For so many years I asked very little of my body and it gave very little in return. I would have to say for a ten year period until I began my health and fitness renaissance last fall, my body was more like a moving storage container that I would fill daily with unhealthy foods. I would rarely ask my body to participate in any type of regular physical activity and of course over time began to pay dearly for this neglectful behavior–with the developing health issues that I have documented in earlier blogs.

These days I ask a lot of my body and I am pleased to say that most of the time it delivers. My fitness training regimen requires that I exercise five days a week (four days in O’Connell Extreme Fitness, one day of weightlifting with Russ O’Connell).  The one hour OXF class makes intense demands on my body through  30 minutes of cardio kick boxing and 30 minutes of resistance training. Since last September I have now completed 41 weeks of O’Connell Extreme Fitness or about 164 exercise classes. That is a lot to ask of any one’s body, but mine has responded in ways I really couldn’t have imagined. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, 20 percent body fat, and my waist line has gone from 42 inches to 32 inches. And I have done this not by starving myself, but being consistent in my diet; limiting the amount of sugar I consume and eating more fruits and vegetables.

I asked my body to commit to a healthier lifestyle and instead of rejecting the plan, it has allowed me to become stronger and more physically fit than I have ever been in my entire life.  I know very well the path I was on before I decided to make a change. Hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are some of the health issues I was facing. I have this cousin who manages a couple of nightclubs in Minneapolis. A very talented athlete in his youth, Warren was an all-state football player and wrestler for Waterloo East in the late 70’s.  Nearly 50 now, Big W.(as we like to call him) has always been a fun loving big guy with a voracious appetite and a nocturnal lifestyle. Warren’s lifestyle caught up to him a month ago when he suffered a heart attack. Fortunately, he survived and I can only hope that this scare will provide him with the motivation he needs to make some major changes.

I am happy to say many prayers were answered. Our good friend and OXF classmate, Lisa Pryor’s surgery to repair an artery went well without any complications and she is on the road to recovery. Lisa is one of the true shining lights in our fitness class bringing great energy, effort and proper technique to every exercise. I know the earlier prognosis had her not being able to go to the gym for 6 to 8 weeks. But knowing the determination and will of that young woman I really can’t see that happening.

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I apologize for the recent infrequency of my blog, because I love spreading the gospel of this health and fitness thing. Falls are very hectic in my line of work with increased hours and stress. But I have to stay this year has been much more tolerable, because I am in much better physical condition to handle the long tough grind.

In past blogs I have tried to expose the details of my transition to a healthier lifestyle. It is a process that doesn’t just happen over night. The important thing to do when embarking on a journey of health and fitness is not to focus on the results (such as weight loss), but to really keep your mind on the big picture. It’s a mathematical certainty if you reduce the number of calories you consume on a daily basis, you will lose weight. It is proven that exercise which includes cardio and weight training will increase your strength and endurance. And it’s a rational assumption that proper rest at night will not only increase your energy throughout the day, but will also prevent you from developing some health issues.  The key as I have found over the last year or so is that you must stay consistent and not deviate from the plan.

This morning, Ron Steele, Tim Luce, Brian Gilbert, Heather Nation, Heather Reisinger and myself were in Waverly to join the OXF class there directed by our former classmate Greg Stockdale.  This is week seven of Greg’s new venture at the “W” and talk about a guy being in his element.  Greg, who makes his money in the car business, has incredible passion for fitness training and it shows with the incredible energy he brings to the good people in Waverly. With pride, Greg told me members of his class lost anywhere from 7 to 18 pounds and a lot of inches in the first six weeks of class.  Today I could see why, as Sgt. Stockdale drilled us through a brisk one hour marine styled session. It was great fun.

Before I go I want everyone when they hit their knees tonight to pray for our good friend Lisa Pryor. Today, Lisa underwent surgery in Iowa City to repair an artery. Please pray for her speedy recovery–Lisa is one of the kindest people I know, but she is definitely a warrior in the gym. We send out our best to Lisa, her husband Reed and family.

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