Learning to shop for our health and the battle of the sexes

to the painful end

Billy Crystal in his book ‘Still Foolin Em’, makes an observation that I saw over and over again last week. When the wife goes shopping the most disinterested person is her husband. There're two behaviors that I saw over and over. And I must admit I do the same thing. The way Billy described one behavior “as having no XXXXX and no shoulders men waddle in a slow death march behind their wives.”… As he went on to describe this kind of behavior his audience was laughing out-of-control, why because we've all seen it and have done it ourselves. Just about every man that I know does something similar by finding a seat while their wives shop. This behavior is been captured on film a lot of times, but not so much the waddling. I plan to capture it on film.

We know that men like to hunt when they shop they are most purposeful in their shopping adventures. Their behavior is different when shopping for work related things or hobbies. Here they show great energy an interest. Women on the other hand are gatherers as they collect things for themselves or their family. Their shopping interests have a far greater range of interest than most guys.

I have a theory that the way women shop is very good for health and may be one of the reasons why women live longer. If you were to put up a pedometer on the husband and wife I am pretty sure that the wife would out walk him. Steps we take when we shop are different than aerobic walking, but steps are steps. The gals zigzag back and forth from object to object, guys drudge long in the straightest lines possible. Soon just about every guy figures the shopping to go on and on, they’re looking for the nearest seat. Subjected to this painful experience many of the fellas take a nap. The heavier the fellow is or the older the more sitting they do.

Starts young

Real understanding of this behavior seems to go the way of the dodo. In the battle of the sexes each goes their own way. The guys to an early grave and the gals gather alone. We can take the attitude of my way or the highway, but it won’t help to make shopping more pleasant for the two of you.

My observations are not anyway scientific or absolute study but I think they ring true. Shopping can be one way to get up and move. Overall I'm afraid guys do to much sitting both at home and out and about. Here are some suggestions:

• Gentlemen, we need to walk. It is a given that we do not have the same interests so before you go find that seat walk a block or two. If you ever pedometer walk 250 to 500 steps. Every half hour or 20 minutes get up and take a small walk for a few minutes or use your pedometer to mark off a number of steps. 
• Nobody expects perfection, so find out what you're Mrs. Is really interested in getting that day and help her find that special whatever. That if she has other goals she knows that you're interested but she can go off on her journey while you find the opportunity to do the first suggestion.
• Use the cell phone to stay in touch. Here's an idea but do not over do it. Ladies if you find something that your husband would be interested in give him a call where you can meet together to see it. And then you can release him as you continue to gather. 
• Meet for lunch, a snack, coffee - set time in the shopping spree to have a date.
• Include each other in your shopping styles. The way we shop it is what it is but we can find ways to include each other. Being mindful of one another two either set limits to the time or needs of one another. If we're to sedimentary shopping can be a way to get activity we need. For example we shop every day for 20 minutes we are putting I healthy activity in our life that is doable. In the store send the guy out on missions to find special items. Not everything has to be done in one-day. Each time you shop have a little fun together. Watch people as they shop and look for their funny behaviors. We can laugh together. Keep walking