(Updated) One more link on the subject: How to Start a Fitness Program and Stick With It.
Let’s face it, CG is a stimulating activity but it’s not altogether healthy for the body (see Alejandro Ruano’s “Dungeon” image). Anyone working on CG should dedicate time to physical exercise. New Scientist has some great advice based on recent research that shows some of the best ways to get fit. It’s good information to keep at hand. Let’s get physical: Nine facts about fitness. Also of note: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity, Fitness basics: starting a fitness program.
How should you go about getting fit?
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Getting fit is very straight-forward and simple, and not even very difficult. Get in an average of thirty minutes per day, averaged over a week, of cardiovascular exercise that raises your heart rate appreciably. That’s it. A brisk walk daily, biking to work, a treadmill….it’s not rocket science. And it’s important! Regular, moderate exercise contributes to a positive quality of life in innumerable ways, far more than, say, creating 3D animation, and I know what I’m talking about.
It’s really strange that we all care so much about any stuff like filmmaking, animating, becoming rich and whatever, but treat our biggest treasure, that fantastic natural artwork of a body, like a damn piece of s***! [edited]
It should be the opposite around – shouldn’t it? It’s very easy to do some exercise every day, but beware of the millions of sharks who try to make money out of the lazyness of people! (“Become thin in two weeks without moving a bone!”) Switching off the TV is for free! 🙂
It is very simple, but just requires commitment and in the end that’s really a lifestyle issue. The industry is very dynamic so it’s difficult to maintain a routine, but all it takes is a bit of effort. For example, I don’t drive into work every single day – often I’ll park about 3km away, throw on a rucksack with my work clothes, and jog or walk into the office. That alone doesn’t require much effort, saves gas and keep my body active. Next, when I can, I try to spend an hour in the gym at lunch 3-4 days a week. The first 30 minutes are spent doing super-sets of opposite muscles (chest/back, arms/shoulders), then the last 30 minutes is spent on an incline treadmill, elliptical machine or stair master. None of this puts me back in my military physical condition, but it does help break-up my day and keep my fit and healthy.