Yesterday the dental hygienist used an exercise analogy when talking about dental hygiene. Something along the lines of:
“Flossing 3-5 times a week is good, but it’s like just running all the time – you look good on the outside but you’re skinny fat. Flossing every day is like lifting weights – you’re strengthening your muscles and building a strong foundation.”
A few thoughts:
- Would most people understand this analogy?
- Isn’t this analogy shaming “skinny” people?
- Does this analogy even make sense?
- Is this a sign from the universe that I need to do more strength training?!
Every time I’ve started working out as an adult, it’s been with a focus on running, so running was always my priority. Then I got a bunch of stress fractures in 2010 and realized how important strength training is. So I added it to my weekly calendar, but have never loved it as much as running, and have always made running my priority, because it brings me the most joy.
But I know lifting several times a week and strengthening my muscles and bones is better for me than running all the time. I know it. I just don’t do it. During our stay-at-home order I worked from lifting two times a week to three, but was petering out in July when I was running so much. Maybe I can work up from three times a week to four.
I miss working out with my students, but do not miss teaching, driving there to teach, or teaching during those times at all. The cats keep me company and we have a good setup in the basement – I could definitely spend more time down there.
A few other thoughts on the dentist trip:
- They called me many times to change the time of the appointment, then confirm it, but never once told me the COVID-19 protocol on the phone (I didn’t look for it on their Facebook or website – it may be there). So I asked them on the confirmation call what it was – call when you get there, and wait for a call to come in, wear a mask the entire time except for when they’re cleaning your teeth. I think there was a sign on the door when you got there to tell you this, but I am kind of surprised they didn’t tell me that with all the times they called me (about five). My other doctor appointment was the same way – just figure it out when you get there. I guess I like to know the protocol before I go.
- On the way there, I was like “wait a minute – I wanted to quarantine after our trip to Iowa.” It had been 10 days since we got back, but 4 days since my parents left, who were visiting from Iowa. Gah. I’m an idiot.
- Steven had a completely different experience than I did, even though we were both going for cleanings. So odd. But whatever – we both ended up with clean teeth! And I got the bonus inspiration to lift a bit more! (They weren’t lecturing me on flossing, but telling me stories about people coming in eating a sandwich, or with oreos in their teeth from lunch, etc. Yuck.)
Wow I wonder what she would have said to me…. EEK
She mentioned the Waterpik and I was like, “Oh! I was thinking about getting one!” and she is like “it doesn’t replace flossing.” Er….
She wasn’t saying all that to talk to me about flossing though! She was just talking in general and telling me horror stories.
I just went to the dentist yesterday for a cleaning and check-up as well. They did, however let me know their protocol during the confirmation phone call. I was really thankful they did because i find it all confusing and it makes me anxious.
And, you and I have the exact opposite exercise problem. All I do is lift and I struggle with cardio. I’m trying to work it into my weeks, but don’t want to give up a CrossFit class to run or bike instead and most days I don’t feel like I could do both. So, my muscles and bones are super-strong but my cardio game is super-weak. whomp whomp.
I am glad they told you! And that is why I wanted to know – it makes me anxious to now know and just show up and figure it out.
Ha, we totally do!!! We both do what we love the most! <3
Skinny fat? I don’t get it.
It’s a term for when you are what some people would consider a skinny weight or appearance, but have a high percentage of fat and low muscle mass.
I usually go to my biannual cleanings at the dentist office right by my work – typically on a Friday afternoon since I work half-days. It’s so easy! But now that I’m working from home, it would be a good 30-40 minute drive to that dentist now! I’m going to try to find one closer to me, but that’s something that’s so easy to put on the back burner. Eeks!
It really bugs me when these places don’t talk about their new protocols! Come on! My friend got all the way to the doctor’s office for her well-woman checkup with her baby, only to find out that she couldn’t bring her into the office so she had to reschedule her appointment. MIGHT HAVE BEEN NICE TO KNOW THAT. Argh!
Oh wow, that is a COVID-19 related pita I hadn’t even thought of – finding a new dentist/similar because you aren’t close to the one you used to go to anymore. Blah!!!!
OMFG! Yeah, they could have told her! Just send me an email before my appointment! I will read it! Or when you call me 5x, maybe mention the protocol?!
I don’t think that analogy makes a ton of sense. I could see it making more sense to say “brushing every day is like running every day — it does a lot of good, but if you combine it with flossing (strength training), you really build an even stronger foundation and ensure good dental hygiene habits.” The frequency vs. the type of exercise analogy falls flat for me.
But who knows….
What is the biggest barrier for you with lifting (even if you know it’s good for you!)?
Right, and unless you are someone who actually knows that most people do too much cardio and not enough strength training, why would that mean anything? It’s not like we had talked about exercise at all. Ha.
The biggest barrier is I’d rather spend my time running. Ha. And when I am done running, I’d rather sit around and do nada. Really, it’s boredom. I play the radio and listen to podcasts and do a different workout each time, but meh. Just boredom.