GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

JANUARY 29, 1999

1

Evenings Out

The BASIC TRAINING

of getting fit

by Bob Findle

Already feeling guilty about not following through with that New Year's resolution to start getting fit? You want to start to the gym or get going with an aerobics class, yet it is now almost February and your new sweat pants have yet to see the light of day. They remain in their box, behind the one with the still-unassembled rowing machine inside. Join the throngs of others who are in the same predicament.

While working out and getting fit is second nature to some lucky souls (and bods), most of us need some motivation, that kick in the drooping butt that will get us going. As many fitness experts tell us, getting started is half, if not most, of the battle. Once a routine is established, it becomes part of our lives and the lack we feel without it keeps us going.

Jon Giswold, a group fitness instructor, a personal trainer for ten years and a master instructor at the Reebok Sports Club in New York City, says he saw the lack of a "motivator" that would actually work. The promise of a great body on television infomercials, fad diets and supplements, and celebrity products just weren't doing the job.

From this observation, combined with his own personal workout experiences and years of teaching others, arose the idea and eventual writing of Basic Training (St. Martin's Press, hardback, $29.95). Billed as a "fundamental. guide," Giswold says the book is just that--something for beginners who want to get started without a lot of ado.

Giswold began his interest in exercise and training in 1988, taking classes and eventually being certified by the American Council of Exercise and the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America. What got him really going, he says, was the typical New York success story-the understudy stepping in for the star, except here it wasn't Broadway, it was at a convention where

step aerobics was going to be introduced for the first time.

He had to take over when the main presenter got sick. He made a big splash and went from there.

With art-quality black and white photographs by David Morgan on almost every page, Giswold's book is a treat, even if house cleaning is as close to sweat as you ever plan to get. But, for those who want to get their fitness program in gear, Giswold has organized his beginner's fitness book into three parts:

Motivation: The nuts and bolts of body parts and types, general health, overcoming the excuses everyone makes for not starting and the considerations for getting started once excuses are banished.

Action: What to do once you are going for the burn. Terminology is defined, routines suggested and actual exercises recommended, explained and illustrated.

Lifestyle: Gym etiquette, grooming, diet and work outs for the soul and mind.

Giswold says he wrote the book for people who want to start their fitness programs, but who do not want to go overboard with gadgets and the latest fad. True to his word, the book is full of routines that can be done at home with minor equipment purchases. Often, nothing more than yourself, a chair, a towel and a dumbbell or two are enough.

Looking at the book, one would think it is only for men, but according to Giswold, "exercise doesn't know a gender."

"A human body can do any of the exercises, so everything will apply to women as long as everything is modified to an appropriate level of fitness," Giswold. “Men and women have a definite focal point—women

are concerned about the lower half of their

the

bodies, while men, upper half. That is where the issues really are. A lot of women's issues come up is regard to osteoporosis and menstruating. There are different health issues, but with exercise, all of the exercises and philosophies are the same."

It's also never too late to start, Giswold said.

"I would ask a person to make a small commitment, the smallest one that is possible, and that would be to change their exercise behavior. If completely sedentary, start moving; if he or she is moving, move a little bit more for at least 14 days. That isn't going to kill anyone and usually people find they feel better," he said.

"Then I ask them to give up the one food that they eat that they love but know is bad for them, something they gorge on, and give it up for 14 days. That again is going to help alter the way they feel."

And after the 14 days are over? "Continue to stay active and eat better, but change the pattern," he said. "For example, if people were walking, then I would tell them to try something else-swim or ride a bike something that gives them 30 minutes for their session, but make it different so they can see their options.

"What happens is people will begin exercise programs and with what they begin with remains the same movement or pattern for too

Jon Giswold

NTAL

long and they go, 'Oh, this is boring,' and they, walk away from it," Giswold continued. "If you can show yourself that there are a lot of opportunities and options that will give you the same benefits, you'll see that it is entertaining and you will meet different people than if you just stayed in front of your television or computer. "It takes you out of your element and forces you to be a bit more social, so you there will be lot of things you want to change, not only your body composition, but new friends, new experiences."

Bob Findle is a Chronicle contributing writer living in San Diego.