When I was young I received my high school letter in gymnastics. I worked out in the gym every school day with the gym team. After I graduated I worked in the factories of northeastern Pennsylvania. Some of the work took physical effort, but not all of it. Later I got into computer programming and that was the end of my regular physical activity. Through my twenties I was trying to move up in my new field as I supported my wife and three kids. I had lost all of interest in regular exercise and had become quite pudgy.

When I hit thirty I began to be aware of my lack of physical fitness and I began slowly to get back into physical activity. The good news for anyone who was active is that it is a whole lot easier to get back in shape that it is to get in shape if you were never active. I didn’t have a lot of money so gym memberships and exercise equipment were out of the question. I started with enough floor space to do calisthenics and the sidewalk for a jogging path. You can’t rush it. It took years to get out of shape you won’t get in shape in a week. Take it slow and easy and don’t push yourself. I started with the basics, pushups, sit ups, jumping jacks and alike and a short jog. You must determine what your body can do. You want to feel taxed but not exhausted.

Later you may want to join a fitness activity that you believe you would enjoy. I joined Jazzercise for aerobics; hey don’t knock it is a challenging workout and the ladies will love you. I did eventually hit the weights at the gym when I was ready. It was a free gym on a military base. I also got into martial arts. If you can find an activity that you like join up when you’re ready.

I’m now 58 years old. I wouldn’t say that I’m in perfect shape; in fact right now I could stand to lose a few pounds. I do have a blood pressure right around 120 over 80, my pulse is normally in the sixties and my doctor is very happy with me. I stopped the Jazzercise and I no longer hit the weights but I am a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and I train regularly.

Fitness is something that you have to do for yourself. You can’t be coaxed, threatened, or pushed into it. You can only do it when you’re ready. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to start and once it is a part of your life again; it will feel like an old friend.