Wake Up Call to Healthier Habits
Calvin’s a disciplined dude. He’s been exercising at the Y three days a week for a year because physical fitness is one of his top priorities. But it wasn’t always.
Calvin: I spent so long self-destructing. Today I’m on the other side of that. I woke up.
What woke you up?
Calvin: I started seeing my cousin and others have strokes. People that I grew up with were dying off. It made me think how precious life is. We take it for granted so much, and if I can do anything to keep me here longer…so I decided I’d start working out and doing exercise.
What’s your workout routine?
Calvin: I do 25 or 30 reps starting up there [at the arm machines]. I go all the way around and do about 50 sit-ups, and I work down that side over there [leg machines]. Then I get on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes. Then I’m done. I try to do that three days a week. I’m just blessed that I’m able to do it.
That’s a full-body workout! How’s the community here?
Calvin: People are friendly. I got to know people, and when I don’t come I miss seeing them.
They surely miss you too. Any obstacles you’re trying to overcome in your workouts?
Calvin: My mind—it’ll try to keep me at home. I think it will. So, once I get here, I’m okay. It’s just a matter of getting out of the house and getting over here.
You’re not alone. Members often tell us that showing up is the hardest part.
Calvin: That’s it! That brain’ll work on ya. It takes discipline to get up and do it. I’ve been trying to be disciplined. I get up in the morning, make up my bed, and do all that stuff [laughs]. I try to stay in that frame of mind, you know? Things seem to be pretty good.
Sounds like they are! Do you have any motivational words for the Y community at-large?
Calvin: Just do it! That’s what it took for me—just get up and do it. You can procrastinate, “I’m going. I’m going,” you know? And then it’s too late. That’s all I can say is just get up and do it because talk is cheap [laughs].
You’re walkin’ the walk, Calvin, and we’re cheering for you!