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Monday, August 27, 2007
What’s your motivation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The pursuit of flat abs and bulging biceps leads some of us to the weight room. My motivation was an injury.
I wasn’t sure how I hurt my shoulder — just that my shoulder hurt. Maybe my overloaded briefcase was to blame. Or perhaps the position of my computer’s keyboard.
“You said you’re how old?” the orthopedist asked as he held my X-ray up to the light.
I told him. He nodded. The joint, he explained, was simply worn and under used — a cruel reminder that I was not, in fact, getting any younger. He gave me an extremely painful shot of cortisone and prescribed four months of physical therapy, three times a week. Grudgingly, I complied.
Each session, Steve, my physical therapist, would show me a few new exercises — with rolled-up towels, gigantic rubber bands and small hand weights. At first, I could barely lift a pound in each hand before the pain would set in. I felt ancient.
But I stuck with it. And eventually the pain subsided. I got noticeably stronger, and more confident. If I could rebuild one part of my body, why not the rest?
I joined a gym, resumed my long-dormant running routine and took my bike in for a deluxe tune-up. Five years later, regular cardio workouts remain part of my routine, balanced with the moves Steve taught me — now with 10-pound weights in each hand. Reading today’s cover story, I’m happy to know I’m doing just what the top fitness experts these days are advising, for both injury prevention and weight maintenance.
Pushing off the effects of aging as long as possible remains my top motivation. But the dream of a buff body doesn’t hurt either.
What motivates you to stay fit?
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