Admit it, you're addicted to Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). I wasn't a fan myself until Kurt Warner went on, and as a football fan and reality TV watcher, I was hooked. This season Donald Driver is a contestant, which satisfies the Packer fan part of me that still can't believe we didn't make it to the Super Bowl.
Watching DWTS (and seeing Melissa Gilbert get rushed to the hospital) has shown me a thing or two that I might just apply to my life. See if you agree.
There Is Such a Thing as Pushing Your Body Too Far
One recurring theme of the show is that the celebs really put their bodies through a grueling workout. Even those in the best shape seem to struggle in the beginning. But Monday night's show, where Melissa Gilbert was taken to the hospital and treated for a concussion and whiplash, showed that you can push your body too far too fast.
Sure, if they had more time, contestants wouldn't get injured as often as they do. But in the quick turnaround time they have to learn and practice dances, even the most athletic celebrities get hurt. Maria Menounos is young and healthy, and even she has foot and rib injuries she's working through. Is it worth it to keep competing when your body tells you "enough!"?
There's Nothing Like Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone
The frequent injuries on Dancing With the Stars worry me. But then again, I really admire what these celebs are trying to do. Have you seen the look of triumph and satisfaction on their faces? That's because even when they get out there and fumble a bit, they are pulling off something they never thought they would. There's a lesson there, and it shows us that trying something new can revive your spirit.
Age? Pfffft.....
I love that DWTS likes to have at least one older person on the show. And when I say "older," I mean people in their 70s and 80s. If you're a midlifer, you have to look at people like Cloris Leachman (who was 82) and Florence Henderson (who was 76) and feel downright lazy. Not just that, but the show does include quite a few midlife folks as well, and the beauty is that they compete right next to the young cuties who can still survive on two hours sleep a night and no food.
Never Think You're Too Heavy to Move
There's a lot of talk about being heavy, and hey, that's because it's not good for you! But there's too much emphasis put on what you can't do when you're heavy, instead of what you can do. Kirstie Alley comes to mind, because when she signed up for DWTS, some in the media laughed at that. And yet, the very first night she blew people away with how light on her feet she was. The stint on DWTS helped her lose more weight of course, and she came in second overall. Not bad for someone who people thought would get booted from the competition in the first round.
Exercise, Costumes, and Dancing Equals Fun!
Most of us won't have the chance to don a costume and makeup and hit the dance floor in front of millions of people. Then again, I doubt most of us would want to. But we can challenge ourselves and find a new way to get fit and healthy. Sure, the celebs on DWTS lost weight, got in better shape, and walked away with a sense of accomplishment, but they also had a blast doing it. That's probably what will make it memorable for them.
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