Retirement Talk
WHAT to do with the rest of your life? |
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Episode 163 The January Challenge
There is something about January; new year, new ideas, new
beginnings. We just returned from our usual health club visit. It was packed;
all these people with high hopes. They are there sweating and grunting; young
and old, limping and strutting. Hard bodies and flabby ones all set on
fulfilling a personal goal. They are determined. It’s an inspirational place -
these fitness centers on this first Monday of the year.
This is Retirement Talk. I’m Del Lowery.
Concepts 2 is the name of a company and the name of a rowing
machine. I read about it in a column from an exercise expert in Alaska many
years ago. He is a medical doctor so his opinions carry a little extra weight.
He wrote that this machine was probably the best overall fitness machine he had
ever seen and used. I bought one. My son bought one. Then my daughter bought
one.
There is over one thousand miles separating each of us. She
lives in Sutter Creek, California. He lives in Anchorage and we are sandwiched
right between in Bellingham, Washington. Every January we enter into friendly
competition. It is the January Challenge hosted by the Concepts 2 Company. It
is a virtual competition.
We all row in our respective residence and then post our
results on-line at the Team Challenge page on their web site. There are four on
each team. It’s the Alaskans, The Big Dippers” against “The Outsiders”. It is
friendly but yet competitive. We post our results every day and it seems like
we move in tandem. Among hundreds of teams listed our two seem to be tied
together by some invisible elevator as we move up the number of meters rowed.
The best thing about all of this: it gets us started. It
gets us started into each new year and at the same time is so very good for our
health. The experts seem to agree that is easier to sustain a workout regime if
you have a partner or friend in the endeavor. This virtual challenge seems to
fulfill that need. Even though you row alone you compare numbers and cheer each
other on each day. The reward for your effort is very public and earns a
response instantly.
The month seems to evaporate as we constantly move right
along with the numbers. It is a good way to start the year. It helps maintain
good habits of exercising on a daily basis. How valuable is that? It always
amazes me when I read of some such disease or illness and the recommendations
on how to combat whatever it is. Exercise is always high on the list; if there
is anything that seems to be the elixir of life that is it.
Many people with good intentions were at the club today.
They are always there the first part of January. Then the numbers fall off
rather rapidly. It does take a little effort to usher in new habits but when it
come our health it is definitely worth it.
In our families January Challenge rowing contest, the loosing
team buys T-shirts for the winning team. I want that shirt this year. I’ve
never won one.
This is Retirement Talk.
A resource from a listener: Best Free Online Degrees for Seniors guide is designed to assist seniors who aspire to enhance their intellect or consider starting a new career path. It features an overview of the top online degrees for seniors, emphasizing their numerous advantages, and a broad range of subjects to choose from.
A friend's website: Terra Firma Designs: Fine Furniture, Stained Glass and woodworking workshops.
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