Friday 9 December 2011

That 'super hero' feeling...

People are so different and their wants and needs vary dramatically...that said, everyone wants to be happy and feel good.

It sounds obvious and it is, but the way in which we consume products and activities and gear our lifestyle around social pressures, how we 'feel' gets lost. In fact, more time is spent on how we make other people feel, which directly impacts on our own behaviour.

In my job and ultimate quest to increase sports participation, I am bombarded by facts, figures and stats; drivers, motivators, and profiles....all aimed to provide the perfect solution to get people wanting to play sport. The list of packaged up, branded 'offers' is endless and I am not surprised that people don't engage in sport as the message is all about getting fitter, losing weight, toning up....but nothing addresses how sport makes you feel?!

After listening to a novice talk about their running journey today - sofa to half marathon in four months, I have learnt that I have been massively underselling the 'feel good factor' of sport. I guess being involved in sport from a young age makes the purpose and the associated feelings pretty intrinsic; that euphoric high is a given.

So, no more 'its good for you message' - from now on I am all about promoting the feeling associated with doing sport. After any kind of sport or exercise, you know that the pleasant burning sensation in your legs, the ache in your arms and the fire in your chest was worth it for the 'superhero' feelings you have inside; walking round Tesco in your lycra after a workout is all part of the fun!

'Pain is weakness leaving the body' - Anon