The Next Evolution

The past four months have been consumed by change. I completed the coursework for my bachelor’s degree in ministry studies, started two new businesses, and continued to work six days a week. Ana and I juggled all that along with raising four kids, homeschooling, and the usual domestic duties that can add significant heft to a man’s to-do list. I had injured my shoulder, so I decided to skip a couple of workouts to give it time to heal. That was four months ago.

Three weeks ago, I started training again. I began with light compound movements, including squats, leg press, deadlifts, bent-over rows, push-ups, and abdominal work. Stretching is vital, and I also started running sprint intervals on the treadmill to increase cardio capacity. It will be another two to three weeks before I can work at an acceptable level of intensity.

I pray about everything, and I spent time with God on the whole fitness thing. It’s a balancing act between time spent training and then recovering from those workouts, and the other obligations I have. In June, I will be sixty-seven years old.

I can either hit the gas and get into the best shape of my entire life. Or I can slow things down, take it easy, “enjoy life”, and “age gracefully”.

Since January this year, I have received death notices for eleven friends. Most were around my age. I am ready to meet God whenever he calls me home, but I see no honor in rushing the process. No part of my sixty-six years has involved slowing down, taking it easy, or any other metaphor for doing less than my body and mind have the potential to achieve.

I am hitting the gas.

My long-term goal is to be the very best husband and father God has put me here for the number of days my Father in Heaven has allotted me. I will do everything possible to make those days full, productive, and dedicated to serving God, my family, friends, community, and country.

I trained over one hundred professional and elite athletes over a thirty-five-year period. I feel that God placed a desire in my heart to share some of what I have learned in order to help others. If you are upright and breathing and able to move your body, you can reap the benefits of regular exercise, no matter your age. Even if you have never done exercise before. Check with your medical provider first to ensure you are able to exercise safely. Then get started.

I have a plan, and I am going to share what that process looks like. What I do is designed specifically for me, my experience, capablity, and fitness level. Your plan needs to be tailored to fit your circumstances, health, and capability.

I will be posting here on a regular basis as I move along. In a few days, I will outline the strategies and plan. Then the work begins. Check back every Monday and Friday for updates.