Working It OUT

"Found" Pounds Need To Get Lost

Photo by George Pagan III

Last week, after realizing I had "found" 40+ pounds during my Rip Van Winkle years, I decided it’s time to add exercise back into my routine.

While I had a stationary bike at home, let’s just say I do better when I can exercise in a space dedicated to fitness, surrounded by others working on their own goals. I’m a visual person and get inspired easily, so a gym environment just works better for me.

After researching and touring a few options, I joined a new gym last week and had my first official workout first thing this morning.

I was at the gym before 5:30 a.m. and back home before 7 a.m. It was my first time back in a gym in at least five years, and I’m happy to report I actually had a good time.

But walking from the parking lot to the gym after so many years, I was more than a little nervous. Would I feel out of place? Would I remember how to use the machines? Would my body revolt against me mid-workout?

Thankfully, muscle memory is a wonderful thing, and once I got going, everything felt familiar again. I started with some light cardio to ease myself in, followed by a few strength exercises. I didn’t push too hard—I’m playing the long game here—but I left feeling energized and accomplished. A few minutes in the hydromassage chair before I left didn’t hurt either…it actually felt wonderful!

It may be my first workout, but I plan to go at least 3 times a week. Or more. My goal isn’t to obsess over numbers but to feel better, move better, and get back to where I was before depression and grief kicked my ass.

As for the pounds I "found" over the years, they’re officially on notice:
It’s time for them to get lost.

And while I realize I’ll always be a big guy—I’m 6’4” and built like a football player—I do look forward to fitting into more of my old clothes and maybe even having a reason to shop for some new ones.

Wishing you and yours a fun day this Sunday!
Clint 🌈✌️

NOTE FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS
I’m doing my first-ever livestream on Saturday, March 29th! I plan to record it for those who can’t make it, but would love to hear some suggestions for what time works for most people. I’m also planning to have some special guests, so please stay tuned for more details…as soon as they’re available.

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ON THIS DAY = MARCH 16

BIRTHDAYS

• 1609 = Agostino Mitelli = Italian painter

• 1751 = James Madison = American academic and politician

• 1822 = Rosa Bonheur = French artist 🌈

• 1839 = John Butler Yeats = Irish painter

• 1878 = Paul Jouve = French painter

• 1902 = Eardley Knollys = British artist 🌈

• 1908 = Robert Rossen = American filmmaker

• 1926 = Jerry Lewis = American actor and comedian

• 1938 = Jack Nichols = American activist 🌈

• 1941 = Bernardo Bertolucci = Italian filmmaker

• 1942 = Jon Hinson = American politician 🌈

• 1949 = Erik Estrada = American actor

• 1949 = Victor Garber = Canadian actor and singer 🌈

• 1954 = Nancy Wilson = American singer-songwriter

• 1959 = Flavor Flav = American rapper and tv personality

• 1961 = Todd McFarlane = Canadian author and illustrator

• 1964 = Gore Verbinski = American filmmaker

• 1964 = Patty Griffin = American singer-songwriter

• 1967 = Lauren Graham = American actor

• 1971 = Alan Tudyk = American actor

• 1976 = Blu Cantrell = American singer-songwriter

• 1977 = Donal Óg Cusack = Irish hurling goalkeeper 🌈

• 1989 = Gabriel Attal = French politician 🌈

• 1991 = Wolfgang Van Halen = American bassist

EVENTS

• 1621 = Samoset, an Abenaki, visits the settlers of Plymouth Colony and greets them, "Welcome, Englishmen! My name is Samoset."

• 1954 = The Army-McCarthy hearings convene to investigate conflicting charges made by the United States Army and Joseph McCarthy. The Army accused McCarthy and his chief counsel Roy Cohn of pressuring the Army to give preferential treatment to G. David Schine, a former McCarthy aide and “friend” of Cohn's. The hearings include inquiries into the supposed security risks posed by homosexuals employed by the federal government and include instances of gay-baiting by Special Counsel for the Army Joseph Welch. Notably, Welch defines a pixie as being “a close relative of a fairy”. “Fairy” is a slang term for “homosexual” and Welch’s remark is interpreted as a jibe at Cohn, a closeted homosexual who later died of AIDS.

• 1995 = Mississippi formally ratifies the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, becoming the last state to approve the abolition of slavery. The Thirteenth Amendment was officially ratified in 1865.

• 2018 = Love, Simon is released in theaters.

HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES

• National Everything You Do Is Right Day

• National Freedom of Information Day

• National Panda Day

PORTRAIT + QUOTE OF THE DAY

“My mother couldn't have been happier when I said I was moving to New York.”
Victor Garber

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