I am in week 7 of the 12 week Times Colonist Health Club Challenge and a few things are becoming apparent to me. I will call that awareness. They have to do with my priorities and the denial about my health and fitness.
Is it safe to say the things we can remember off the top of our heads are the things that are important to us? For example birthdays, anniversaries, our schedule for the upcoming week, our next vacation, passwords and pin numbers to name a few. Ok following along with me; Monday; Unforgettable, Body of Evidence, Tuesday; American Idol, Wednesday; Survivor, Criminal Minds, Law and Order. I know these off the top of my head. Is television that important to me? Is it more important than my health? Is it more important than living to 71 years of age like my dad rather than doing some exercise and living longer? What is the schedule for the aqua fit program at Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre; umm blank or community recreational options for the month of March; umm blank.
The other thing that’s glaring at me today is this online article in today’s Times Colonist, More Evidence that Big Football Players face Heart Risks. Man, if you are like me things happen for a reason. I was chosen to be a part of the Health Club Challenge for a reason. I am getting it. I am seeing that I really needed this opportunity to make some changes in my lifestyle. I saw this football article today for a reason. I am a very large man and I have been since before high school. If I am going to have any chance of living a long healthy life I need to do something about it now. I’ve lost 15 pounds so far with the Health Club Challenge. 15 pounds means I am headed in the right direction however I really need to be under 350 pounds and then I really need to be under 300 pounds and then I really need to be under 250 pounds.
I ran into Josh Taylor at the Crystal Pool the other day. Josh is the administrator of health and fitness programs at Crystal Pool. We talked for a few minutes. Josh says he has been playing men’s league hockey for the last 3 years and that he finds it fun and great exercise. He added that because it’s a team sport he feels like he is letting his teammates down if he doesn’t make it to a game. Hey that’s exactly how I feel about my workouts now; Kevin my trainer is going to be there every time. Josh asked me what my plans for fitness are when I am finished the Health Club Challenge; umm blank.
I hang around with some friends that say acceptance and action usually follow awareness, sometimes referred to as the 3 A’s. How true that is. I feel like I am well on my way with the acceptance of my health. I know it’s not normal for a 52-year-old to be taking blood pressure and cholesterol medications. I am taking action by working hard in the gym at each workout each week and eating healthy. This opportunity has come to me in the form of a gift by being chosen to be one of the participants in the Times Colonist Health Club Challenge. I really need to take action when week 12 is over and I’m looking at week 13. Do any teams out there need another player? I have a good sports resume however it's a little old; I am updating it daily!
Dennis lives in beautiful downtown Victoria with Ally his wife and their little dog Henry. Dennis is a full-time Real Estate Agent with DFH Real Estate. Follow his Health Club Challenges and progress here and on Twitter @dennisdfh.
