I wrote about FITnet in the Fall 2004 edition of "Well". Every weekday since then I (and some 300,000 others) receive another shot of insight and inspiration from the brain of Lane. Tim Lane could put a wellness spin on the Spanish Inquisition. FITnet is different from "Well" in that it is concise and can be read in seconds, but the wit and wisdom in its few sentences and accompanying quotes are timeless. Herewith a few favorites of myself and Tim.

If you would like to subscribe to FITnet, just send a blank email to join-fitnet@lists.ia.gov.

FITnet March 9, 2001

If you were to take the advice of Robert Frost and select the road less traveled, you might end up on the road least traveled. That would lead you to Racetrack Playa. The area is a 2.8-mile by 1.3-mile mini desert that sits in the expanse of Death Valley. There on the level floor of the Playa is one of modern science's most intriguing puzzles. Scattered along the floor of the desert are rocks ranging in size up to huge boulders weighing hundreds of pounds. Many of these lie at the end of grooved tracks! And, no one knows how they move. Some of the tracks are a half-mile long, some are straight as an arrow, and others seem to reflect a dancing swirling pattern. During the last 50 years of serious inquiry, no witness has seen them move. Theories involve ice, wind, water, and various combinations of those conditions. But the fact remains that in this valley, rocks regularly move.

If rocks can move, we humans need to raise the bar for excuses offered for leading sedentary lifestyles. This will especially apply to all those in the category of "too difficult." Looking back over past FITNET scripts, I see that I have also been rather limited in where I have sought inspiration for motion. Well here's to the overlooked. Let's rock!

"Almost everybody walks around with a vast burden of imaginary limitations inside his head. While the burden remains, personal success is as difficult to achieve as the conquest of Everest with a sack of rocks tied to your back."
:: J. H. Brennan

FITnet March 2, 2001

Theodor Seuss Geisel was born March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1925, and proceeded on to Oxford University with the intent of acquiring a doctorate in literature. For children's literature, he was just what the doctor ordered.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself Any direction you choose. Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy And footsy as you. With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, You're too smart to go down any not-so-good street. Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordeci Ali Van Allen O'Shea you're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way! :: Dr. Theodor Geisel AKA Dr. Seuss

Have a very footsy weekend!

"Old age is like climbing a mountain. You climb from ledge to ledge. The higher you get, the more tired and breathless you become, but your views become more extensive." :: Ingrid Bergman (8/29/1915-1982)

FITnet Sept 1, 2000

I have decided to specialize in the history of Colonial America. Specifically the period from September 2, 1752 to September 14, 1752. Do you know of anything significant that happened in that period? If you said you can't think of a single thing, you are absolutely correct. Those dates do not exist in American history. During that period, America, Canada, and Great Britain decided to catch up with Europe and the Gregorian calendar that was instituted in 1582.

Thus the only dates in North American history when there really was no time to be active were from September 2 to September 13 in 1752. Every other day does have 1440 minutes that can be managed as you see fit.

FITnet Sept 27, 2004

Yesterday was the birthday of Jack LaLanne. Born in 1914, he is the "founder of the fitness movement" or the "greatest gym teacher ever." Jack opened the first health club in 1936 and was the first to encourage the elderly and women to exercise, as well as being one of the most vocal public figures to link physical inactivity and poor nutrition to illness. If you have seen pictures of him lately you know he is still challenging stereotypes. At the age of 70 he towed 70 friends in 70 different boats swimming against a heavy wind across Long Beach Harbor. At the age of 90 he is still strong and still on the go.

"I can't die, young man. It would ruin my image." :: Jack LaLanne

"If you're going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now." :: Marie Osmond

FITnet Nov. 1, 2004

If you ever make it to St. Petersburg, Florida, check out the softball games at North Shore Park, downtown by the bay.

This is the home of the Kids & Kubs, a rather unique softball league. In 2004 they will open their 75th season playing softball. This is a very significant year, since the league is only open to those 75 years young-and older.

Some of the players are as old as 93.

Their dress code requires players to wear white shirts and bow ties.The games are played at 10:30 A. M. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from November through March.

The team has regular social events for members, batgirls, and a fan club (Friends of the Kubs). The Kids & Kubs stages charity games. Last year their games generated thousands of dollars for charities, including the Sunshine Center Holiday Meal for Seniors, the Salvation Army, Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, and Goodwill Industries. In other words, every time they play, everyone wins.

"It keeps me young. " :: Hal Fisher (Kids & Kubs Vice President)

"I might as well come out here and play some softball." :: Pat Rylee (92 but doesn't look a day over 72.)

"If not for the physical activity, a lot of us would not be around, this keeps us going physically and mentally. You're not just sitting around watching TV and going brain dead. You are actually doing something." :: Maynard Saugstad. (Kids Kubs player)

"His only fault is that he has no fault." :: Pliny the Younger

"Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young." :: W. Somerset Maugham

FITnet Nov. 3, 2004

On November 3, 1837, Illinois housewives became so upset with the high cost of living that they initiated a protest! They were incensed when butter rose to 8 cents a pound and a dozen eggs went for 6 cents. I wonder what they would think about a cup of coffee for 3.50? You can, of course, have a positive impact on your cost of living by being active and eating well. In fact the savings are like dominos. By being active you can save gas, then health care costs, and even improve productivity. It is the opposite of a vicious circle.

"Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued. " :: Socrates

"What some people mistake for the high cost of living is really the cost of high living. " :: Doug Larson

"In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular. " :: Laurence J. Peter

FITnet Feb. 14, 2004

The mayor of Bolivar, Missouri (pop. 9,000) was given an ultimatum by his doctor: Get more exercise or face serious medical consequences. The mayor responded by creating a program to get more people involved with exercise, called "Walk and talk with the mayor." The mayor now takes walks at least three times per week, with 20-50 citizens each time. His health and strength have improved greatly and he has been an inspiration in the community to promote physical activity. I confess that a lot of politicians who have run for office have been a great disappointment to me. But this walking mayor, now that's a different story.

"Our national flower is the concrete cloverleaf." :: Lewis Mumford

"Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age." :: Jeanne Moreau

FITnet Dec. 2, 2004

In 1949, Popular Mechanics magazine went out on a limb and made a prediction on the eventual weight of computers. In their crystal ball they had faith that computers would eventually weigh no more than 1.5 tons, and of course they were correct. In 1949 computers weighed well over two tons so the prediction was for a 25% weight loss. Over the years computers have lost about 75 pounds a year (on average) as they have become more and more efficient. The population of users on the other hand has been gaining 1 to 2 pounds a year. Putting a stop to the progression and even deleting a few pounds is, according to my computations, an idea that makes a lot of sense.

"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers." :: Pablo Picasso "The great thing about a computer notebook is that no matter how much you stuff into it, it doesn't get bigger or heavier." :: Bill Gates "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." :: Mark Twain

FITnet April 1, 2005

Today's message was inspired by the avalanche of messages I have been getting from people in Africa that want to share millions of dollars with me.

I know this email will reach you as a surprise, but need not to worry as I am using the only secured and confidential medium available to seek your assistance for partnership in a valuable transaction, which is fulfillment of a lifetime. I got your contact address from Internet media. I am Loof Lirpa, the son of the former head of state president of Congo-Kinshasha (then called Zaire) Mr. Laurent Desire Lirpa.

I am contacting you in order to ask for your assistance on this confidential matter, with full financial benefit for both of us. Before I go into further details please be informed that I am writing without any other person(s) pre-knowledge of my contacting you on this matter. I have information more valuable than the sum of thirty five Million US Dollar, more valuable than the secret sale of Diamond by my father before he was assassinated by his own lifestyle. One of his body guards (Rashid) would often bring him donuts and other junk and eliminate the need for my father to walk. I now come to know that his premature death has contributed to the billion-dollar sum paid by many for such choices. If you agree to help me in this matter a percentage of the money saved will be yours. Be well informed that your share will be deposited in your accounts. Some of these funds will also be shared by my family and me.

In April make some wise choices. Strive for at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day, strive to add physical activity to your routine, and keep tabs on your blood pressure, cholesterol level, and resting heart rate.

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