25 Jul
Fitness for Fat Guys, 7-25-2008
Note: I write a semi-regular column called “Fitness for Fat Guys” for our local newspaper. The first article was just published today, and I’m busy working on my next. This is the first article:
Hello, and welcome to the very first edition of “Fitness For Fat Guys.” My goal here is to use this space to discuss ways for guys like us to get and stay in shape. Last year, I did the Weight Watchers thing and dropped almost 60 pounds in a matter of about six months. I counted up my points, faithfully attended my weekly weigh-in meetings, and collected my little progress stickers along the way to improving my overall health. I also embarked on something that resembled a fitness regimen to help keep the weight off. I did a little jogging, but I found that hitting the road on a bike was easier on my 40-year-old joints. (In the interest of full disclosure, Doc Booher tried to convince me of that before I started, but of course I had to figure it out on my own.) This year, I’ve noticed that I’ve added a few pounds, so it’s high time I get things in gear before I get totally out of hand again.
And that’s where you come in. I’d like to use this little column to not only motivate myself to get and stay healthy, but to help you do the same. I’ve found that staying accountable to somebody else helps me stick with my own program and keep my own weight off more effectively. Like a lot of you, I grew up right here in Eastern Oregon, played some high school ball, and stayed active and healthy for most of that time. Daily Doubles on the football field and line sprints in the gym seem to have a way of burning a whole lot of calories. It wasn’t until I was an adult, and had a family and career, that those fitness activities took a back seat to other things in my life. It wasn’t that I didn’t like working out, I just never seemed to have time for it. After a while, the sedentary lifestyle with too much fast food and ice cream just sorta took it’s toll. Getting back in shape at 41 is a whole lot tougher than staying in shape at 18!
Biking is my exercise of choice, but there are other activities that may or may not work for you. I’d like to make this column as interactive as possible, so I’ll leave my e-mail when we’re done. Feel free to contact me any time to let me know how you’re doing with yours. My first stop is to head out to Umatilla and take a ride along the river’s edge. At the end of the parking lot on Beach Access Road, and there’s a trailhead there leads all the way to Hat Rock. I have an off-road trail bike, but it’s not really a mountain bike, so this relatively flat trail is perfect for what I need. In my next column, I’ll let you know how it goes. In the meantime, have a great workout, and by all means stay hydrated during these hot summer months.
Rick Scheibner is the counselor at Sunset Elementary, where he currently holds the school record for most interceptions in a single recess. He can be reached at rickscheibner@gmail.com.








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