...if I'm reading a book instead of watching TV?
It depends on what you're reading. I think watching an insightful documentary about history, science, etc. is the same as reading an insightful book, either fiction or non-fiction.
Therefore, watching un-insightful TV (ie. reality shows, sitcoms, etc.) is the same as reading a un-insightful book. It all depends on the content and educational factor.
Then, there's the question of how much un-insightful TV or reading do you need to do to be considered a couch potato...hmmm, it's all relative. If you consider yourself a couch potato if you watch 10 hours of TV, and you watch 10 hours of TV, then you're a couch potato. However, if you consider yourself a couch potato if you watch 30 minutes of TV, and you watch 30 minutes of TV, then you're a couch potato.
In my opinion, it all depends on the content.
~Sarah
So, if it's "Valentine of Majipoor" (heavy science fiction) by Robert Silverberg, I'm OK. But if it's Twilight...
Your only a couch potato if you don't play The All New-New Song Title Game >:-)
Do you get up and move, exercise or otherwise get off the couch? And getting a soda or a beer does not count as getting up.
Blessed Be
Hugs and Love
Janet
A healthy balance of couch potato-ness and non-couch potato-ness is best :) I would suggest reading 1 paragraph of Twilight, then 1 paragraph of Valentine of Majipoor (you're talking about the books, right?), and switch back and forth for however long you want to read. (this goes for watching TV as well)
Then...only then...will you not be a couch potato.
~Sarah
@ Janet, usually this is while I'm sitting there with a heating pad against my back. But, I do walk to and from work. I know, that's only 40 minutes of walking. But, it's better than driving the mile instead of walking it.
@ SarahR, I'm screwed then. I started Twilight after finishing the Majipoor book.
Then No you are not a couch potato, but you are a bookworm.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frwestern.com%2Frwestern.com%2Fblog%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2Fbookworm.gif&hash=f57d4d332e53e0718e17cd161f94e1d1c855aa03)
Blessed Be
Hugs and Love
Janet
Reading is NOT considered 'couch potato' as opposed to watching TV, because reading, in and of itself, requires active participation not passive absorption.