Samantha Taylor
Samantha Taylor Fitness
I went out to dinner with my dad, who is one of the most amazing people I know. Every time I talk to him, he talks about how he is going to start working out, get serious about his exercise plan, and really do it this time, probably mentions it since he knows that is what I do for my career is help people get into great shape.
He has been saying he is going to get fit for many years and it really hit me when I realized he just turned 71. Isn’t that bizarre when your parents start to get older?
That is what hit me, he’s getting older and he is not doing anything about his fitness. His blood work is better than it has ever been from eating the way we have shown him, which I am very happy about, yet I am seeing him get softer and more out of shape even though thankfully he only has about 10 lbs. to lose. I always saw my dad as Superman and I still do.
He was in the Vietnam War, always did physical labor tasks outside, and owned his own business. And I always saw him with muscles, in good shape and active which probably helped me with my choice to be a trainer. But for a moment I looked at my dad without those Superman goggles on and realized that he is getting older, more out of shape and if he doesn’t do something instead of talk about it, he is going to pay for it big time!
I put on my personal trainer hat and expressed my concern for him. I told him how if he didn’t get serious about this, he is only going to get mushier and become like a big marshmallow! I knew I could raz him a little bit because my dad has always been a jokester. He said, “Noooo, not a marshmallow!”
I said, “Yes and if you don’t want me to start to calling you Mr. Marshmallow Man then you had better do something! And if your body turns into mush because you have no more muscles from not exercising, you are going to start losing your independence as you get older.”
He exclaimed, “No, not that!” I said, “Yes, do you want to be in a nursing home in ten years? People changing your diapers?” He was aghast, “NO! I never want to lose my independence!” Then he looked more serious.
I knew it was NOT what he wanted because he is a very independent man and his mother was 95 and still lived on her own when she passed away.
He got a more serious look on his face, “No, that is not what I want. Okay, I am serious. Wait till you see me next time!” I said, “Dad, you said that last time I saw you, you need a plan, not just talk.” He said, “No, I am really going to do something this time.”
So we put a plan together for him. I challenged him to work out at least two times a week and he has been doing it! He lost 10 lbs. and just went to the gym this morning. I love him so much and am grateful for him and I don’t want to start seeing his body fall apart because he didn’t take care of it.
I encourage you to inspire your family to do the same and if you are able to share this article with your own father, do so. “I love you, Dad, and want you to live a long, healthy life!”
For the ladies, if you want help stopping your body from turning into a giant squishy marshmallow, go here to set a time to meet with me:
www.SamanthaTaylorFitness.com.