nerd

What comes to mind when I mention the word “nerd”? Probably something along the lines of thick spectacles, braces, and acne, right? Certainly nothing related to fitness.

But the times they are a-changin’ — now faster than ever. Nerd numbers are growing, and their constantly evolving, digitally connected consciousness is starting to recognize the benefits of fitness.

Indeed, fit nerds are becoming a thing. While image certainly plays a role (smart is nice, but smart and toned is awesome), another undervalued factor is emerging: the surprising degree of synergy between making a living from behind a computer and staying fit.

This article gives one fit nerd’s take on four of these beautiful synergies.

Synergy 1: The Nerd-Enhancing Power of Nature

Nerds are often pictured as pale creatures living in a dim basement surrounded by blinking lights, wires, and screens. Sure, some choose to operate this way, but many are realizing that this environment actually hampers their digital ambitions.

Getting outside a couple of times a day — especially if it involves sunlight and some green, living things — is great for mental energy and creativity. Whenever my brain starts feeling sluggish or uninspired, a walk in nature is just what the doctor ordered.

But there’s a problem: all too few of us have nature right outside our front door.

Luckily, a new era of remote work is upon us. That means that location no longer binds those who can create value sitting in front of a screen and skilfully moving/tapping some odd pieces of plastic. This grants them access to the world’s best fitness tool: a home located in a beautiful environment that makes you want to move every day.

So, nerds can 1) benefit immensely from regular exposure to nature and 2) use the location-independence of their skillsets to make nature their next-door neighbor. If this is an option for you, grab it with both nerdy hands!

Synergy 2: The Privilege of Car-Free Living

Cars are overrated. Sure, they can be invaluable at times, but they also cost a huge amount of money, take up far too much space, cause tons of stress and anger, kill far too many people and animals, and play a major role in making the world so terribly unfit.

Those who manage to construct a well-functioning car-free lifestyle can skip all these drawbacks. Heck, I almost feel guilty about how much of an advantage this single lifestyle choice gives me in terms of health, productivity, and financial/creative freedom.

Nerds are in a unique position to make car-free living work. Their work is ideally suited to telecommuting, they’re more inclined to shop online instead of in town, and I’m pretty sure they’re less likely to have small kids (probably the most compelling reason for car ownership).

If you have the possibility of creating a practical car-free life, go for it! Your fitness will naturally improve, but that’s just a small part of the tremendous privilege of car-free living.

Synergy 3: For the Love of Tech

Nerds and tech go hand in hand. That’s why it’s such good news that fitness is getting techier by the day. After all, your body doesn’t care whether you exercise to improve your health or only to play with your new smartwatch.

I must admit that I’ve not geeked out properly in this category yet. My fitness band is a pretty cheap model that’s not good for much more than counting my daily steps, buzzing me when I’ve been sitting for too long (an invaluable feature for computer addicts), and occasionally finding my phone.

However, if you feel a need for some tech-driven fitness motivation, the endless possibilities for integration between different devices and apps can keep your inner nerd physically active for years to come. Quality fitness devices can be a bit pricey, but if that’s what it takes, don’t hesitate!

Synergy 4: Algorithms for Life

Finally, there’s the fascinating challenge of perfectly integrating fitness and general wellness into a modern tech-rich lifestyle. Experimenting with different life and fitness hacks in search of that perfect lifestyle algorithm offers fantastic intellectual stimulation.

If you can bring some cool tech into the mix, so much the better. For example, my recent investment in smart lighting and sound has elevated my fully automated morning routine to the next level. This routine involves plenty of movement, getting my day off to a fit start.

There are many other fitness hacks out there. If you channel your inner nerd to track them down and tie them together into an algorithm perfectly tailored to your life, you’ll unlock a source of fitness motivation you never even knew existed. So, hack away!

Digital World, Biological Body

Our world is becoming increasingly digital. It might not be all that long before we spend most of our time in virtual worlds, enjoying digital experiences that are much more varied, convenient, and sustainable than their physical counterparts. The biggest nerds already live this kind of life.

But our brains and bodies remain fundamentally biological. They require regular movement in the physical world to achieve their full potential. It’s up to every nerd to take great care of their biological self so they get to fully engage in both our physical and digital worlds. Activating the synergies discussed above does exactly that.