drive less to save gas $$, but very few people will reduce their caloric intake to save $$, so they switch to cheaper, unhealthy calories. | |
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Mr H2O
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Joined: 10/31/2006
Msg: 22 | |
| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/25/2008 6:51:22 AM | --Everything we consume needs to be transported--
DIESEL hitting almost $ 5.00; tractor trailers, trains, ocean ships are all affected.
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp
Perhaps people would do best to re-acquaint themselves with the local farmers market
Cost-effective locally-created goods by people in the same areas you live in.
Ask yourself if you really, really need that out of season fruit grown
1,000's of miles from your front door and shipped around the world.
Many people don't have a clue which month relates to which plants.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/ck_cg_produce_guide
And don't give excuses for when it's winter you can't be outside,walking,hiking,etc.
It's 2008 and the clothes work excellent as do the boots, snowshoes and skis. | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/25/2008 7:27:10 AM | msg.6 You've done your homework. Lucky you , for never having had a weight problem . And lucky for anyone overweight: who now can not afford food, gas, oil,
and a few other necessities: they will have to lose weight now whether they want to or not. See the government does really love us. They're making it possible for us to
lose weight, even the ones that can't afford to go to the gym. Oh , and the good news, it's summer; so won't have to freeze our asses off for a few more months.  | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/25/2008 7:28:43 AM | | I'm unsure about anyone else, but I would be more then happy to ride my bike to work...the problem is, my place of employment is a 45 min drive in a car, I would estimate it take me an hr and half to get to work and by the time I got there, I would be so tuckered out, I wouldn't have enough energy to put in a fair amount of work. Here in Michigan, jobs are far and few btwn, so the option of changing to a closer employer isn't as available as it might be somewhere else and the public transportation is very limited in my area. If I need to go someplace local, I do hop on my bike or walk and it has helped my cost for fuel, but other then adding a few pennies back into my pocket, I'm not so sure how much it actually helps the cost of oil. From what I understand....and I could be wrong, but these enormous increases are being driven for several reasons, which the United States is not soley responsible for. We have the supply and demand in China, the stock market and the lack of adequate refineries. Also, I'm not so sure everyone understands that oil is used for so many other things, not just gasoline. I think I'm going to invest in horse and buggy transportation...LOL | |
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| Will gas prices affect fitness levels ?
Posted: 5/25/2008 8:54:13 AM | we understand the reserves: reserved for emergencies; Using the astronomical gains, to reinvest; same people that don't have to worry about where their next meal may be
coming from. Everyone doesn't get free food, no they don't , or free housing, nope;
Or free medical; There has to be a better and cheaper solution to energy than the almighty OIL !! So much technology, and Brilliant People in this world, come on !!
You can do it !!   | |
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