Is Startup Technology Making Us Fat?

There’s no denying it—sitting at a computer whilst mindlessly snacking on office snacks leads to a pudgy waistline.  The same goes for sitting around at home and discovering apps on our smartphones...or blowing through 12 episodes of Mad Men in one day thanks to our DVR machines...

Is it true?  Is one of my biggest passions, startup technologies, actually making America fat?  

Thanks to the folks at the economic think tank known was The Milken Institute, there is now data to backup we’ve been trying to ignore. According to its extensive study, a country the size of America will add 4.2 million obese people for every 10% of growth in Information and Communication Technology. As summed in the report, “The main culprit is a knowledge-based society. More processed foods, a greater amount of screen time; decreased energy expenditure and a higher consumption of high calorie/high fat snack foods have all played a role.”

Don’t feel bad, America. We’re not the only ones who have let our waistlines expand right under (and past) our noses. All over the world, obesity rates have increased. China’s obesity rate has more than doubled from 2.5 to 5.7, in the past 6 years. India’s has almost tripled in a decade, 0.7 to 1.9. But in true American fashion, we are the undisputed champions, with 33.8% of our population being obese.

% of Obese Among Adults 

Source: OECD Health Data 2011

The toll on the economy and human life are out of this world. 2.8 million adults die a year from obesity and its related diseases. Obesity has accounted for $147 billion in medical costs.  To put that into perspective, that’s 10% of total spending.

The impact of advancing technology, on the other hand, is an average effect. The slim citizens of France are only mildly affected due to the fact they eat much smaller portions (albeit the amount of fats they consume is proportionally greater).

In the last decade and a half, calorie consumption has increased by 150-250 calories a day. As a control, Milken scientists have tested for calories, exercise and type of consumption (alcohol, fat content, fruits and veggies).  Milken approximates a 1.4% increase in obesity for every 10% increase in the amount invested in Information and Communication Technology.

But, as you all know, this isn’t the end of the world!!  Exercise as easy as walking can make a big difference in reducing obesity. This data shouldn’t be something to damn us to continue on with unhealthy lifestyles. If anything, this should be an eye opener. If you’re an entrepreneur like myself, this data should motivate you to be even more active. Encourage yourself and your team to take breaks from the office and go for a walk or run. Use exercise as a brainstorming activity. Bring in a exercise professional to teach yoga to your startup (that’s a great mind cleanser!). Use a service I’ve talked about before like peerFIT or HitchFit—it doesn’t matter what you do, just be active!

What I’ve stated above is just data—not a law or rule. These obesity statistics, facts and data can be changed...it just takes a lot of time and a lot of effort.  But guess what?  You’re a startup entrepreneur!  If you have the confidence, ability and courage to start your own business, you sure as heck have the capacity to start making people’s lives healthier.  Let’s start today! 

The Ultimate Fitness App Wello Says “No Excuses, Just Results”

As I have stated time and time again, the life of an entrepreneur is a hectic one. Days are often long and nights are even longer. The startup lifestyle can quickly become an unhealthy one.  Fast food and sugar-heavy caffeine drinks become the norm (especially around our office!  Town Topic is right down the street for cryin' out loud!). Unless you have the metabolism of a 13-year-old, your waistline may expand without you even noticing. Many entrepreneurs fall victim to this and know that they need to live better.  But we all tend to hide behind excuses like we don’t have the time, energy or money to do anything about it.  But the truth of the matter is...we do!

If this sounds like you or someone you might know, there is now a solution to the problem (as with most problems in life, oftentimes they can be solved with the development of a new product or service!!).  It’s time to stop making excuses. New startup fitness provider Wello, which uses video chat to allow anyone to get personalized training sessions online, may be the answer to any entrepreneur’s fitness prayers!  

Much like Hitch Fit, the service I use here in Kansas City, Wello has launched a marketplace that connects personal trainers with potential clients by using two-way video chat.  This feature enables anyone to get training sessions at their convenience. A user just needs a laptop, web connection and webcam, and they can begin scheduling and taking personal fitness classes. People can work out at home or the office without having to step outside. And since there’s another person on the other line, there’s no chance quitting early!!

Wello has a wide range of exercise disciplines to choose from including yoga, Pilates, martial arts and strength training. Once users determine what type of exercise they want to take part in, Wello can connect them with trainers who fit their personal schedule and exercise style.  As we all know, some prefer a laid-back coach while others need the drill sergeant-type motivation.  Users can also choose between 25-, 40- and 55-minute sessions, depending on how much time they have. Once booked, users will receive a link to log in to their one-on-one training session.

For personal trainers, Wello provides a new revenue stream that does away with the hassles that come from booking sessions through gyms. Trainers can schedule sessions in their spare time and since local gyms aren’t taking a cut, they’re likely making a lot more per session than they would have otherwise. Personal trainers are also open to a potentially wider customer base.  In fact, Wello has recruited trainers from major cities, but also from less-populated areas where the potential customer base might be limited.

So far, Wello has signed up more than 150 trainers and has a backlog of others to evaluate. The startup evaluates each fitness professional for certifications, then puts them through a training session and has them provide a session for a Wello employee, who evaluates them before adding them to the system.
Wello was founded by Ann Scott Plante and Leslie Silverglide, who met at Stanford Business School and bonded over their mutual love of fitness.

Not only is Wello an awesome app to download for your fitness regimen, but it also has grounds for a very successful startup business.  We are excited to watch Wello grow over time and become a valuable tool for entrepreneurs who are driven to lead a healthy life.  Why not give it a try?

Americans: Too Fat For Duty?

Nine million Americans ages 17-24 would be too heavy to fight in the military…and 21% of recruits are rejected because of obesity according to Mission: Readiness.  And when recruits have to be discharged because of weight, it costs the American public about $60 million to train new military members to replace them.  Yikes!! 

As an entrepreneur, you’re probably not interested in joining the military (when would you have the time?).  But as an ex-military pilot, I will tell you that being in the military taught me more about discipline, leadership and courage than any other entrepreneurial or startup book out there.  And it has helped shape me into the entrepreneur that I am today. 

These scary stats don’t just affect the US’s national security – it’s a terrifying trend the whole world is taking on.   So how can you avoid becoming a “not-so-lean” entrepreneur...even with your busy lifestyle?

Start first with this simple tip:  remain as active as possible.  Try Hitch Fit’s tips on working out in the office, which provide some great exercises you can do from anywhere with extremely limited equipment.  If you find yourself sitting at your desk for hours on end, try standing up and walking around your office while you’re on the phone.

No excuses – always take the stairs (unless you’re on the first floor, then I guess that would be an excuse)! This is the easiest choice you can make throughout the day (unless you wear heels to work…I’ve heard from my wife and some of my female business partners that stairs and heels don’t quite mix...).

Don’t be afraid to burn some quality calories on your lunch break by hitting the gym, walking to a restaurant or even getting some awesome personal trainers like mine—Hitch Fit’s Diana and Micah LaCerte (there’s nothing like being held accountable for your workout - they’ll make sure you stick with a healthy routine!).  Trust me…midday workouts will change your life! You’ll not only feel refreshed but you’ll look better for it.

The facts are sobering...scary...and almost unbelievable.  What else can we do to improve young American’s health (and allow them to fulfill their dreams)?  

Can You REALLY Work Out While at Work?

In a recent post by Hitch Fit, the KC fitness models and experts Diana Chaloux and Micah LaCerte say that it is possible to work out at work.  Will you look silly doing it?  Of course.  But does it pay off in the long run?  You betcha.


If you don't have time to work out after work, why not take 15 minutes during your workday and try a few of these exercises? (I made my team at Think Big try all of these out!  Let's see how they did...and check out the blog post from Hitch Fit):


Staying fit is important, but when many have a typical 9-5 job, it can be very tough to find time to get any kind of workout in. As we all know, the benefits of exercise go on and on—they even trail into work life! The increase in blood flow brought on from a quick workout is a great way to get your creative juices flowing and keep your brain productive. These 10 exercises are quick and can be done throughout the day or all at once. Best of all, you don’t have to pay a dime on a gym membership with these exercises and all of them can be done with common objects found around the office…whodda thought!?

1. Chair or Desk Pushups
This movement targets your chest and arms. It will tone them up and fend off the dreaded saggy grandma arm. Do 3 sets, 15 reps at a time.

Our summer associate Max is such a tough guy! 

2. Carpal Tunnel Reliever
This is a great way to relieve stress that can be brought on from typing. Simply stand at your desk with your arm extended and the back of your hand on your desk. Apply light pressure for 15 seconds each arm.

Check out Sara's awesome carpal tunnel reliever! 

3. Seated Leg Extension
While in your chair, extend one leg and hold for 30 seconds at a time alternate legs. Do 3 sets of each.

Mariah shows us seated leg extension. 

4. Chair or Desk Dips
This is great for shoulders, triceps and your back. Just like the pushups, do 3 sets, 15 reps at a time.

Think Big's research analyst Hai Chen is a dip master!

5. Planks
They are fantastic for your core and if done correctly, planks can yield you some pretty stellar abs. Lay in plank position for 30 seconds at a time. Do 3 sets.

Summer associate Nick Rossin--nice plank! 

6. Reverse Standing Leg Lift
This move will tone those glutes (so get ready for tush compliments!). While at your desk, stand on one leg and slowly raise your leg back. Do 10 reps per leg and 3 sets total.

Why not try this one out during a quick stand-up meeting? 

7. Seated Dead Bug
Seated in a chair, extend out all four limbs and hold for 30 sec. Do this three times. You may look silly in the process, but it will help your body look bangin’!

Mariah, once again, being a rockstar.

8. Warrior One Pose
This is a “main stay” in yoga. With your body weight creating resistance, hold this pose for 30 seconds (each side) and do this 3 times.

Nice Warrior One, Mike! 

9. Stairs
This is exactly what it sounds like. Take the stairs!

[ no picture required!]

10. Breathing
End with the simplest exercise of all. Sit on the ground, cross legged, with your hands on your stomach and take deep breathes. Focus on filling your belly with air then use your hands to push your belly back to your spine while exhaling. Do this for 1 minute, 3 times.

Check me out!!  Breathing is my specialty.  

When done daily, these 10 exercises can improve your mind and body. So don’t just sit there and type at your desk all day! Give it a try. You’ll be glad you did. And if not, at least your coworkers will get a good laugh.

Nutrition, Exercise and Sleep: Worth it in the Workplace

A lot of entrepreneurs may know the benefits of nutrition but can’t seem to find the time to fit it into their busy lifestyles.  With long days, little sleep and a lot of eating on-the-go, it can be hard to eat healthy and find the time to workout.  However, nutrition – both exercising and eating well—will help you in the business world!  I’m here to tell you why and what I’ve learned from working with Hitch Fit and their intense nutrition program: 

Increased Productivity

Lean startup entrepreneurs know how precious time can be.  However, it’s really important to take the time to make your own food.  A lot of entrepreneurs would see cooking or preparing food a completely unnecessary and time-consuming task (I used to!).  But keep in mind the way processed, fast food makes you feel later.  It’s really worth it to cook your own meals!

So what have I done to increase my productivity, yet still eat healthy?  I’ve cut back the Lean Cuisines, Town Topic lunch runs and bottles of Ensure in lieu of a homemade, healthier brown rice stir-fry (eggs, chicken, veggies, and spices.  Healthy food can taste good, too!).  I’ve really felt the difference throughout the workday by cooking my own healthy meals and I tend to get more done than when I’ve “saved” the time on eating the unhealthy options.

Creativity Boost

I have been working out with Micah and Diana over at the Hitch Fit gym twice a week in the afternoons (from 12:00pm-1:00pm).  Because I work out in the middle of the workday, I have noticed some pretty crazy improvements to my work style.  Working out helps me focus, so getting that afternoon exercise in really gets my creative juices flowing and prevents me from burning out around 3:00 or 4:00pm.  Working out during the day also helps me reduce stress.  It actually allows me some time to be social with a workout buddy (shout out to Micah LaCerte!).   Let’s face it; it’s a lot healthier than collaborating with a coworker for happy hour later.  When it comes down to it, I’ve found that without this mid-afternoon exercise, my mind is ready to checkout long before it needs to.

Higher Energy Levels

You’re an entrepreneur, so you’re probably not getting as much sleep as you should. You love your job so you work hard and there’s no shame in that (I have fallen victim to the 3:00AM emergency conference call far too many times).  However, that lack of energy is going to catch up to you at some point in the day.  When it does, squeeze in 15 minutes of yoga – find an empty room at the office or if you’ve got a great rooftop space like bizperc, get outside.  Each yoga asana has its own rewards, and there are several poses for boosting your energy when you hit that midday slump.

Just remember: to get healthy you’ve got to think big! The next time you’re craving an in-office snack, grab that apple instead of the candy bar.  Your body…and your company…will thank you for it!

A New Definition of Lean Startup

Like many entrepreneurs, coming up with great ideas happens too often.  And the great idea of getting back in shape to become a better entrepreneur was not only was a great idea, but one that seemed like it wouldn’t be too difficult to achieve.  But like many other great startup ideas, this one was deceptively hard.  Execution is everything, right?

Today, Micah Lacerte of Hitch Fit showed how hard it can be to execute my whole new definition of LEAN STARTUP—or more fittingly, LEAN ENTREPRENEUR (yes, pun intended)!  In this case, what he had in store for me was a very conveniently placed hill nearby his facility. It looked fairly innocuous, but when you run backwards up the cobblestone street...it really is pretty tough. In fact, it really inflicted some torture on my legs. It’s amazing, that like many other great skills in life, something that looks deceptively easy, when done properly to achieve results, can actually be very, very hard.

Unfortunately, these results might be sometime in the future, but hopefully not too distant future to keep me a believer. As I venture into my fitness challenge, I realize the value of not only expertise, but advice. Micah has the ability to explain to me why I am doing what I am doing, not just telling me what to do.  He caters to my deeply-rooted belief system of “teach me how to fish”.

Perhaps I’m just wired this way, but if I can understand why I’m doing something, I buy into it even more and it helps me understand what needs to be done in order to be successful. Hmmmm...this sounds a bit like entrepreneurship and starting a company.

A combination of hills, weights, other cardio exercise and other things that are deceptively simple looking, when used properly under the skill and care of a good advisor and coach, makes a world of difference.  I am confident that these activities will produce the results that I could not achieve on my own.

So even though I should thank Eric Ries for the lean startup concept (and I do embrace it), my lean entrepreneur mentality has a different spin to the definition of lean startup. The “startup” for me (in this case) is getting back in shape and certainly getting lean.

Stay tuned next week to see exactly how my Hitch Fit training is going and to see if the value of advice and expertise is beginning to pay off. And by the way...this week I can actually lift my arms above my head as I leave today’s workout. But just barely!