Poster Boy

According to the urban dictionary “a poster boy is usually a famous person who is heavily associated with a given movement, subculture, or religious group to people who do not belong to said group. The name comes from their frequent appearances in the group’s promotional materials, especially posters. Generally, they are very outspoken, opinionated and experienced within their group, though a single act gaining major media attention can also thrust someone into being referred to as the poster boy”.

I graduated from my cardio rehab class last Friday. I’ve attended a total of seventy-two hours since the first week of June. Most weeks I went on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If I was in town, I would go. I took a few days off to play in a golf tournament with David, visit my California kids and once to drive my friend, Barbara, to the airport. She’s the one who referred to me as a poster boy. Not because I’m famous, but because I’m dedicated to becoming a better version of me.

I’ve been working on this for a year. Part of it was intentional and part was cast upon me. Last September 25th I had my left shoulder replaced, and in the spring as I was starting to play golf again, I was diagnosed with heart disease. Right after Christmas, in the middle of my two medical issues, I joined a gym and changed my diet. As of this morning, I’ve lost fifty-five pounds, five inches from around my waist, and can hit the golf ball about ten to fifteen yards further. And I’m not done.

I’m not down to my target weight yet, but I’m well on my way. I just need to stay on course. If that’s what poster boys do, I’m going to make it.

The cardio class ran for two hours. The first was instructional and the second was physical. During the instructional part we learned about diet, mental health and the importance of positive relationships. The physical portion was just that. We used treadmills, rowing machines, recumbent bikes, ellipticals, and a variety of other machines. The goal was to elevate our heart rate for an hour.

The instructional hour differed each day. At the end of every class, we had an opportunity to ask questions. I always had at least one. I wanted to be sure that I understood the what and why of every session.

About a quarter of the way through the course we learned about a body composition scale that measures your weight, muscle mass, body fat and water composition. I found it fascinating and during our Q and A I asked if the facility had one. I was told “No”. Our leader went on to say, “We have one at our Grand Rapids location but none of our other four sites. The Grand Rapids staff uses it to measure your progress from beginning to end. You get on it during your first session and again at the end of your last. You get to see your progress from start to finish.”

After learning that bit of information I asked why they showed us such an instrument if they didn’t have one for us to use. “More importantly, why do you have one in Grand Rapids, but not here? I’m sure we’re being charged the same thing no matter where we work out.”

And then he said, “That’s a good question.”

“Yes, I know.” That’s what poster boys do. They ask good questions.

Over the next few weeks, I asked several other therapists about the body composition scale. I even drove to Grand Rapids to get on theirs and have my measurements taken. I’m fortunate that I’m able to make the drive. Not everyone is, but every one of my cardio mates didn’t have the opportunity. While in Grand Rapids I asked the head of the five locations why none of the other sites had a scale. “Lack of funding” was his reply. I think it’s a lack of prioritization.

Leaders, good ones, find a way to level the playing field for everyone. While I’m happy with most of the assistance I received, this one issue will bug me for a long time. When I get back to Michigan next May, I plan to stop in to see if they added the equipment. If they don’t, I’ll continue my crusade. If I’m successful, I will be a poster boy. We’ll see how it shakes out.