I began muscle building with solitary sessions of weight lifting exercises at the local YMCA, initiating a series of events that continues to strengthen the bond I share with my son.
Ten years ago, at the age of 49, I made a unsettling discovery. I was totally and hopelessly out of shape. My back hurt continuously and I seemed to have some sort of tendinitis in my arm and hands. I looked like crap and felt even worse. Every day was the same. Antidepressants and talks with a therapist didn't help. Oh yeah, and libido, forget it.
I had been athletic most of my life, running, playing tennis regularly for years and then taking up golf. All of a sudden I was losing the battle right before my eyes. What could I do? I really didn't know if there was a solution other than admitting that I was getting old. It was for real this time, not like when I was 39.
Somehow I managed to drag myself into the local YMCA in Bellingham, Washington. It was a nice comfy place with average Joe's like myself. A few guys looked like they were really into building huge muscles, but most were like me, just trying to get into decent shape.
At first the going was slow and sometimes painful, but still encouraging. I almost always felt better on the days I worked out. My discipline wasn't perfect. I would get lazy and skip a week or even a month, but I always managed to drag myself back in.
Like most fathers, I wanted my son to do as I did, so I somewhat forcefully dragged my 13 year old son, Jarryd into the gym with me. He was always a good athlete and naturally tough and strong. I figured he would take to it as I had.
After a few weight lifting exercises his words to me were, "I wouldn't mind being a little stronger, but I really don't like lifting weights all that much. It's pretty boring, Dad." He came a few times, but that was about it. I let it go. Hey, I had a life to save.
A few months later I was home and Jarryd came into my room. I was changing my shirt and saw out of the corner of my eye that he was watching me. I could tell that he noticed ol' Dad was lookin pretty good. I didn't say anything and had to turn my head away to hide my self satisfied grin.
The next time I went to the gym, Jarryd came along. He seemed to be a little more into it than before and did a complete workout. Then he came again the next time I went. When I mentioned his newfound interest to him, he said that summer was coming and he wanted to look good at the beach. OK, it wasn't me that motivated him, but girls. That was even better.
Every month Jarryd built a little more muscle. He had obviously decided to build some muscles. He got frustrated a few times because his muscles weren't getting big enough fast enough. I reminded him that he wasn't even a man yet, so big muscle growth wasn't quite kicking in yet. He didn't like to hear that, but kept at it.
A year later, Jarryd started telling me what weight lifting exercises I needed to do. Next he was instructing me on correct form, stretching, cardio and diet. Of course, eventually the hormones kicked in and his muscles started growing. He worked even harder, lifting, running and improving his diet.
I then noticed that guys of all ages would approach him and ask about certain lifts or just share information. He was now a man's man, with a modest, helpful attitude in the gym. And, oh yeah, the girl thing worked out pretty good.
So, here we are today. I'm almost sixty and Jarryd is going on 24. We still work out together every week. We motivate each other to keep at it. I'm feeling better than when I was 49 and he is getting even stronger. He can easily outlift me now, although I'm still better looking.
Those solo weight lifting workouts are a distant memory. They have been replaced by a growing friendship. Yes, I can truly state that muscle building has strengthened the bond I share with my son.
William Davidson is a published author of muscle building, weight lifting, fitness and motivational material. He also publishes a website with his son Jarryd. To receive your free muscle building newsletter or leave a comment on their blog go to: http://www.joewarrior.com
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