Health and fitness EXERCISE:
It's been almost a year since I've gotten serious about health and fitness. At my friend Anthony's suggestion, we both started Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido classes through the Embarcadero YMCA in July '04. At two session per week, it has been a great workout, a way to focus mentally and also a social outlet. We have also been playing racquetball regularly. My fiancee Nikki and I hike frequently with our dog (Audrey) and try to take advantage of our proximity to Mt. Tam and other great hiking in Marin County. Our apartment community has a gym and swimming pool (with hot tub and sauna) that we frequently use. Overall, I would say that I am in the best shape now that I have ever been in. My weight has not changed much - I am still 180-183# vs. the peak of 190# a couple years ago. I plan to keep up this level of activity because it feels good and because I am setting some long term goals around fitness: I would like to earn the Black Belt by age 40. Whenever I ask senior students they cannot stress enough that conditioning is critical.

I have been using the WebMD LEAP Personal Trainer to track all activity. I highly recommend it as a reinforcement and encouragement. It becomes a form of internal peer pressure after a short while. 9/28/05 Update: have dropped to 176# after the Oregon hiking trip and stepping up activity. The racquetball courts at Embarcadero YMCA have reopened, so will be playing more. I feel in prime condition and can handle the Tae Kwon Do / Hapkido class at high intensity without getting as winded as before.  ¶ 3:37 PM 0 comments links to this post