A New Path for a 58 Year Old Fat Man: New Resolve, Exercise and a Video Game

As a 58, soon to be 59 year old overweight man diagnosed with the early stages of Type II diabetes, it was at first somewhat disheartening that it took a video game to get me truly committed to an exercise regimen. This is not a review of the video system. Far from it, this is an exposé of yours truly, a late baby boomer with a beautiful wife, five grown kids and three precious grandkids. Join me on my journey through a life changing decision.

The Wake-up Call
Sure, I was surprised when my daughter and her fiancé came in this Christmas season with that famous video system, the Nintendo Wii, with the Wii Fit Plus 'game'. Could this really be something that would get me to commit to an exercise program? With about 10 or so family members crammed into a back bed/game room in our house, the console was set, plugged in, and with the foot platform in place on the floor we took turns going through the preliminary activity: Weigh in, balance test, and body mass index determination. Well, that little exercise was hardly encouraging to me with results of 5'8", 240 pounds, a "Wii Fit Age of 65", and a tag of obese to boot. Feeble attempts from the family along the lines of "Papaw, you're not fat" or "Those BMI charts can't be right" did not really lessen the impact of this computer generated little voice from the console telling me that I was, in fact, woefully out of shape. I was fat, and the charts were right.

Reflections
It is way too easy to allow your age to provide excuses. I know I can't keep up with the 20 and 30 year old kids. For me those days were, well, 30 or 40 years ago. But one does not have to fit the definition of one's age, either. In retrospect I realized that I had been using age as a crutch. Utterances of "It's too cold to walk around the neighborhood" or "Get out today when I don't have to and its 90 degrees? I don't think so" were too often my responses to myself when I knew I should exercise. Heat and cold never bothered me when I was 30 and raising cattle. But at 58, I kept telling myself that getting old somehow made the weather more effective in discouraging my activity outdoors. But that video game was to be used inside. There went that excuse.

Taking the Plunge
The discussions my wife and I shared over a couple of days would to an outsider seem rather humorous. When faced with a truly life changing decision, the flow to and from decision vs. indecision can be stressful and at the same time comical. Our discussions were both. I was up against the wall. Was I ready to commit? Enter Jack LaLanne. Yes, Jack LaLanne, the fitness guru of America, and a remarkable and inspirational man. My wife referred me to his website one evening. At 94 years young, his condition is better than many folks "in their prime". I will tell you that seeing him at 94 had a final, positive effect on our decision to purchase the video system. Utilize all sources to make decisions; however, don't talk the topic to death. Act decisively, my friends, when your discussion begins to tread water.

Beginning a New Path
The decision made, I acquired the system the week after New Year's Day. Our youngest son was still home on his college holiday break, and set the system up for us. In addition, his friends were at our house quite a few times, and I played some sports games with them all. But the primary purpose was the beginning of our exercise regimen. I had made my decision. I was actually proud of myself. I had performed exercises! What to some may seem merely a blip on the screen of life was for me a remarkable step. Find that remarkable step for yourself, whatever it is for you.

On the Path
The decision is now history. I am committed to exercise each day. Step by step, a little bit at a time, I'm getting used to this exercise thing. And the satisfaction I feel is quite refreshing. I am comfortable following the little computer characters during the different activities the system offers. It works for me. Yes, I'm proud of myself. I look forward to working towards my goals. The decision is now history, but my determination is becoming more steadfast each day.

Recapitulation
It would have been very easy to ignore the wake-up call. All the excuses were in place: My age, no time, expense of the system, where to use it, etc. Excuses had no place in discussions, except to identify them for what they really were. Once the decision was made action followed quickly, with vigor. Action builds upon itself, once the decision is made.

I truly feel better about myself. I encourage all to strive for a change in life that you know is needed. I will close now: I have another 10 minute run to complete my workout for this, day 6 of the new me.