North Carolina has landed on another list, yet I doubt anyone is raising a toast.

In a survey released by Businessweek.com, our state is ranked fourth-laziest in the country. From 2004 through 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collected data, which was used to compile the rankings.

Results conclude that Tarheel residents spend equal amounts of time -- two hours and 55 minutes -- working and watching television.

And not exercising.

This ranking may help explain North Carolina’s high obesity levels.

“North Carolina is tied with Michigan as the 10th most obese state, with 29.4 percent of citizens being obese,” the Businessweek.com article stated. “The report also indicated that 25 percent of all of the state’s citizens haven’t exercised during the past month, based on Center for Disease Control data.”

As a fitness advocate, I cringe when I read these statistics.

For this reason, I suggest exploring innovative methods, like infusing your workout with technology.

It worked for Stacey Richards.

Richards, who enjoys running, uses social networking to encourage other women to participate in her Sista Sunday runs.

“I was really just trying to fill the need of getting some sistas out together in what seemed an exclusive activity,” says Richards, explaining how Facebook helped organize the running group.

Similarly Kemisha Ebron of Diva Fitness finds technology useful. When participation for her boot camp and Zumba classes declined, she sent text messages to participants as a reminder. Other ways to incorporate technology include tweets, blogs and emails encouraging friends to stay active.

Moreover, there are several fitness applications available for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Wii.

Whether you prefer to use social networking, group activities or to work out solo, the point is to get moving. Be sure to balance your workouts by incorporating low-fat meals and drinking plenty of water.

And don’t forget to include kids.

Despite the statistics and rankings, plenty of N.C. residents are leading active lives. Their diligence inspires me. And I’ll introduce them in upcoming columns.

Back to the rankings… Wondering who tops the list of laziest states? Here are the results: Louisiana (third), Mississippi (second) and Arkansas (first).

In health and wellness.
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Sondra E. Z. Hines is an adjunct professor of health and wellness and is certified to teach group fitness and Zumba. Email: sondraezhines@yahoo.com.