I was 48 years old when I started to take my health seriously. That was four years ago. My father had just died from a heart attack and pulmonary disease. My mother had Alzheimer's and she has since passed away. I had just taken the biggest job I ever had. (I'm the senior pastor at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, a 4,000 member congregation). My three kids were leaving the nest and I had some of the best years of my life ahead of me. I wanted to be healthy enough to enjoy them.
A friend at the church introduced me to Janet Reinecke and Fit Central. I started going two days a week but wasn't sure it would last. For a long time I lived with the simple motto, "Something is better than nothing." Any exercise and workout that I was doing was more than what I was doing before. There were days that I didn't feel like exercising and would barely do it, and would remind myself, "Something is better than nothing."
That motto changed as time went on. I added two more days on my own for aerobics. My total cholesterol when I started was 199 and my LDL (bad cholesterol) was higher than it needed to be. Four years later with exercise and a better diet, my total cholesterol is 153 and my LDL is well below the limit.
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As a minister I work with people on their value systems and how they find meaning and purpose in their lives. We've always talked about people's souls but we rarely talk about people's bodies. They are a gift to us and we are told to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, bodies and strength. It's never too late to start doing that. At 52 I feel better than I did when I was 32. I've added muscle strength and flexibility, and improved my blood work. The workouts re-energize me to go back to work as if I'm starting all over again. Some of my best thinking is done on the Elliptical.
I might have done all of this on my own but I doubt it. Having a coach to keep me from hurting myself and knowing how to build up the different muscle groups has been a tremendous help. Having the encouragement is absolutely essential. I have encouraged many people to get started on this journey. Start small and use a trainer. The investment has tremendous dividends. It's never too late.
Steve Eason
9-14-06
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