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Under the best of circumstances, most people don’t LOVE to exercise. Surveys have shown that only about 25% of American adults get the recommended dose of exercise each week. (Which, if you’re wondering, is 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, plus two strength-training sessions.)

And the pandemic certainly didn’t make the situation any better. In fact, the latest surveys have shown that about 35% of American adults claim they’re exercising less than they were before the coronavirus crisis began – even AFTER lockdown measures were lifted. (Bad habits are hard to break.)

It takes determination and inspiration to get moving again. Mark Little, Safety Specialist, Bayport, is happy to help provide some inspiration by sharing his unique fitness journey…

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Fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, from childhood sports to weight-lifting in my teen years. In high school, I discovered a talent for throwing shot put and discus, as well as running track. I even got a scholarship for shot put and discus thrown to the University of Houston. When that venture was over, I did my best to stay fit throughout adulthood as well (with some lapses here and there).

BUT…when I got to be 50, that lapse had lasted a LONG time. I had gained weight, and I wasn’t doing much in the way of regular physical activity. 

So, I got moving again. I started working out and eating healthier (not a secret formula, but definitely effective). Earlier this year, a friend convinced me to start participating a senior track events. For the first time in 35 years, I’ve been competing again! It’s been a lot of fun getting back into that friendly-competition atmosphere.

At 55, I think I’m in better shape than I’ve been for the last 20 years! I’ve competed in two discus competitions – and won both events – setting personal best distances in both meets. I’m still training hard and working toward competing in the Senior State Championship in October in San Antonio.

Through the pandemic, I noticed that a lot of people are struggling with staying healthy, so I’ve been posting workouts on my social media pages to spark some inspiration. Just as inactivity breeds inactivity…ACTIVTY breeds more activity.

My advice to anyone in a fitness rut is just to get moving. Take evening walks. Clean out your house. Start a sports team with your friends. Pick a hobby that involves physical activity. Find an “accountability partner” who is also looking to make a positive change.

The challenges we’ve all faced together since 2020 have reminded us that we can’t take anything for granted, especially our wellness.

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Thanks to Mark for inspiring us to get moving! Feel free to share YOUR unique wellness journey with us.