Why I...take It Easy
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday October 21, 2004
Tim Roxburgh, 24, a programmer and software developer, gets by just fine without exertion. "I don't have an exercise regime. I walk about 10 minutes to work and then sit all day. On the weekends occasionally I walk but mostly I catch buses. I don't do any regular sports, I am not a very sporty person. I hate the gym and I wouldn't go near it with a 10-foot pole. I can't think of anything worse than being around people on treadmills."
Despite eschewing exercise, Roxburgh weighs in at a lean 58kg and cuts a trim figure. He also eats whatever he likes. "I don't really watch what I eat but I don't eat terribly bad things. I don't have a big penchant for sweets but if it's put in front of me I'll eat it. If I want fried things then I will eat them."For Roxburgh, exercise is other people's problem. "It takes too much time and I'm busy doing a lot of other things that I think are more important and that I like doing." And worst of all, he gets away with it. "I've never really put on weight. For relaxation, exercise might be good, so I do think it would be healthier for my brain but because it's not imperative, it's easy to skip it."He accepts there might be caveats, but Roxburgh says change is not just around the corner. "I think it's probably a bad idea in terms of maintaining body strength and probably in terms of my innards. Possibly I'll change if I find a way to exercise that's fun and doesn't feel like a waste of time."EXPERT VIEWDr Tim Carroll, lecturer at UNSW's health and sports science program:"Some people can maintain a lean appearance, especially while they are young, but it doesn't consider the overall impact on their health. There are potential problems with cardiovascular systems and even your muscles and joints. It's a good idea to maintain flexibility and the correct balance in the strength of your muscles. It's basically a case of use it or lose it. Not strengthening the core of your body can predispose you to back pain. Exercise can help with sleep and mental alertness."
© 2004 Sydney Morning Herald