I am retired after working for 35 years for the State of Michigan and City of Jackson. I currently volunteer for Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program, Wings of God Transition Home, Inc. and with my local church. I also participate in mission trips to Kenya, Haiti, and Mexico. I’ve been married to Merle for 35 years and have 2 married children, Kristie and Layne, with 3 grandsons. We enjoy cruising, traveling, and camping as often as we can.
What is your usual weekly workout routine?
I work out 5 days a week.
MWF – 20 minute cardio before Body Pump at 6:00 a.m. and then trying to end with 20 minutes abs and stretching.
T&TH - 30 minutes cardio before Body Flow at 8:00 a.m. and then RPM at 9:15 a.m.
What are your go-to snacks and meals?
Almonds
Post work-out Protein Drink
Protein Power Bar
I’m also a vegetarian but do still eat limited dairy and eggs.
How do you balance being active with the demands of your daily life?
In my adult life, I’ve always been pretty disciplined and I have scheduled exercise into my daily routine. I believe physical well being must be a priority and will help you with the rest of your life. I also believe there are four aspects to every person’s life; physical, mental, social, and spiritual. They are equally important and you must constantly take inventory on how you are doing in each area.
What is a fitness or healthy living goal you have for yourself?
At my current age, maintaining my current weight and level of activity is a priority. I have recently suffered some injuries when I’ve tried to increase my resistance or level of activity. I’ve decided to be content and not push it too much. I do however plan to participate in the new core strengthening class that will be coming to SWAT.
What do you like about being a member at SWAT?
I really enjoy the classes that are offered. There is just something motivating about a group of people that have common goals working together with enthusiastic instructors. The camaraderie makes it fun.
What is your favorite class at SWAT? Why?
I am currently enjoying Body Flow the most. I’ve been doing Pump and RPM since they were first offered, but only recently started participating in Flow. I think the reason I enjoy it is because it is something different and it is stretching me physically and mentally in new ways.
Do you have a person who is your healthy living/fitness inspiration? Who and why?
"Jack" LaLanne who was an American legend in fitness, exercise and nutrition. He also was a motivational speaker who was sometimes called "the godfather of fitness" and the "first fitness superhero." He always impressed me while I was growing up. He lived life to the fullest right up to the time of his death in Jan 2011 at age 96.
My parents also inspired me to living healthy for the opposite reason. They had horrible eating habits and did no exercising, and as a result both suffered numerous health issues that prevented them from enjoying life. I always vowed I wanted to be different.
Anything else you’d like to say?
As a child I suffered numerous health problems and was told I had to limit my physical activity. As a result I suffered with severe obesity. During one hospitalization at age 15, I came to the conclusion I wasn’t enjoying life and life wasn’t worth living. I vowed to make changes even if meant some risks. I first tackled the weight problem by losing close to 100 lbs. Then I gradually started increasing my physical activity. Since that time I have had to watch my weight and make sure I remain physically active. To stay on top, I picture a traffic signal with green being my ideal weight, yellow being up to 10 lbs over that, and red anything more. Yellow signals a warning and I start watching my diet and increase my physical activity. Red means some major adjustments until I get back to the green light.
Great post!!!! I see Dale and Merle every morning that I am at the gym and love them both! It's nice to get more insight on other people's lives, philosophies and workout programs.
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