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Episode 656 The January Challenge
This is Retirement Talk. I’m Del Lowery.
This episode is an updated version of a podcast I ran about 10 years ago. I think it still has value and is worth repeating - at least once a year. Keep in mind: we all have to find our own way. This may serve as just one example.
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 to improve their health, their body and hopefully their general sense of wellbeing. It’s an inspirational place - these fitness centers on this first of the year.
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 are 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 the Concepts 2 website. 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 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 exercise 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 comes our health it is definitely worth it.
In our families January Challenge rowing contest, the losing team buys T-shirts for the winning team. I want that shirt this year. I’ve never won one.
Well that tells the tale of our January challenge ten years ago. It lasted perhaps 5 to 6 years. I won a shirt once if my memory serves me well. The competition ended when our granddaughter went off to college and our daughter took up CrossFit.four or five days a week. We lost our balance. But the exercise routine was well established for all. Which is what counts.
Today we all remain committed to some sort of exercise on a daily basis. For some it is riding a stationary bike. They make some beauties today and one can enjoy watching a video of some sort at the same time - either that or listen to a podcast. For some it is still rowing or walking during torrential rain storms. For our daughter is CrossFit.
At any rate the habit has been established and serves us well. You might try something similar. Anything to get you moving.
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. Copyright 2010 RetirementTalk.org |
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