Fitness for the Sole Proprietor:
Getting out of the office and into shape

by Elaine Garnet, CIC-SIG Co-ordinator

In July 2003, I decided that my sedentary lifestyle needed remedial action and that exercise and weight loss should be a priority. Sitting in front of a computer all day long and then migrating to the couch in the evening seemed like a recipe for a health disaster. I know of other writers who work at home and I have often wondered how they deal with the inactivity—not to mention the stress.

Weight Loss Club

I joined a weight loss club in July and met lots of other people struggling to lose weight. Some of them were stay-at-home parents, retired individuals, shift workers or people who ran their own businesses. Losing weight is difficult, so having group support is very important. At least, the group got me out of the office for awhile.

Exercise Choices 

Unfortunately, I have always been a poor loser as far as weight is concerned. My group leader recommended exercise to speed up the loss. What to do? Walking would get me out of the office and into the fresh air. It's boring but the dog loves his twice a day stroll. I hate aerobic classes. Dance exercise is marginally more interesting. Swimming? Well, I hate getting wet, and hauling on the bathing suit takes me a long time.

Karate

After some examination of the available leisure activities in the City of Kitchener, I chose Karate as an exciting and useful form of exercise. I just have to pop on my uniform (gi) and drive around the corner to the dojo. The classes are an hour long and nicely varied to keep my interest peaked. When I progress, I am rewarded by a different coloured belt and each new level comes with new skills to master.

Progress

At 55 years of age, my sedentary overweight body did not take well to dojo discipline. For the first month, I couldn't kneel down. My balance was dreadful and my stamina even worse. These days my flexibility has improved, my balance is still dreadful, but I can kneel down, although I am still a little slow getting up. I have also lost twenty pounds.

Advantages

Karate isn't for everyone, but I have accrued personal health benefits that have improved my daily life. After a class, I always feel energized and alert. With a relaxed body and a clear mind, tackling a difficult report is much easier.

My advice to the sedentary writer is to take the time and do something interesting that moves the body. Your work and your health will benefit. If you would like to join me at the dojo, just drop me a line.

About Elaine Garnet

Elaine is a writer with twelve years of experience in the scientific and engineering fields. Her years of experience, coupled with three degrees and one diploma, have resulted in projects with over 30 companies during the four years that she has owned and operated her business—Words To Order. 

Currently, Elaine writes the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) reports that technology-based companies submit to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to obtain tax credits. She also prepares documentation for Industrial Research Assistance Program grants, as well as proposals and business plans.