I’ve discovered this really cute holiday. It’s called “Take your pants for a walk day” and it’s celebrated every July 27th. No one really knows who started this holiday and how it even began but it does have a noble, and serious, purpose.
“Take your pants for walk day” is a day to put on your pants, go outside and get some exercise! Goodness knows that we need it!
Medical News Today reports that a poor diet and physical inactivity is the 2nd leading cause of death in America today. Americans are dying because we eat too much, we eat poorly, and we don’t burn what we eat. Specifically, a poor diet of fatty foods, exacerbated by lack of exercise leads to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues, ulcers, and a host of other problems. In short, it’s not healthy to be a couch potato.
To me, “Take your pants for a walk day” makes sense. Any day that reminds us to get up and go is worth observing, in my book. And, it’s so simple and so encouraging you can’t help but follow it!
A lot of us are stubborn, rebellious or we don’t take too kindly to nagging – the more we are pestered to do something, like exercise, the more we dig in our heels and NOT do anything, if only to assert our control over the situation.
However, “taking your pants for a walk” is directly indirect, sort of like reverse psychology. But, in reality, when you take your pants for a walk, you obviously go with it and it goes with you so there’s really no going around it! While you’re at it, why not take your pet for a walk too, along with your pants. I’m sure they’d love the company!
Make sure, though, that your pants are comfortable. Have you ever tried taking a walk in tight jeans or leather pants? If you have, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, here’s one word: chafing! (and heat – wait, that’s two words!) Light, cotton pants work best for “take your pants for walk day”; so will sports pants, those types that flick away sweat from your body. I’m sure you can take your pajamas for a walk to, if you want, but I’m not sure how the neighbors are going to react.
Come to think of it, how about popping in your earphones and player for some music to rev you up? Get those arms pumping and legs running! Oh wait, does that mean we’ll have to change the holiday to “Take your pants for a run day”? It just doesn’t sound right. Besides, if you haven’t been exercising for a while, you’ve got to start slow. Don’t push yourself too hard because overly strenuous exercise also has its negative consequences. Also, consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine and especially if you’ve recently been sick or have a medical condition.
Whatever you do on July 27th, remember that it’s a day for exercise. To motivate you further, know that exercise increases oxygen circulation in your body, tones your muscles, expands your lungs, raises your heart rate and clear’s up your skin. Oh, and it can help you fit into those jeans that’s hanging way over at the back of your closet, just because you bought them a size smaller and on sale.
Seriously, inactivity is one of the four major risk factors for coronary artery disease. Exercise helps improve the health of your heart. Since the heart is a muscle, exercise makes it stronger and larger so it can circulate blood more efficiently and with less effort. People who get at least thirty-minute sessions of moderate to intense exercise most days a week lower their risk for heart disease. Moreover, the risks are lessened even more as exercise increases.
Whoever thought up “Take your pants for a walk day” deserves a pat on the back for a holiday that actually helps all of us get healthy!
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