Fitness is Fun!
November 2007

Who inspires you to maintain an Active Lifestyle?

Fitness Question Responses for the Month of October:

Shadow does! He gets me up early in the morning to walk for 30 minutes before work, and gets me out walking for 30 minutes to an hour after dinner. Whether it’s dark, cold, windy or raining, Shadow gets me off the couch and out walking and is responsible for keeping me active.
~Karen

My granddaughter, Taylor, is my inspiration. She has lived with me since she was 3. She is 15 now and I am 57. I have to stay fit to keep up with her, and I want to be healthy enough to take care of her as long as she needs me.
~Jane

My family inspires me, especially my children. I want to be around for them, and to help coach sports for their children when they eventually become parents. I want to be a good example for them on how to get and stay fit. I also am inspired by memories of my high school gym teachers, who talked and promoted fitness, even though at the time I didn't listen very well. Well, I'm listening and acting on that now, and at 46, am in better shape, and am lighter and stronger than when I was in high school. It's never too late to get active.
~Jeff

Mostly myself. I have energy and being active helps me use up the energy. I also want to set a good example for my kids by being active. Obesity is on the rise and I want them to know they can help combat obesity by eating within limits and exercising. I also believe that if you don't do it for yourself, you won't stay with it.
~Carol

My doctor. I found out a few months ago that I had lost 6 ½ percent of the bone in my hip in a year and a half, which is the beginning of osteoporosis. That scared me into making SURE I walk or do some sort of weight-bearing exercise every single day. I was pretty much doing that before, but now, every time I think about skipping a day, I think about the possibility of getting premature fractures and what a crimp that would put in my lifestyle, and that is enough to get me up and moving.
~Nancy

I'd have to say I am inspired by the prospect of a longer life. As a 5 year cancer survivor I need to do what I can to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I joined a weight training class at work four years ago and it lasted about 6 months before everyone else lost interest. I continued to work out by myself and now I lead the class with 3-5 others showing up to work out with me. I worked out alone for more than a year before others started to join and none of the original people stayed with it.
~Russ

My two dogs, Alamo and Willie, inspire me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They whine outside my backdoor every morning. They want their morning run and will not rest until they get it. We run about 4 miles every morning. I have lost over 40 lbs. since the beginning of the year and consider their "encouragement" to be a big part of my success.
~Brad

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