Scanning Around With Gene: When Are You in “Good Enough” Shape?

Over the holidays I had my “annual” physical, which I’d put off for almost ten years. Fortunately I checked out pretty well, but as I expected, my doctor suggested more exercise and a better diet. So like millions of other out-of-shape Americans I made a New Year’s resolution to get fit and eat better. The eating better was easy: more trips to Trader Joes pre-packaged salad department. And for the get-fit part I decided to bite the bullet and join a gym.
I’ve never been one to obsess on body image. In fact I avoid looking at myself naked in the mirror as much as possible. So I don’t think I run the risk of turning into a body builder and ending up like the men and women pictured here, all from muscle magazines dated 1947 to 1955. Click on any image for a larger version.


As a flabby, out-of-shape, middle-aged guy, I’m in no position to criticize anyone who takes their body, and particularly their muscles, seriously. But I can’t get past the feeling that there is something unhealthy and obsessive about taking things this far.


In my case, I hope for something a lot more moderate. I’m going for the basic “fit enough to avoid a heart attack” look, which I don’t actually expect anyone to notice, and I won’t need any special clothes to show off the results.



Don’t get me wrong: I have the utmost respect for anyone who can set a personal goal and do the work necessary to accomplish it. And body builders are surely among the most committed. I can’t even imagine what it takes to build muscles of the sort pictured here.


For my workouts I’ve settled on your basic treadmill or similar device designed for aerobics, not muscle building. I can’t see myself lifting weights, though I guess once you get hooked on fitness you never know where it will take you. I’d be happy with a body best described as “thin,” and can’t imagine having a chest that is twice as wide as my waist.



I hope, like many others who join a gym this time of year, that I can stick with a program and at least get some aerobic benefits from my efforts. And now that I have to display my body for other gym members to see, I can appreciate wanting to look a little healthier. If I got to the point where I was comfortable taking off my shirt, even if only in the locker room, I’d consider that a huge victory.




Go to page 2 to find out what Gene’s gym is like.


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Gene Gable has spent a lifetime in publishing, editing and the graphic arts and is currently a technology consultant and writer. He has spoken at events around the world and has written extensively on graphic design, intellectual-property rights, and publishing production in books and for magazines such as Print, U&lc, ID, Macworld, Graphic Exchange, AGI, and The Seybold Report. Gene's interest in graphic design history and letterpress printing resulted in his popular columns "Heavy Metal Madness" and "Scanning Around with Gene" here on CreativePro.com.
  • Anonymous says:

    Gene, weights should be a part of your workouts. Light weight, higher reps to avoid building muscle mass. They are now saying that strength workouts are a part of the aerobic routine.

    John Hoar

  • Anonymous says:

    Gene another fun article. As JH mentioned weights are good – small free weights, that is! No need to bench your weight!
    And you might want to try getting into yoga – good for the body and soul.
    Just an “oldie” who did the “gym thing!” And did enjoy!

  • Anonymous says:

    Great article Gene!

    I’d like to suggest getting a small cheep set of light weights so you can lift at home, and perhaps an exercise DVD so you can get an erobic workout at home if you can’t make it to the community center.

    I’m also making a commitment to get more fit, walking 30 minutes a day every day. Good luck Gene!

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