[Brian's stuff]Despite spaghetti legs and exploding lungs, fitness first pays off
Some call him a murderer. Some refer to him still as gakha a word that was used a lot until the early 1990s to defer to presidents. Engineering a coup in 1979, former President Chun Doo Hwan climbed to power. Acts committed during that checkered process and his reign have long received flak for hindering the country’s process to democracy. But there is one trait that earned him a set of die-hard followers. I happened to witness this level of loyalty, a rare commodity these days.When I was in the military my commanding officer used to work under Chun. Every Lunar New Year he would go to Chun’s house in Yeonhui-dong, Seoul, and pay his respects. This was long after Chun had relinquished power. The man barely escaped a death sentence and was leading a quiet life, if you can call it that. Yet, decades after that my superior still went to see him. Needless to say that he was not alone. So I asked him where such loyalty stemmed from. He told me Chun had a knack for knowing when and how to reward people. Even if it was just a one-time promotion or cash, his subordinates were blown away. That is why Chun’s inner circle has never deserted its leader.
Lesson’s learned here: Know how to invest your money. It’s safe to say that not many of us will do what Chun did but there are certainly things we can do to improve our lives. Doing things the right way can have a positive long-term impact on your soul.
After I graduated from university in the late 1990s, I virtually stopped exercising. Then I landed a job in an industry where drinking is almost mandatory to develop good sources.
The fat started to pile on and the love handles got bigger everyday. People told me that I had gained weight, that my belly was evolving and resembled ET’s. I told myself, “The bus stops here.” It had to. The constant teasing had gotten to a point where it was annoying. So three and a half months ago I joined a health club. I paid about $200 for a three-month membership.
Let me tell you, it was the best investment I ever made. I shed five kilograms (11 pounds), gained some muscle mass and, above all, felt lighter and better everyday.
I thought of quitting right after a week, though. Twenty minutes on the run mill and I was gasping like a fish out of water. My lungs were exploding, my head was dizzy, and my legs turned into spaghetti. It was like Armageddon.
But then I found an unexpected ally. A fellow reporter had just embarked on the long journey to health. We decided to encourage each other by making a bet. Whoever shed the most would be entitled to a nice dinner along with a present. The bet is still on.
For me, the intensity increased. I checked my weight four times a day, before and after my work out, once more in the bathroom and finally after dinner. I knew exactly how much I lost and would compare that amount with my daily diet. I got good at sensing what I could eat without gaining weight. After a decade of neglecting my body, I am finally back in control and I intend to keep it that way.
For the money I spent, I got what I wanted, and so should you.
By Brian Lee Staff Reporter[africanu@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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