Now, that I have officially entered the 4th quarter of life, I am extremely pleased that I started exercising some 35 years ago.
In 1972, I, along with some friends, started a “runners group” at the Boise Family YMCA – and we’re still at it – some 35+ years later. Over the years we’ve averaged about 7 men at any one time. We’ve probably had a total of 50 men (and a few women) participate. The women didn’t last long, for two reasons: they didn’t like our conversations and they didn’t want to run so slow!!
The drill is this: we meet at the downtown Y at 6:30 am on MWF, stretch (kind’ve) for 30” and then run the same 3.5 mile route. I think we have changed the route once in 35 years. Our run use to take 30 minutes, but now, over the same route, we are approaching 40 minutes. We then do machine weights for about 20 minutes, get ready for the office, leaving the Y about 8:30.
So…..why write a blog about this? Because I want to share the benefits of a regular exercise program. To me the benefits are threefold: 1) it helps keep you physically healthy, so you have a better chance of enjoying the 4th quarter, 2) it reduces stress and 3) if done with a group, it creates life-long friendships.
I’m a strong believer that the workout should be early in the morning (to avoid distractions later in the day) and it should be done with friends (you’ll make every attempt to show up, otherwise, they’ll talk about you).
I’m not saying everybody should do what I’ve done, but you should exercise at least 3 times a week, it should be fun, and you must make it a habit – just like any other daily activity. If you do, you’ll feel better and, hopefully, last longer.