22nd March 2026
Reading Time: Three Minutes
Nerdiness Quotient: 3/10
I think the human body behaves a bit like boats do, they like being used. Leave a boat laid up in a boat yard and decks soon go green, the diesel gets the dreaded bug, the winches seize up and lights don’t come on when you flick the switch. Take the same boat on an Atlantic Circuit and it will probably come back in better nick than when it set off.
So using the “use it or loose it” philosophy here is my list common items which may improve your health if you avoid them. It’s only a bit of fun, please don’t take it too seriously!
Number One – Don’t Buy A Bag on Wheels
Why – Bad for arm strength, and they are horribly noisy
These are a pet hate of mine. People often drag around tiny bags on noisy wheels when they could be getting a healthy work-out by simply carrying them. They are, of course banned on the Good Ship Sumara as indeed they are in some sensible tourist spots.
If you have the misfortune of needing to visit an airport terminal you may find it hard to spot anyone actually carrying a real suitcase. I say use your arms or lose them!
Exceptions – Really massive heavy bags on completely silent wheels but they are still not allowed on Sumara.
Number Two – Don’t Buy An Outboard Motor
Why – Bad for arm strength, noisy and a potential fire risk.
These hefty things either introduce inflammable petrol or lithium batteries to the boat. They also sometimes just stop working so you will need a decent pair of oars in any case. What can be nicer than the gentle slapping sound of a pair of finely crafted wooden oars rather than the din of a petrol outboard. Sometimes you even see dinghies without any oars at all and you often you see them with rowlocks that look like they would snap off with a decent tug. You can’t beat the Avon type rowlocks made of solid rubber.
I really enjoy the gentle exercise of quietly rowing ashore.
Exceptions – Big boats needing to ferry lots of crew ashore. I also have an unexplainable soft spot for a noisy and polluting British Seagull. Weird.
Number Three – Don’t Buy Bread
Why – Bad for hand grip strength and way too much salt
I do buy bread, but as I believe making bread is really good for my hands, I enjoy doing it when ever I can. I suffer from trigger finger. I say suffer but it’s no big deal really. I find kneading warm dough to be very good for hand grip strength. My hands always feel better after kneading the dough 200 times.
You can also add things like linseed and pumpkin seeds to make the loaf healthier and more interesting.
More importantly you can avoid adding things like salt. Did you know just one slice of Jason’s Sourdough has 6% of your daily salt. Spread Marmite on it and it is a bit of a killer!
Exceptions – I buy bread when I don’t have the time to make it.
Number Four – Don’t Buy a Washing up Machine
Why – Bad for calmness and noise
Grit and I came to a compromise, and we bought half a washing up machine, but I never use it. I enjoy doing the dishes in a sink watching the cherry blossom and the birds on the trees and letting my mind drift aimlessly. I think the warm water is good for my hands and its nice to see the neighbours and the postie in the street.
Number Five – Don’t Buy An Anchor Winch
Bad for grip, cardio and arm strength
I have 60 m of 8 mm chain and a 15 kg Rocna and I admit hauling it up is getting a bit of a struggle but it is still do-able. I like to wear Fishermen’s insulated grippy gloves which double my grip strength, then I rock the boat to get some motion and drop the chain into a slot on the back of the Sampson post.
Once I get the rhythm it comes up with just a bit of effort and that magic bead of sweat on the forehead – and if you can get a bead of sweat on your forehead every day you will probably live forever.
Exceptions – Bigger boats and those who anchor very frequently. I also have a bit of a penchant for one of those restored shiny bronze winches.
Number Six – Don’t Buy A Ball Throwing Stick for Your Dog Walks
Why – Bad for leg strength
These look fun. You can toss the ball for miles and you don’t have to swoop down to pick it up. There lies the problem. If you squat down correctly on your heels every time you pick up the ball, you will have incorporated a decent leg workout into your daily routine.
Exceptions – If you can’t reach the ground to pick up the ball then this gizmo will at least keep the woofer happy.
Number Seven – Don’t Buy An Electric Bike
Why – Bad for leg strength and Cardio
When I am overtaken by a cool dude on an electric bike as I am standing on my pedals trying to get up the hill through Greenwich Park I don’t get jealous. I have just achieved that magic daily bead of sweat on my forehead. And ordinary bicycles are the most wonderful machines, silent, pollution free and great exercise.
Exceptions – If the bike is being used to replace a journey normally taken in a car.
I’m sure there are more items to add to the list but all I am saying is that incorporating movement and exercise into daily life has to be a good thing. OK, maybe I am a bit jealous of the anchor winch!
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