Why Paul Ryan Should Come to SAPT

I made a resolution this year to be an informed voter. Therefore, I’ve been trolling the news articles involving the election… mostly I’m learning that I like reading about exercise and nutrition much better, but I’m trying.

I wish politics were like this: then I would know who to vote for. (Gandalf)

Anyway, I came across this article (and others) that summarizes Paul Ryan’s, Mitt Romney’s running mate, various fitness claims. The point of this post isn’t to tear down Ryan, I think the article did a pretty good job at debunking his claims, but just to emphasize how important lifting heavy things on a regular basis is and how we need prominent, public figures to understand and preach this.

1. Why? Because it works. It takes time, but lifting heavy things produces lasting results. Also, with proper coaching/programming, is much more sustainable than programs like p90X (read this post for my rant about products like that). Not to slam those products and if that’s what gets someone off the couch and moving around, great. But, graduate from that and start picking up heavy things. (oh, and for the record, the picture in my rant post from my competing days, I was around 9-10% body fat (which is equivalent to 4-5% body fat for a male)… if Paul Ryan was really around 6%, he would be foggy-headed, irritable and rather unpleasant fellow.)

What bodybuilders turn into leading up to a contest

2. Paul Ryan, as a public figure, is in an excellent position to set an example for the Americans struggling to exercise more. He does a great job at being dedicated to working out (as attested to in this article). If he would only channel that into public encouragement instead of public bragging, I think it would take a stab at this whole obesity epidemic.

3. Feeding off the previous point, I’m really excited that he’s dedicated to working out. He’s got a busy job and I know it’s tough to get the work out in some (if not most) days. However, there needs to be a shift in the public’s thinking about being “fit.” What does that mean? How do you get “fit”? Is it how you look? (clearly not, check out any bodybuilder and when their at their “peak,” they feel like garbage. Not the way to live.) So, if we can’t base “fit” off looks, why don’t we look at strength? Strength is the basis of movement. You don’t have to be able to squat 500 pounds, but can you carry all your groceries to the car and into the house without getting winded? Can you play with your kids without having to stop and catch your breath every 3 minutes? Being “fit” is about being strong enough to make it through this rough life relatively unscathed. As fitness professionals and enthusiasts, we need to be preaching STRENGTH, not just “fitness.” Strength allows you to run faster, play harder and just win at life.

4. Paul Ryan should come and work out at SAPT. Why? ‘Cause I bet he can’t do this:

That’s 40 lbs of chains, perfect form and also her 5th set. I bet Paul Ryan could run his marathon at his “claimed” time if he was stronger.

That is all.