Tweens around the country are reeling from media reports that Justin Bieber forced his bodyguards to carry him around the Great Wall of China on a recent visit to the country.
The young Canadian singing sensation appears trim and toned in concert photos, but apparently lacked the strength to complete the climb of this globally known landmark. With obesity rates on the rise, it's important not to emulate this latest Bieber act.
With reforming Bieber in mind, the Allentown Health Examiner presents some recent research about fitness.
Researchers at the Milton S. Hershey Medical School (part of Penn State University) have undertaken a clinical trial to measure the effect of social networks on physical activity. Using a model dubbed "SNAP" (Social Networks for Activity Promotion), the researchers plan to measure the influence of several variables that can be modified to change physical activity levels among participants. Perhaps Bieber can use his Twitter account for something other than griping about fake stories about himself and enroll in NCT01142804 instead!
Perhaps Bieber should try walking to work. A recent study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity shows that teens who use an active mode of transport, e.g., walking or biking, to school have better heart, lung, and muscle fitness than those who use passive transportation, e.g., cars and buses. Even if Bieber is unable to walk from his hotel to his concert appearance, due to the possibility of being mobbed by fans, he can start small and do his own walking during his leisure time, rather than riding on the backs of his bodyguards.
When all else fails, one can change one's environment. Researchers studying European teens found that a "favorable built environment," including having parks in the neighborhood and gyms within a short distance of home, is likely to contribute to higher levels of physical activity and better physical fitness. Perhaps a change of address would help Bieber get back to a fit and healthy lifestyle.
