FORGIONE: Workout effort is editor's "call to arms"

Features

Related Photos

Rick Forgione

September 22, 2011

By Rick Forgione Niagara Gazette The Niagara Gazette Thu Sep 22, 2011, 05:36 PM EDT

NIAGARA FALLS — “Be Your Own Hero.” That’s the message printed on a rubber bracelet I got from ChrisFit Personal Training.

While some may just see it as a wrist accessory with a catchy slogan, I consider it my call to arms.

I’ve been working out at ChrisFit the past four months and I know everything I’ve accomplished would not have been possible without my trainer Chris Tybor. He’s given me the advice, instruction and support to help me reach my goals both inside and outside of the gym.

But at the end of the day, the responsibility and power to change my life has always been mine.

Whenever I’m struggling with an hour-long cardio session on the Elliptical or need to summon enough energy to push through one more bench press, I glance at that black-and-blue wristband to remind myself why I’m doing this.

So, why am I doing this?

Four months ago, I jokingly said because Features Editor Michele Deluca was making me. Back then, my motivation was to lose as much weight as I could in half a year and add enough muscle to avoid embarrassing moments on days I wear short-sleeve shirts. OK, a six-pack stomach instead of a keg would be cool, too.

What I quickly realized is the most important reason is to get healthy.

That fact was foremost on my mind during a follow-up visit to my doctor recently. Like most people, I hate going to the doctor and will make any excuse to avoid it. One time, I even protested that I was feeling too sick to make an appointment.

Unfortunately, my recent foot problems — and constant pushing from Chris and my wife — left me no choice. Following the initial appointment, my doctor sent me for blood work to test my thyroid, sugar levels, cholesterol, etc. I was to return in three weeks to find out the results.

The last time I had blood work was in 2007 and was told my cholesterol was way too high. I was also borderline diabetic. Though I can honestly say I am healthier than I was four years ago, I couldn’t help but worry what my results would be this time.

Judgment day came quickly and I found myself extremely nervous as the doctor walked into the room. His assessment was a bit awkward.

“You’re healthier than I would have thought,” he said.

Wow, thanks! And ouch!

Resisting the urge to ask how unhealthy he thought I was, I breathed a sigh of relief. Everything came back good, except my cholesterol was a few points higher than the “normal” range. My Vitamin D level was too low, but I’m told that’s common with a lot of people.

“You must be doing something right at that gym,” my doctor said before ending the appointment.

Thinking about it later, I wasn’t surprised by the results. After all, I’ve been eating healthier and have lost 50 pounds and 24 inches off my body. Among other milestones inside the gym, I can now do five times the amount of cardio work that I struggled through my first day at ChrisFit.

Though originally planned for six months, Chris and I have agreed to continue my personal training — and this column — until I lose at least 100 pounds. I am excited for the opportunity and I hope sharing this journey has and will continue to inspire others to take action and seek out a healthier lifestyle.

Or in other words, to “Be Your Own Hero.”

Rick Forgione is city editor of the Niagara Gazette. Contact him at 282-2311, ext. 2257.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Features

LYLA'S WINGS: Wings Flights of Hope helped save the life of Niagara Falls toddler
Free flights for those in need never charges a center for service

May 21, 2012 1 Photo
FORGIONE: Hundred-pound loss finally allows self pride
The final chapter on the year-long journey to good health and fitness

May 21, 2012
NATURAL HEALTH: Cholesterol is misunderstood
Normal cholesterol is essential for cellular repair and plays a very important role in memory and learning.

May 21, 2012 1 Photo
DELUCA: Video documents marvels of growth
Video cameras were just becoming affordable when my two sons were born and — just like many other children from that era — there are way too many moments of their lives documented by their over-enthusiastic parents.

May 21, 2012 1 Photo
PROFILE: Niagara Falls man battles dangerous bleeding disease
Surgery has stopped his life threatening nose bleeds but many others are still battling this largely unknown illness.

May 21, 2012 1 Photo
Pascal's Pets: Dogs from Hyde Park rescue attempt happy in new home.
Pascal Scrufari's trio of retrievers are adjusting well to new home despite senior dog's battle with cancer

May 21, 2012 2 Photos
APRON'S READY: Yeast free bread
If you look hard enough you can find an awareness day, week or month for almost anything. The question is … in what positive way are you going to acknowledge your favorite awareness day? There are too many awareness days to celebrate them all. Pick the awareness day that means the most to you and your family.

May 23, 2012 1 Photo
Niagara Writers: An excerpt from "Where the Gold is Buried"
Niagara author Robert Moore shares an excerpt from his book about the legend of buried treasure at Fort Niagara.

May 9, 2012 1 Photo
Into the Woods: Falls developer offers 'glamping' at new family campground
John Hutchins, developer of the painstakingly renovated Rapids Theatre on Main Street, is an avid hunter, and it is his love for the sport which has launched him into his newest venture, a project that he anticipates with the enthusiasm of a kid waiting for Christmas.

May 9, 2012 3 Photos
Falls developer offers 'glamping' experience
Outdoors: Hunting is just one of the many activities would be available near high-end camping facilities.

May 8, 2012 3 Photos
More Features Headlines

Features

Search Results

Related Photos

FORGIONE: Workout effort is editor's "call to arms"

Site Map

Contact Us