»Briefly describe your daily/weekly workout routine.
I do a mix of strength training (arms, legs, abdominals) on the weight machines with a lot of cardio — as much as 45 to 50 minutes per visit on the treadmill.
»What inspired you to begin a regular fitness routine?
I have been working out off and on for about a year, but I was not really all that steady. Then I found a good deal with Planet Fitness, and I really like the atmosphere. I have been dealing with arthritis in my knees, and knew I needed to lose weight to take the strain off my joints. And I was thinking of the old saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
»What do you do on the days you don’t feel like working out?
So far, I have been simply making myself go to the gym. There’s been no trick to that. It’s just been a matter of making up my mind beforehand that I’m absolutely going to do it. It’s become something of a healthy addiction. And I know that if I don’t go, I’m just really going to feel bad. Once I hit the door of the gym, I’m good — and very happy I did it.
»How do you make time to work out?
I play music mostly at night and the weekends, so I have the morning for working out before I do music rehearsing in the afternoons.
»Have you noticed any changes since you began working out?
I’ve noticed that going up and down steps is easier. I have a lot more energy, and I think I’m sleeping a lot better. I was hoping for that.
»What’s your favorite exercise?
I really like the ab machine, because it’s so comfortable. It’s not at all like the old crunch machines. These are super easy to adjust and operate, making things simple.
»What’s your most challenging exercise?
Probably the 45 minutes or more on the treadmill. Sometimes it’s hard to get all of that in. I’ve been working my way up to an hour. I usually will burn 400 to 500 calories there.
»Do you listen to music during your workout? If so, what’s on your playlist?
I listen to nearly everything, especially classic rock that’s high energy, from AC/DC to The Cars.
»Do you follow any special diet or eating plan? If so, describe briefly. Do you “cheat” much?
Since January, I’ve definitely cut back on my carbs, and have been drinking a lot more water. And I do make sure I get a little more protein (than before).
»Do you have a favorite fitness moment, such as when you reached a certain goal or overcame a plateau?
We played a show a few months ago in Osgood — and of course, had an awful lot of stairs which we had to carry our music equipment up. It was really a struggle for me after I had stood and played all night. Then, maybe two or three weeks ago, we played the same place — and I realized I could carry everything so much easier. So, this is about living free. I just want to keep moving — and keeping everything working right.
»What advice would you give someone who wants to begin working out?
Work gradually and slowly — or you might not be able to move the next day. I went through that recently. You don’t want to do things wrong and hurt yourself.
—Compiled by Brian Blair
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Tim Dooley” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 55.
City: Greensburg.
Occupation: Band guitarist in and around Columbus and other parts of Indiana.
Family: Wife Shera.
Where you work out: Planet Fitness in Columbus.
Hours per week: About six.
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