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Keeping fit into the f_____th decade

May 6, 2008

One major, major concern of MGMs is of course, how they look to the younger generation.  But Victadora is more concerned about keeping fit, (defined as enabling oneself to perform fairly strenuous tasks, enjoy an hour of tennis, jog for three-quarters of an hour, stay at a bar till one AM, and feel horny on a regular basis).

Fitness brings with it both self-confidence and assurance, secure in your own little world that things are ‘just right’, and that while you don’t exactly have a six-pack, you are comfortable with how you look and feel overall).

Fitness ain’t easy—the physical part of it is something you can schedule—brisk walking till you sweat and then going on for 10-20 minutes more, stair climbing, disco dancing, swimming, badminton or tennis.  The house I share with Chino and his daddy/mommy is a three minute walk to the main city park, with its imposing stupa-like monument.  This is busiest in the wee hours of the morning, before the crack of dawn.  Hundreds of people walk around in circles, almost like automatons, all facing the same direction, walking east.  It seems strange to see a few souls pounding the pavement, going in the opposite direction, seemingly against the current. We take this unorthodox route—for certain reasons.  For example, it is easier to see coming eye candy – when the body shape, height, seems well, uh, a bit attractive,   we do one or both of the following: (a) break into a jog, to get a closer view, and (b) break into a smile.   That means extra muscles are being exercised—both the neck and the corners of the mouth.  

In this country the guys are friendly—meaning, smiles are shared graciously, and a conversation started, which may well, mostly go nowhere.    

If it looks like we have misjudged the object of desire  (i.e. not as pretty as we supposed), we just look away, or carry on a conversation with ourselves.

We also have embarked on an ‘SRP’ – Stomach Reduction Program, that is. Trying vainly to fit into jeans brought four years ago.  Doing a few sit-ups and leg raises while sprawled out on the bed, watching TV.  We encourage each other, and do gym together.  Having an exercise partner can really help.

The basic principle in keeping fit, maintaining a waistline that’s below one’s age (up to a certain age, of course) is putting in less (food) than what you put out (activity, exercise). In addition then to the sweat-inducing activities above, this means portion control on desserts, pastries, ice cream, fizzy drinks, and all types of sweets/sugars.  Cutting down on rice consumption.  More fruits, veggies, less fried food, and taking in fluids, a glass of water just before a meal.  Chewing food a bit more slowly (30 times before swallowing, according to one article I read years ago).   

Keeping reasonably fit through exercise and eating reasonably also wards off stress, promotes better sleeping habits, and makes me feel that every waking day is one more day of feeling alert, lucky and alive!

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