Hi Jack, thanks for blogging. I've missed you. I have to watch my health, too. Heart disease runs in my family (my dad and his sister both had heart surgeries at a fairly young age). I just know that I have to be particularly watchful of my heath because of genetics alone.

Great to hear from you again. Tell Sammy I said hi.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Jack,
Glad to finally have you back on the blog. It's been too long! We missed your craziness! As to working out...not my thing at all! I'll leave that to the boys at CNN...it seems you all are hooked on that. HMM..are you sure Cooper isn't making ya hit the gym just because he does? We hear he is the slave driving type!? Nah..you know you just want to have those huge guns like him Jack..admit it! LOL

Cindy..Ga.

Thanks Mr. Gray. Trust me, after a while you won't even miss those chicken fingers! Or anything else that's not really good for your body, for that matter.

Donna Wood
Lexington, Tennessee

Yeah, but those chicken fingers and other fried foods used to love hanging onto my thighs. Which is why they are evil. Actually my doc informed me last summer when I started my journey to combat the pre-diabetes I was fighting that most of my diet was evil. Lots of salads, fruit, and healthy protein now. And a total lifestyle change. And no more blood sugar issues. The blood pressure meds are the next thing in my life to say bye-bye. Here's to sweating and self-motivating so we don't need to see how great our health insurance is or isn't.

Jack,

I've missed your blogs – so happy you are back at it! I resent my overpriced gym too – but if it keeps me longer on this Earth with my children then it is all VERY WELL WORTH IT!!

Great blog! Thank you.

Hi, Jack!

You came back! It's great!

Today I partly agree with you. Physical activity is really a requirement, but marriage is a good thing. In sad occasions is so good to have a companion.
I started doing tennis lessons, but strangely on all days of tennis lessons, also rain and my classes were canceled. Oh, I live in Rio de Janeiro, the city that never rains (in theory).

But we have to think that the physical activity will benefit us. lol...

Great post! Thanks!

Haha! I think some personal trainers seem to have a very sadistic side.

Welcome back, Jack! I loved your article. I like Beckham's abs but you have a sexier brain.

Change is hard but gradual.
Replace your drinks with water.
You have a dog; that's an automatic treadmill.
Eat healthier but have a treat once in a while.
Find an exercise you like and it won't be a chore.
The road is long but the benefits are great.

This was the perfect thing for me to read this morning! I've started dragging my backside out of bed at 5:15 every morning to go running with my dog before doing some strength training. I got to work this morning thinking "Why in the hell did I get up that early?". The answer was in your blog... the chicken fingers really don't love you back!

Wow great blog!! When u posted the other day what D. Beckham'abs would do I laugh sooo hard and started thinking the same thing.. What would Madonna's abs or even Carmen Electras flat stomach would think??? Hmmm that is a great blog!! It makes u think.. And don't worrry I also have to drag myself to the gym. If I don't go straight from work, kiss it goodbye jajaajja!!! Thanx for ur great posts always!!!

Jack Gray,

The world is better place because you are an ever flowing fountain of fun.

What magic worked for your smoking cessation?

Give yourself some mroe credit, maybe the gym trainer wanted to see you run up the stairs!

Hi Jack,
I too started with a personal trainer this year- she is great though! Keep up the good work so you can continue to share your humor with the rest of us!

Welcome back Jack, I do not always understand your sense of humour (I am French), but I missed you.

Yeah!!! A blog from Jack!!! Been waiting for a blog and yesterday just so happened to hop on the treadmill to see how long I could stay on. Not so good. Chicken fingers are great!! Right there with you on that one. Scott sounds brutal (no offense Scott, it's your job and Jack may be stretching this...) but hey, maybe after a bit you may be thinking back on how simple the stairs were.

Enjoy 28 though:)
The years fly by.

Thanks for the blog, the laughs and the kick to get on the treadmill again today!

@tracysolomon

Nice to see you're blogging again! Have missed your quick wit during my often boring classes.

I have the biggest gym in the city about two blocks from me. However, if anyone thinks for a second that it will interrupt my time with the girls on The View or The Real Housewives of (Anywhere), they would be sadly mistaken.

Nevertheless, I walk miles a day, so I tell myself I'm covered.

Good blog, Jack, how hard it is for you really shows through in the words. I feel for you, but keep it up. It's worth it when you see the great shape you're in. It helps to wear earphones with some lively music, and sometimes substitute fun exercise, whatever you enjoy outside the gym. All physical movement is exercise.

Yay! Jack's back! Sounds to me like your realizing that you 'own' your body and it's up to you to care for it ..or not.Six pack abs are great,but not the key to happiness in life.Nor are chicken fingers...My grandfather,who lived to be 102 and healthy his whole life said 'Everything in moderation' He smoked 3 cigarettes a day for years,he had a shot of whiskey every night and he enjoyed eating what ever he wanted,in moderation!! The key to his long life,I believe was his positive attitude.He saw great changes in the world.He accepted hardships as part of life and he saw many around him die before he did.With so many in the public spotlight dying lately,it can only remind me of my own mortality.It is eminent .We hope you will be with us for years Jack...So please,,take good care of yourself! : )

Hi Jack,

Nice to see you writing again.

Being fit & healthy shouldn't be a chore. It's just a matter of adjusting your lifestyle & instituting new routines slowly into your daily life. Eg still eat chicken fingers but in smaller portions & bulk up your diet with healthier but just as tasty alternatives. Use healthier ingredients in your food eg vegetable/peanut/corn oil for cooking rather than animal fat etc. See a nutritionist. BTW, a slim person does not necessarily mean they are healthier nor fitter than a fatter person.

Exercise is important too – it helps your metabolism, releases adrenaline etc.. A brisk walk for at least half an hour each day is minimal, I say. But if you want biceps etc. then it's a case of ... no pain, no gain... serious exercise routines – weights & sit-ups etc. Swimming is very good for the body, it makes you use all the muscles ..... but this only works if you know how to swim.... Get Sammy to take you on brisk walks a couple of times a day... probably do wonders for your writing too!

Look after yourself now, & you will benefit when you are older.

Stay focused but enjoy life toooooo.

Hi Jack
Nice to see hear from you again it's been forever . I agree you can't take your health for granted either i have had some health issues come up recently and it made me think you can't take it for granted . I want to change to can you give me the number of your trainer ? Ha! My job is a workout a fast paced cleaning job so it keeps me in shape a little bit .

Thanks for your post Jack
you are so funny
Michelle D.

Hi Jack!
Thanks for blogging and throwing us a bone today, or a chicken finger.
I know what you mean about personal trainers. I have one and I know she loves to torture me. I grimace, she grins. My pain, her pleasure.
Anyway, three cheers for you trying to be healthy!
. . . lifting my glass right now~ Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!
Thanks for the laugh and good to see you back blogging.
XO
@BettyAnnTX

Great blog. I definitely understand.

Welcome back, Mr. Jack Gray!!! Hilarious and awesome as always. I have some stories of procrastination on the side when it comes to the gym but I love yours more. As for the breaded poultry, it never loved you back but I bet you still keep coming back to it. There must be something on those bread crumbs where chickens get rolled in. Thank you as always! Thanks for the smile. I suppose you have a reason to show off some skin nowadays specially since it is summer. If personal trainers wears hula skirts and serves Margaritas while you go up the stairs, I think it would make a difference.

I live in Canada, and your doctors and insurance people are not telling the truth about our health care system. It is all about access – I can go to any clinic, or any hospital or any doctor of my choosing, – I need no money for a clinic check-up – a hospital visit, or anything else. The government does not choose our doctors for us, we do, – I cannot understand why ads intimating we do not choose our own health care professionals, are left unchallenged. There may be some waits for some procedures, but anytime I want to get Anything checked I can go to whatever clinic or hospital I want. There are absolutely no restrictions. If I wake up on a Monday or any other day worried about a lump or rash or flu, I can go to any clinic I want immediately.
Just wanted to get it straight.

Hi Jack!

You know, one of the best ways to get yourself motivated and get the juices flowing for workouts, or any kind physical activity, is to get started in bed before you rise... No, that is not what I'm talking about!

What I mean is first, each night before you go to bed (or whenever you turn in), stretch and do deep breathing exercises. Get a good night's sleep; and each morning, before you rise, do the same while still in bed.

Take a deep breath filling your lungs while stretching your entire body. Stretch every inch of your body all the while taking slow, metered breaths and exhale slowly.

Continuing doing this until you have gotten out all the kinks in your entire body. From your head to your toes, and your finger tips. Stretch, twist, turn, bend and stretch your limbs slowly, always being conscience of your breathing. And don't for get to shake out, and start again. Relax a few seconds, and then get up. You'll no doubt feel refreshed and ready to roll.

Good luck!

PS: Also, in addition to or an alternative to the gym, how about incorporating some of your favorite sports or other physical activities? Do you have any? Are you the outdoorsy type. Try long brisk walks, hiking, gardening...LOL! . I think you get the picture. How about gathering some of your friends to workout with, perhaps at each other's home or at a park. That way going to the gym doesn't seem like such a chore. Hm? It's just a thought.

Now, if only I'd take my own advice. HA! Enjoy your day.

It is so important for us to take a lead role in our own health. No one can eat for us, or exercise for us. We can't always rely on a magic pill. And think how much it costs to take those pills?

After a traumatizing experience shopping for a wedding dress, I joined weight watchers, bought Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD and now I'm looking into going organic for some of my foods. I am down 20 pounds and on my way to being in a healthy weight range for my height.

It may cost some money, but it is a huge investment in your future– think again about the health care costs if you get a chronic disease early in life rather than later. Plus, you have more years at a higher quality of life.

As far as trainers go, I've never spoken to Jillian Michaels personally, but I consider her my "personal" trainer. She keeps me motivated every time I cue up her DVD.

You=Love

Just in case: When thinking physical fitness, don't think bulking. I, myself, HATE (I know hate is a strong word) the bulky, bulging look. I think most women prefer on a man, the more beautiful masculine, and more sexy look of smooth, elongated, even muscle tones to the bulging, bulky ones. I don't know, something about the overly bulky, bulging muscles that send up, too many red flags. I think more men do it to impress other men. But, hey, if that's your thing, and that's what you want, who am I to stop ya?

*rubs eyes*
*blinks*
A Jack Gray BLOG!? Dreams do come true.
Here's a little reality check for those of us who keep in shape but are tired of looking at emaciated Hollyweird, famous folks, they have A LOT of time and ca$h to look good and let's face it we expect them to.
I'm in shape, not a fanatic, am grateful for good genes and have really turned out new food options and whatnot.
But I won't front, I won't turn away an Oreo or 5 and cupcakes and random junk food favorites.
Be happeh, get over the "rules" and that annoying fanatical food fact dropper WE ALL know somewhere in our lives and don't forget to enjoy life too.
XXO♥

Hey Jack-

My trainer is sadistic as well, but I have to say....I love him for it. My main reason is because I'm on a competition Jiu Jitsu team. He makes me do stuff I hate – like pulling a sled with weights, but when I go train Jiu Jitsu, I see how much that work really pays off (not to mention, the lack of sore arms, legs and abs during a white water rafting trip this past weekend).

That said, as long as you're doing what you can, by all means, keep it up!!!

I don't know how exercise got such a bad rap! I started exercising and I felt better and better every time! I'm sticking to a veggie diet.. NO MEAT. Try to eat raw veggies, they give you more energy. Different types of beans, nuts, quinoa, kale.. I didn't know what that was at first either, don't trip.. love it!!

Great attitude – chicken fingers and workouts go hand in hand.
For me, I do dance 3x a wk to sweat it out. It's great and my dance instructor is so funny....so I'm working out my abs and lungs as well!

Hey Jack,

I'll be the first to admit that commitment is never easy. I'm not exactly a "gym bunny", but I have been trying to commit to exercise 3-5 times a week. In terms of getting yourself to want to work out, I think it depends on how concerned and/or focused you are on your health (and sometimes physical appearance). Still, there are days when I say "Screw it! Love me for me!" and go eat cake.
Point is its not easy, but there are a few things you can do to get yourself off your duff and into the gym:
A) Music: Use some good, APPROPRIATELY-paced (I cannot stress that enough), enjoyable music to keep you focused and moving energetically throughout the workout. Also, if you can, make a playlist, and shuffle it up, so things don't get to routine. go ahead and have fun with it!
(Fallback A: If you don't have music, hum. If the music in the gym is terrible, go for a run/light jog/earm up jog, and hum/sing your favorite tune throughout. Go back in the gym when you've mentally set the "rhythm in motion". )
B) Gym buddy: good for encouragement, self-esteem, and social relations!
(Fallback B: If your "buddy" is not productive, cut em loose. Win-lose is unacceptable.)
C) As the hardest part for me is actually getting out of the house/office/my comfort zone to exercise, my ultimate, secret weapon is something I consider very near and dear to my heart. In my case, its a song. Find some ritual/chant/object/etc. that is important to you, and have it be the basis of your incentive to exercise. From there, start encouraging yourself w/ benefits to working out (i.e.- increase my HDLs / improve my blood circulation / heighten my fitness level and/or flexibility / its summer, and I gotta be right&tight). Peace out!

Hi Jack, I once heard a cancer patient say 'you could only control what you eat, drink, & speak" if we think about it, it's true.

well I gusse I have nothing to worry about beacuse I am only 13 , and i am a track runner . Plus I can't drink and the smell of people smoking makes me sick. Due to the muscles are not ever going to be my thing because iam a long distant runner and having muscles will just slow me down . maybe if i become has crazy has my brother and play football or start running 100 and 200 meters I'll think about muscles , but don't count on that because if it's hard work to get them I think i'll just be sitting at a fastfood restaurant eating everything that has dip oil in it and fried also.

I have three words for you CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID, look it up!

Jack,

Glad to see you back on the blog track...I missed your writing. I can attest that most women prefer a good sense of humor to six-pack abs any day, so don't fret. But I'm glad to know you're taking care of yourself. Being physically healthy is always a good thing. It gives you more energy, and helps you to relax. As they say, if you don't take care of yourself, no one else will. Your Mom can't go to the gym for you. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't eat cake or chicken fingers. Just don't eat those things all the time

I hope the caffeine-free life is going well for you.

Jack

You're back!!!

I love you.

I've missed you.

I had surgery a few weeks ago and I had to go it alone. My kids think I've lost my mind but I cannot express what this blog has meant to me; to all of us. I haven't even read today's comments. It was enough just seeing your name on the main page. Don't leave us for so long again, please. Or, get going on that book because I can't keep reading David Sedaris' books over and over again forever.

Thanks for making me laugh. ~ L.C.

The older I get the more I worry about my health. So gradually I have adopted a healthier life style. Over time I have come to like healthy food and lots of exercise, it's habit forming. I had to make sure the exercise was fun otherwise it wouldn't last. Bike riding, hiking, being outdoors and being in nature feeds on itself. If I don't exercise I get cranky.
Old and wiser at 61!

Jack !
great blog, I agree with you about staying on earth a little more time, human beings are animals of customs. Another civilazations like the asians with yoga, namaste, kung fu, tai chi, descovered how the body works and give us longevity and also hidden exercises can give you inmortality, but that is deep stuff. Thank you for your comments, I'm sure many people as I'm included made us think about how to respect our bodies.

Agustin Guevara. Washington D.C.

Hey there, Jack. Good to see you get your writing groove back. I can't say that exercise and I have ever been friends. I've always been naturally thin (yeah, hate me if you must), so I've never had to worry about losing weight (gaining is another story). But I know full well there's such a thing as "fat on the inside."

After a serious illness last year, I had to do a couple months of intense rehabilitation that involved a lot of time on the treadmill. I wanted to continue the workouts after the program ended, but I had neither the space or money for a good treadmill, so for Christmas I bought myself an elliptical machine. Unfortunately, my work out discipline since that time has been, uh, sketchy. So now the machine sits in my living room everyday. Mocking me. But maybe I'll give it a whirl today. You've inspired me, Jack!

By the way, that rehab program? I have good insurance and was initially denied for the treatment even through, according to my doctors, I was the perfect candidate. I had to wait through six months of red tape to improve my quality of life because my insurance company came between me and my doctor. But hey, according to the Republicans, this is all well and good as long as we're not talking about a public option.

PS: Oh, you know you're not giving up chicken fingers. What will you tweet about late at night?!

Your timing is impeccable... I have recently started a life improvement kick as well. I'm not sure what the catalyst was exactly, but I am sure that "a coconut rum-fueled derailment of self-esteem" can easily describe my life since graduation from high school. That's seven years and a lot of Malibu, so while I may be two years younger than you... I feel your pain. Good luck with the gym / healthy eating bender.

Glad you're back. The lack of sarcasm was felt acutely.

very funny read. i think if people keep in mind the definition of food is -to prolong life...then we will only be putting food in us that will prolong life...and there are a lot more interesting forms of exercises than just the gym...thank you for sharing, jack!

Hey Jack & Drew, my exercise consists of tapping my fingers on the keyboard, moving & clicking the mouse, walking from the computer to the kitchen or the bedroom. Whew! After all that who needs a gym & personal trainer? Well, I might try stairs for him if he's real cute!

still laughing–and yet precise & truthful! i so much enjoy your blogs & your tweets! Don't ever stop!

hilarious... and insightful for a 28yr old.

if you travel, pack a skipping rope. it wont be the cause of any excess luggage charges and use it in the morning.... the poor person in the room below doesnt need you thumping around late in the day.

keep it balanced... all good is not balanced. all bad is not balanced. and do some of your own stuff – vacuum, put the week killer on your lawn, not only saves you money, it works muscles you had forgotten.

hope you are still blogging at 60!

As my self professional soccer player. we put lot's of work in our body and results are very visual on every player who put heart in the sport...You not need to be scientist .... answer is simple.. work,work and work......

Jack:

First of all, I don't understand the comparision between the gym and wedding??? Cause I like both, going to the gym giving me incentive, I can have Italian gelato afterward; and wedding, it makes me happy! I don't like cake but I love wedding cake–so we have this in common. Who said you have to give up breaded poultry altogether? Moderation, maybe twice a month?
Oh, yes trainers are all sadistic, I agree.

Love your style, Jack!

As for me, I'll consider my life to be well lived if at my funeral, Betty Ford and Jenny Craig get into fisticuffs over the ownership of my corpse.

About food and exercise:
It's not so much about what you eat, but how and how much you eat. Whatever you eat or drink, do so to the glory of God and giving thanks and remembering those without any. (Therein lies your blessing and healthy eating.) Eat or drink whatever is convenient, (if) you want it, just don't over indulge. Eat and drink in moderation. Gluttony is a sin. Eat slowly. Chew your food well. That makes it easier to digest. Exercising the body is good. But exercising the spirit and mind is not only better, but imperative. Without an intact and healthy spirit and mind, all the rest is for naught.

About exercising and "bulking":
The longer and smoother the muscles, the better the circulation of oxygen and blood, which carries and transports oxygen throughout the body. The longer and smoother the muscle, the more agile they are.
But don't quote me on these things. I am often wrong and don't mind being corrected.

Good Lord, I do believe we've been graced by the presence of the lesser spotted Jack Gray (lowlevel producerus). This is a rare breed, most likely to be found in grocery stores and olive gardens, where they like to pester clerks, feed on breadsticks and Twizzlers, whilst muttering terms of endearment to plates of pasta.. I just want to say, dear Jack, your fans adore you – buff or not! In fact, I've always admired you for not resisting your late night breaded poultry urges. Life is too short to deny ourselves these simple pleasures. And I'm sorry for that Tweet about keeping an eye open for a guy with a harpoon while you were on the beach..I can't help but feel ever so slightly responsible for your current burst of activity.. Rest assured I will take up the slack from your decreased consumption of caffeine, Twizzlers and chicken fingers. I feel I owe it to the nation. Just hope you remember to post pictures of your Beckham-esque abs sometime..purely so we can keep up with your progress. Not so that we can print the picture to put in a frame by our beds. Because that would just be weird..

:} it's not about how long can one stick around on this planet... it's more about the way one feels, in the given time :}

Jack,

I am not that much younger than you. I am 26. I do love playing sports, this is pretty much how I stay in shape. I have been to gyms, I am not one to try and lift weights, run on treadmills and have someone tell me how I should work out. BUT...now that I have done a number to my shoulder...I tore my rotator cuff in November, still played sports, til this spring, had it fixed and now I have to follow a strict guideline on what I can and can't do. I am going insane. I am out of shape because I can't sports. I love to run, and play basketball, and kick soccer balls around. I don't really have anyone to play with, so I advise you...if your into sports gather up a bunch of friends and have fun, it will give you a good workout.
I have wisened up from this injury...I will start listening to what I am told. But if me athletics buy me some more time, then the injuries that come with it is well worth the pain.

Keep on blogging and tweeting...love hearing from you!

Love the blog, funny, inspirational – i may even shed my snuggie and go for a walk in honor of your efforts to get us to be healthy.
just one point. WHEN will your slim handsome face appear at the top of this blog instead of AC? i know he is handsome and cute and of course, you wouldnt have a job without him, but, hey he wouldn't get the ratings without you my friend. so, who votes for jacks pic? me for sure.
shelly

Another great blog. Glad you are back!

Ah, considerably older than you but still trying to keep up with the boys - a holdover from my father wanting to produce the first jewish quarterback for Notre Dame - I, too, signed up with a trainer at the gym.

Just about the time my membership would have been up, I noticed a strange thing...the CupCake Truck started parking a few doors down from the gym. What was this? Some sort of sadistic cross-marketing?

Needless to say, I re-upped. And, to celebrate, bought the four-pack of cupcakes.

Men don't realize how easy they have it when it comes to losing weight and/or staying in shape. A woman's body, because we give life and have to nurture that life, is designed to store fat. So when we diet and start to lose weight our body screams and fights back by producing more fat, oh yippee!

I'm an exercise freak, spin/cycle 3 times a week, run once a week, weights 2-3 times a week, yoga, etc and yet I struggle to maintain my, what most books and site say, overweight body. What they say is true, after 40 it's all down hill baby andf I'm going full speed. woo woo!

Well Jack your back!

At least you have Sammy. You can run and play fetch. I have two cats who look at me like I'm nuts every time I try to get them bring back the cat toy. I get to rush over, they run after and wait and I do it over and over again. Yeah my personal trainers have paws and claws. I'll live a long life and they get nine lives just watching me .

So glad to see a blog by Jack! It's been way too long!

You're doing great, man. Just one word of advice: If you can read a book while you're on the elliptical then you're probably not pushing yourself hard enough. I've got my eye on you!

Thanks for the ab workout, Jack! I bust a gut every time I read your blog! Laughter is the best medicine!

Hellooo Jack!!!!
Welcome back to blog!!! I missed you so long!!! Yeah, It help me think what I have to taking train for my route exercise few weeks, I love my health! I must have to learn drink lot of water,too! Oh yeah, I agree with your comment and you too. Thanks for laughs for me and cheer me up!!! That is really funny blog I read!!! Kudos to you! Thanks for everything for us to read your joke comment! I am right now on twitter/Facebook. See you there! And also welcome back!

Welcome back Jack. You really have to start doing
your posts on television.It does not hurt to get into
shape. Good luck with that.

I feel so sorry for the LA galaxy fans because David B have failed them.
Let me say this to all the LA Fans: I lived in London for five years and to honest with you people Mr. Beckam is more interested in his money making business that the fans. We had overrated him and he has not delivered yet. Please let him go back to Europe. I will like LA galaxy to start thing about bringing players in future like Supper Frank Lampard from Chelsea, Claude Makelele. I know these guys personal. They are loyal and very honest to their fans. Just wipe out Beckham from LA Galaxy

oh Jack!

My trainer at the gym had me only do exercises that involved my boobs going up and down...so i ran, did the eliptical, had him spot me on the weights, etc and he never once looked into my eyes...total gentleman that one.

But at my new gym, i put on my ipod and silently smirk to myself as i watch the work out fanatics run as fast as they can uphill as i take my time and watch the tv. I just imagine them falling of the treadmill and breaking part of their boney bodies.

as a chicken finger fan myself, i suggest portion control but i cannot cut out my Sangria, so i feel your pain in the pit of my stomach...or wait is that the chicken fingers i just ate...

anyhoo....keep it up and you'll be even sexier in no time

Jack –

Great to see you back blogging - I love reading your posts!! Nothing like some time at the beach to encourage us to spend more time at the gym!

I admire you for working out and giving up chicken fingers and things that are bad for you - I use my workouts to justify visits to Dunkin Donuts, DQ for chicken fingers, etc. - you get the idea! Keep up the good work - can't imagine this world without Tweets and Blogs from Jack Gray!!!

Jack, first of all, I'm so glad you came back from vacation and wrote a blog. Truthfully, I expected more abouttoo big girls in too small 2 pieces at the beach (not that there's anything wrong with that). Instead, you write about being healthier. While I am very proud of you, I feel kind of like a failure now at my own attempts to get fit.

Second, if ever I'm a lucky enough southern gal, who gets to visit NYC, can I meet you in the alley behind the gym? I'll bring the chicken fingers if you'll bring the dipping sauce....and maybe ding dongs for desert.

Hi Jack,

I was ready to go to the gym but decided to drink some real Puerto Rican Rum (that coconut rum is weak btw) with my chicken fingers and french fries instead. Watching "Black in America 2" with my babe Soledad on CNN!! Please don't tell her. LOL My only advise to you is.... hell life is short so forget this extreme workout stuff and live life to the fullest!! Btw, this rum drink is soooo good!!!

Great blog! Chicken fingers may not love you back, but baked goods will always be there when you need them!

Jack, How we've missed you! Welcome back to the wonderful world of blogging! And good luck with your gym goings!

Keep it up, Jack!
You know, I think now that you truly realize that exercise (and eating healthy!) is essential to good health, I think you will have an easier time working out. Looking great is just a great by-product of working out. I find it is essential to really love your gym and feel comfortable in it. My fancy gym gives me that, my cheap former gym did not, and so I never went. Have good music in your ear to give you energy, and beautiful relaxing music (I love film scores) for stretching. Stretching is really important for your health, too, so don't think you'd only look stupid when you stretch and therefore shy away from it. You do have to eat well, though. My friend went from looking pretty wimpy to perfectly cut in no time bc he started working out with a good trainer who also advised him on what to eat! If I were you, I'd get a trainer again. It's all about keeping your body fit and healthy and flexible! You'll feel better about yourself knowing you do something for yourself, and you will like yourself better in the mirror.
You can do it!

Welcome back! It's been a l-o-n-g wait.

Hi Jack!
I understand how u feel about the gym... yeah tough times. Going to the gym 3 times a week is easier said than done. haha just try your best and don't be lazy!