Honestly, I’m really not a big fan of exercise. I know I need it, and when I’ve done it regularly, I’ve benefited from it. Mostly, I like exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise.
I like refereeing because I’m running around, bending, tossing, using my arms and legs and getting a fair amount of cardio — and I’m enjoying what I’m doing. The reason I don’t like most exercise is that I feel like I’m wasting time doing what I’m doing — even if it’s really good for me. It’s a grown-up version of the kid not wanting to eat his vegetables.
Ultimately, the exercise I like the most is bourbon curls — lifting Glencairns of sweet nectar to my lips two ounces at a time. It doesn’t build much in the way of muscle, but it’s definitely the most enjoyable.
On the serious side, though, I know I need to move more — get the heart pumping and do some things to build my muscle mass. I won’t live as long as I (and my wife and daughter) want me to live unless I start doing that. I’ve never been a gym guy, but maybe I don’t need to be. Maybe it’s about finding ways to keep moving that make me feel alive, not obligated.
If refereeing is the kind of workout that makes me forget I’m exercising, then maybe the goal isn’t to love exercise — it’s to love movement. Whether that’s walking the dogs, tossing a football, or taking Daryl out to dance under the stars, I’ll take that kind of workout any day.
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
So basically you enjoy those things! Excellent! That’s probably the most important thing to keep us exercising!