Ted is originally from the Toronto area, but lived in Edmonton and Chicago for many years before settling in Caledon. He is single, works in Sales/Marketing and has traveled extensively all over the world.
Which sports did you enjoy most while growing up? Typical stuff like touch football (with 'the guys'), but I seriously got into cycling in my teens; not racing but cycle-touring. It really burns up the calories and is one of the best ways to see the world. I have cycled the Rockies from Jasper to Banff including the Golden Triangle, New Zealand, the US west coast from Oregon down to San Francisco, Vancouver Island, the BC interior, as well as the BC Sunshine Coast & Gulf Islands, along with a few other spots.
What is your favorite type of exercise? Still cycling. I hope to do the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island in 2008 and love the sense of freedom that cycling gives me, the joy from a hard climb and being able to make it, along with the sense of exhilaration that comes from a steep descent at high speeds.
How often do you work out? I weight train three times a week which takes almost 2 hrs to complete (probably because I spend 'some' time talking with the staff and other members). I am very (and I mean VERY) pleased with the results - finally have a chest and a nice strong back, decent shoulders and arms, and my legs aren't half bad, either (if I do say so myself). For cardio I spin with Dean ('The King of Freezes') on Wednesdays plus one more cardio session on the weekend.
What is your inspiration? I 'woke up' one day almost 2 years ago to find out that I had high blood pressure, along with high cholesterol. I'm also a diabetic and my blood sugars were a mess. Figured that all of this was a message from somewhere telling me to get back into fitness, to take better care of myself.
What is your goal? Just to be 'fit' and nicely toned overall. Right now I'm probably in the best shape that I've ever been in and I've just turned 53. I'm at my 'heaviest,' but that's only because of all the muscle that I've been able to add.
What do you think of Riverdale? I sincerely love your facility - the staff is knowledgeable and has offered tips freely. Matt helping me with my form on my squats; Brenda with her advice on my overall program and pointers when she sees something that I could be doing better; Nelson, Amy, Nikola, Warren, Sara, Ashley, Tanicha and Vernette just for being the fun people that they are - along with their encouragement; Dean for making the spin classes 'fun' and for the great music that he picks out so we can spin ourselves into little puddles of sweat.
The best thing about Riverdale is the lack of 'testosterone' - it's not about who has the biggest chest, the most ripped body, the best arms; it's about doing the work and having fun. The members pick up on this and encourage each other to be the best that they can be, to share ideas, nutrition pointers and jokes.
In a nutshell, I actually, really look forward to coming to Riverdale - to doing my workout, to seeing the staff and members and sharing some jokes. I've been a member of other clubs, but at Riverdale this is the 1st time that I've actually enjoyed doing my fitness routine.
Are you just like Mike?
It's time for lunch and everyone is gathering in the cafeteria to have something to eat. As Mike opens his lunch box, a look of great disappointment appears on his face and he exclaims: "Oh no! Not peanut butter and jelly again! I hate peanut butter and jelly!" Reluctantly, he eats his lunch and returns to work with the others. The next day the same exact scene repeats itself with Mike yelling, "Oh No! Not peanut butter and jelly again! I hate peanut butter and jelly!" As the week progresses, this same scene is played out every day until finally on Friday, Mike's supervisor says "Jeez Mike! Why don't you tell your wife to make you something else if you hate peanut butter and jelly so much?"
Mike looks at him with a look of bewilderment on his face and replies, "My wife? I'm not married! I make my own lunch everyday!"
Most people reading this have now come to the conclusion that Mike is an idiot for complaining about something he has only himself to blame for. But wait a minute...
Could it be possible that 'Just like Mike', you complain about a challenge in your life that keeps coming back, yet you make the choices that cause your own problem? Are you eating or drinking something that you know will hurt you in the long run or have you consistently avoided something that you know will actually improve your health? If we just keep on doing the same thing over and over again, things are not very likely going to change. Change is good and regular exercise, drinking enough water, deep breathing, eating right and getting adequate sleep can improve your life tremendously. Of course you could just keep complaining about the same thing, but then don't be surprised if people think you are an idiot - just like Mike.
