For many, coming to prison means a series of losses. It’s obviously a loss of freedom. It’s a loss of family and friend connections. It can also be a loss of pride, self-worth, and credibility. Yet, in this sea of mounting losses, there are opportunities for gains. One of the gains I’m most excited about is the ability to gain better health.
On the outside, I was a workaholic averaging 60+ hours per week. My priorities were on the job whether day or night. I had a desk job and as you can imagine, I got little to no aerobic activity. When not at the job, I often just wanted to unwind, relax, watch some football, and recharge. I’d often fall asleep on the couch. Like many middle aged men, the pounds started piling on. Doing routine tasks like climbing stairs became laborious. Breathing became harder. Bones often cracked. I knew what needed to be done. I needed to get moving. Somehow though, excuses always got in the way; I’m tired, It looks like it’s gonna rain, or It’s too hot. The time for excuses ends right here at FPC Montgomery.
While I’m no health expert, I just know that carrying an extra 20-30 pounds can’t be good for me. The extra pounds make me susceptible to metabolic diseases: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. With my family’s diabetes history, I refuse to fall prey to the four headed dragon that has taken so many of my loved ones.
My first step is to increase my cardio. Most days here (weather permitting), we’re given at least 2-3 hours of exercise. While the June daytime temperatures can be fairly high, the evenings are bareable. There is no doubt that I need to move, burn, and sweat with deliberate intent. Given this urgency, I am committing to exercising “at least” 3 days per week. Each session will be “at least” 45 minutes of aerobic activity.
The second step to this journey is to fast. Using lessons I learned from Dr. Jason Fung and the “The Fasting Method”. I will be using the 16:8, 24 hour, and 36 hour fasts to lower glucose, reduce insulin, stave off obesity, and lower my metabolic risk factors. Consistent with the aerobic activity pledge, I am committing to at least 3 24-hour fasts per week.
So, what will I gain? I expect improved health. By reducing the chances for metabolic syndrome, I should increase my longevity. I will also return to my family as a better version of me, not just psychologically, but also physically.
Just like folks who start New Year’s resolutions, this commitment sounds good today. The proof, though, will be in the pudding. While I’m highly motivated to succeed at the challenge, ups and downs are bound to happen. People sometimes get weak. They get off course. They lose their willpower. They lose their focus.
To mitigate and prevent regression, I have a secret weapon; All Of You Reading This Blog (My Village). You will be my superpower. When you email me, don’t just ask me how I’m doing, ask about my last workout. When we chat on the phone, don’t just ask about the food here, ask about my last fast duration. When you send me letters, don’t just ask about the living conditions, ask do I need more exercise clothing.
When this journey is over, I want there to be a big celebration. In addition to the excitement surrounding my return to my family and friends, I dream of the roars and cheers because I gained my health back.
Speaking for the village, we got this!
