How the world has changed. Used to be simple — “jumping jacks”. You’d leap up with both feet together, spread your legs wide while flinging your arms from your sides up over your head for a clap. Ideally landing back in starting position, feet together, arms by your sides. Classic jumping jack, or “Hampelmann” in German.
But can we even say that anymore? What’s the gender-neutral version these days? “Jumping people”? “Jumping humans”? Let’s just call them “jumpers” — the movement stays the same.
You might’ve stumbled across this note by accident. But maybe you’ll actually follow my suggestion: stand up right now, find an uninterrupted spot, and do 100 jumping jacks. Sure, you could do them in the open office if you want. Whatever works. Stand up and jump! Now!
Fitness snacks instead of chocolate
I wrote in another note about getting back into fitness. A big part of that is “fitness snacks” — instead of coffee or a chocolate bar, just do a quick exercise.
Could be 100 jumping jacks. Ten push-ups. A few minutes sitting in a deep squat. Doesn’t matter what. Just move.
The key thing is standing up. If you’re still sitting there, get up already and start. 100 jumping jacks. Go!
This post first appeared in German on reinergaertner.de, where I’ve been writing since 1997 — back when the internet still had that new-car smell. An AI assistant helped with the translation under my supervision. If something reads a bit odd, blame the Denglish in my head.