Mahler's Monday Morning Motivator # 66 - The Pay Off - JP Fitness Forums

Mahler · 05-23-2005, 07:13 AM

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 65– The Pay Off.

Good Morning, Guys,
A weekend spent getting the lawn and yard into shape convinced me that the relatively little time I spend working out and staying fit is well worth it. It was an interesting weekend, because it demonstrated to me, if no one else, that there is a pay off in what we do and how we treat our bodies.

It started with an amusing conversation with a friend on Saturday morning that got the thought processes started. I went out for a run, and it was the morning of our annual yard/garage sale. It was not a good morning to run with the cars parked along the road and others cruising for a bargain and not really watching for guys like me. Coming up the hill near the end of the run, I saw some friends sitting in their driveway selling their wares, so I stopped to talk for a bit. My buddy is one of those guys who is always talking about getting on a diet, starting an exercise plan and getting back into shape. You know the ones. They never seem to get past the planning stage. He is about my age and was an athlete in his youth (which he never seems to let anyone forget). As we stood there talking he began telling me that he found this article on the web that said something about the fitness craze and how getting into shape only adds about 3 months to your life span. Come on, guys, we have all seen studies that show that fitness can add years to life expectancy. I didn’t feel like arguing the point, so I simply joked that I subscribed to the philosophy that fitness is the slowest possible way that a person can die. I added, that I planned to die very slowly and go out kicking and scratching. Standing there in my tank top and shorts, barely winded by my run (I don’t want to sound like I am bragging, but indulge me, please) I thought I was proving my point without saying a word. To look at us, I could have been his son instead of a friend around his age. He is a good friend and I don’t want you to think that I don’t respect him, but like so many people in our lives, they don’t see the pay off. We talked a little more, and I tried to change the subject but finally ended up with telling him that if staying fit didn’t add a minute to my life, the quality of the life that I had was going to be so much better. Again, the pay off. The weekend continued with two days of lawn work and 8 solid hours of shoveling mulch which would have had my friend pretty well beat.

There is a definite pay off to fitness. Physical appearance is only one aspect and is the outward sign of the hard work that you do. But, fitness is also a mental process and one that is frequently challenged. Just remember that you are the proof and that no matter what anyone may say to you, the pay off is standing right there in front of them. And the pay off is oh, so sweet.

Have a great week.

If you have any stories or anecdotes that demonstrate your personal pay off, feel free to add them to this thread.
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In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

BobTheKillerGoldfish · 05-23-2005, 07:24 AM

Thanks Mahler. I was home in Ireland this weekend and helped my Dad with the lawns, I'll remember this next time I bitch about helping out!

FlyinM · 05-23-2005, 07:42 AM

Good stuff, John. I think everybody knows somebody like your friend.
I only wished you lived closer so I could get your help with my mulching. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

duff beer · 05-23-2005, 08:17 AM

I spent a few hours yesterday re-arranging and levelling 35 sidewalk blocks that weigh about 120 pounds each. When I first put them down five years ago, I was out of shape and had a friend help me. It was hard work, and my back and arms were sore for days after.

Yesterday I did the job unassisted and found it to be much easier than last time when I had help. My back and arms feel good today, and I'm still riding a nice little ego boost thinking back to how easily I threw around those sidewalk blocks!!

People who have never been in shape have NO idea what they're missing...I'm always full of energy now and most of those little aches and pains that one takes for granted when passing 40 no longer exist. I like where I am now and don't ever want to go back.

TrainingGirl · 05-23-2005, 08:43 AM

Great story...and I could have told the same one...about numerous friends. A lot of times people are jealous, or enjoy just being down on themselves. I prefer to be happy. Even if it didn't add any more time to the end of my life, I know how I feel now, at this moment in time, and I feel GREAT! I have more energy, I feel good about myself mentally, and I like the way I look. A lot of women don't feel comfortable in their own bodies, and it has taken me a long time, but when I'm working out and eating healthy, I feel awesome. Living this lifestyle does so much for one mentally, I think it even outweighs some of the physical aspects.

emartin10 · 05-23-2005, 09:07 AM

Thanks Mahler. Happy Monday!

eastcoastsurfer · 05-23-2005, 10:00 AM

I'm to the point now where I just personally enjoy working out and trying

to eat healthy. The extras of looking better and living long are just a plus.

I must admit it felt good when I ran into an ex at the pool yesterday and she commented on how much bigger I've gotten since last summer

diamondpete · 05-23-2005, 10:04 PM

Hi John

One of the best stories/motivators yet. Personal and true. It doesn't get any better than that.

Peter

Mahler · 05-24-2005, 09:15 AM

Great stories and comments, friends. In the overall scheme of things, there is even more of a pay off. The time I saved working my ass off that entire weekend is amazing. That same job, four years ago would have stretched out over several days with frequent rest breaks. I figure I saved at least enough time to make up for two weeks of the lifting and running that I do. Now, instead of finishing up the job on Memorial Day weekend, I can spend some quality time with my wife and friends and enjoy life a little. Again, a different kind of pay off and a pay off with dividends, to boot.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

wtflestoppoules · 05-24-2005, 10:33 AM

Damn does it feel good to be healthy

FlyinM · 05-24-2005, 11:21 AM

Excellent point, John. Have a great holiday!

laxcdn · 05-25-2005, 09:22 AM

Well all this exercise should let me outlive my dad who died at 40. I have 4 more years. He died of evelvated cholestoral and mine was high. With exercise, mine is back to normal and should let me live longer. So I should outlive that 3 months

emartin10 · 05-25-2005, 09:53 AM

I just got a sticker for my Nalgene that says "Healthy Food Tastes Better". It's now 8:47am here, and I've already received about 5 comments on it, including "I don't know about you, but I think a Big Mac tastes better than Salad anyday".

That's why I feel good about myself and have energy, and you are unhealthy and lazy.

Bulking Up · 05-25-2005, 10:05 AM

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but since I started eating healthier, whenever I have unhealthy food (big mac), they taste great for the 1st few bites, but then I get really sick of them.
Ben

Kaiser · 05-25-2005, 01:19 PM

Thanks for that John. My own story, which I posted in the Training subforum, is repeated here:

My glutes have been getting a lot of work and yesterday morning when I was brushing my teeth, my wife leaned over and grabbed my ass and then growled, 'oh my God, it's rock solid!' - I've received that before from other female friends (luckily not always accompanied by the grabbing part), but finally got a comment on my butt from the missus after like 10 years.

When I can get that reaction after 16 years of being hitched, that's a big payoff to me.

But that may be somewhat shallow - a more tangible payoff is running around outside with the kids, sprinting alongside them while they are riding their bikes, and their favorite: striking a flexed bicep pose with both arms while they hang off, one on each side - although as my 7 year old gets bigger, it may not be possible anymore. But my goal is to keep being able to do it as long as I can with him. [img]smile.gif[/img]

The really big payoff? If I can hang with them in physical pursuits when they hit HS age. I want to be one of 'those dads.'

jwrives · 05-25-2005, 01:52 PM

Hey Kaiser let me tell you from experience don't try to keep up with them in HS, but wait until they get to college...that's when you will regain the advantage!!

BamaDave · 05-25-2005, 05:24 PM

Mahler,

It's very likely that not only could you pass as your friend's son, you are probably in far better shape than his son would be...

Great post! It's amazing how many times in our daily lives that extra strength and/or lung power come in handy. And exercise definitely does a number on the aging process. It's hard to relate to my sedentary friends and their backaches, etc. Of course, I guess they don't have knee tendonitis from running and rotator cuff twinges, but I'll take those minor inconveniences over general declining physical condition and lack of strength.

Mahler · 05-25-2005, 05:35 PM

Dave,
I did 10 sets of deadlifts this morning (10x4x265) and thought how many of my friends would be headed for the chiropractor lifting a fraction of one lift. I wish I could do more to convince them to get into shape. It has meant so much to me.

And, by the way, guys, I thought of another pay off. Getting to know all of YOU.

Mahler