Dating has changed over the last decade, with the growing popularity of online dating agencies.  No longer do you have to get dolled up at the weekend, cruise the local bars and pubs, and hope for someone half-way decent to approach you.  

With the onset of online dating agencies,  you could wander the site in your pyjamas, and wait for the action to begin. Depending on the number of male members, the number of them logged on at the time (and, of course, your own attractiveness), you could be hit on within minutes.  

This may all sound very appealing, but if somethings sounds this good, it is usually balanced out with a few cons.

Here are three pros and cons of using online dating sites.

1.  Everyone Knows Why Everyone Else Is On The Site

Pro
Unlike the real-life social scene, where you don’t know the relationship status of every man you come across, with online dating sites, you know that everyone else is looking for the same thing you are - a relationship.

Con
The other side to that pro is precisely that - everyone on the site knows exactly why you’re  there too.  Some women have reported that this makes them feel more vulnerable and exposed.  At least on the real-life social scene you have the mystery of your relationship status to play with.  With online sites you don’t have that mystery.

2.  You Have A Clean Slate

Pro
Any man you meet in real-life can form an opinion about you before he even asks you out on a date.  All he needs to do is speak to the host of the party, the person who introduced you etc.  With online dating, the only things he can find out about you before dating you are whatever you say in your emails.  This is much more controllable than what a third party says about you.

Con
The other side of this argument being that you can’t know anything about him that he doesn’t want you to know.  From anything as small as a speeding ticket or driving offences to more heavy issues like criminal activity, fraud etc.  This may make you more adept at judging his words (in emails and on dates) or it can leave you very vulnerable indeed.


3.  Your ‘Hotlist’ Is More Refined

Pro
When at a bar, pub, or other social ground, you may look at or speak to men whom you keep in mind as a ‘maybe’, or ‘possibly’.  You don’t know anything about their background that could be a deal-breaker, such as the issue of marriage, starting a family, where to live etc.  With online dating sites, you just look at their profiles to find out background information.  This means you ‘hotlist’ is more refined than would be in real life.

Con
On the other hand, being able to refine your hotlist can distract you from the whole purpose of dating.  Dating is about interacting with different men, so honing your social skills i.e. conversation skills, listening skills etc. Refining the men whom you interact with will limit these opportunities.  


Summary

So there you have it.  Three reasons online dating can appeal, and the very three reasons why it may not appeal.  As with any form of socialising, it can have its advantages and disadvantages.  Being aware of the overall picture can help to make the choice of whether it’s the right method for you.

We all know we should be eating healthily and exercising more, but with today’s busy lifestyles it’s difficult to achieve either of those objectives.  Here, I can help you with one of those - I can help you achieve the basic amount of exercise in the shortest amount of time possible.  You can do more if you have time, this is just a starter. In short, 10-minute sessions, you can improve your overall fitness.   These guidelines are for general fitness-level individuals.  If you are severely overweight or underweight, please seek advice from your GP and a professional fitness instructor.    

Morning

In the morning, as you get out of bed, have a long stretch.  This will prevent you feeling stiff and set you up for the morning.  
As you put on the kettle or the coffee machine, do five minutes of gentle jogging on the spot to warm up.  Yes, 5 minutes of it can make a difference.  As you sit down with you morning cuppa, gently rotate your neck for 3 minutes.  Rotate clockwise for 90 seconds, then anti-clockwise for 90 seconds.  After your neck, gently rotate your arms forward for 1 minute, then rotate backwards for 1 minute.  You’ll notice that this will already make you feel more lighter and more energetic.


Noon

If you are at work and you have time for a lunch break, consider getting up and going for a 10-minute walk. You will benefit from the fresh air as well as the exercise.  


Evening

Evenings are the time when you probably least feel like any exercise.  After a long day at work, all you probably want to do is slob out.  But it’s actually very easy to squeeze in a few minutes of exercise without it infringing on your time.  While you’re cooking dinner - while the pasta’s boiling or the chicken’s in the oven - do another 10 minute jog on the spot, or do 10 minutes worth of squats to work those thighs.  

Another option is, if you are going out for the evening, why not leave the car behind and take a brisk walk there.  You have the added freedom of not having to avoid alcohol for fear of committing a driving offence.  You might even be able to jog bag home, in which you get more exercise, AND you won’t be scared of getting  caught speeding while you’re jogging.  

These are just simple ways to fit in a little exercise into your busy daily routine.  It may take a little while to notice any difference, but if you are serious about fitness, it’ll be worth it in the long-term.