Well, yes on the righteous part; and maybe a little bit on the ripped part.
But honestly, I don’t work out so I can think I’m better than other people, and I’m guessing Jack LaLanne didn’t either. So I think this article is a big fat bunch of hooey. I’ve had enough experience with letting myself go to know that I feel miserable when I do… so I try not to.
And lately, I’ve come to believe that if you’re not routinely causing yourself some productive pain, you won’t be as prepared when pain you don’t control comes into your life — and it will, surely, unless you just drop dead of an aneurism or something when you’re still relatively young. The statistics would say that’s a pretty remote possibility.
There is assuredly a self-discipline facet to fitness as well. There is also a self-discipline facet to running your own business, or raising children well, or becoming a painter, or anything that takes time and energy to master. Do we do those things to make ourselves feel superior to others? Perhaps, but I’d wager that most people involved in those pursuits aren’t motivated primarily by self-righteousness.
The fact is, every single one of us has limited time and energy, and we all must make choices about how we spend them. I may be fit, but I’m not going to be a professional poker player, because I don’t have the time. I guess my buddy Bill, who is one, must be doing it so he can feel righteous around me. Or not.
Hassan
February 2nd, 2011
Saved as a favorite, I love your site! 🙂