It’s Thursday, January 15, 2026, as I sit down to write this. Just a couple of weeks ago, millions of people kicked off the new year with fitness-related resolutions—whether it was shedding a few pounds, committing to a daily 5K run, hitting the gym, or eating healthier. Apple even ran (or is still running?) a clever Watch campaign called “Quit Quitting,” highlighting how most folks abandon their goals by the second Friday in January—last Friday, in fact, which is cheekily dubbed Quitter’s Day.
The Resolution Trap: Why Most Fitness Goals Fizzle by Quitter’s Day
I’ve always seen something paradoxical in these fitness resolutions. They often feel like a sudden, all-or-nothing push, yet true fitness is more of a lifelong rhythm. My own journey started young and has ebbed and flowed over the years. As a kid, I dove into organized sports like baseball and soccer (or football, depending on where you’re from), plus plenty of unstructured play in backyards and fields. Eventually, wrestling became my passion, sparked by a demo at a PTA meeting. My parents got the ball rolling early with swimming lessons and swim team, and later I joined middle and high school football squads. Wrestling ran in the family—my dad and brother did it too, along with football. We each balanced the sports differently; for me, wrestling took center stage.
From Backyard Games to Wrestling Mats: My Early Fitness Roots
By high school, at around 14 years old, “cutting weight” was part of the American wrestling culture—a brutal mix of extreme dieting and exercise to drop into lower weight classes. I found it counterproductive; my performance tanked when I tried it. But for some teammates, it worked, their bodies lean and wired like coiled springs. The risks were real, though: Male wrestlers face a higher chance of developing eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia than almost any other group of guys, except maybe bodybuilders, cyclists, runners, ballet dancers, gymnasts, or rock climbers. It often starts with performance goals but shifts to body image, the mirror reflecting a distorted quest for perfection. I suspect my dad’s lifelong battle with weight stemmed from juggling wrestling, football, and track—cutting weight only to bulk up for the next season, which likely wrecked his metabolism. His mom’s love of food, especially desserts with their sugary aromas wafting from the oven and the melt-in-your-mouth decadence of fresh-baked pies, didn’t help. Those experiences lingered for me into adulthood, shaping how I think about my weight and physique—the subtle tug of old habits amid the mirror’s honest glare. They influence my daily activity and diet, but not in a rigid, resolution-style way.
The Dark Side of Cutting Weight: Lessons from High School Wrestling
Inspiration came from unexpected places too. I remember being glued to ABC’s Wide World of Sports in the ‘80s, watching the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii—the screen alive with the turquoise ocean waves crashing, the sizzle of bike tires on sun-scorched lava fields, and the salty sweat streaking athletes’ faces as they pushed through exhaustion. Those broadcasts were electrifying and sparked my interest in road cycling, with its wind-whipping freedom and the hum of gears shifting smoothly. After college—where I kept wrestling through grad school—I dove into triathlon training. I enjoyed shorter distances like sprints and Olympics, even dreaming of qualifying for Kona via the Buffalo Springs Half-Ironman (though life took a detour). I was so fired up that I attended a training weekend with the legendary Dave Scott (thanks, Honey!).
Ironman Dreams and Triathlon Thrills: Unexpected Inspirations
These days, my routine keeps things balanced: maintaining a healthy body fat percentage through near-daily cardio, resistance training (weights or bodyweight), and eating real, home-cooked ingredients—the sizzle of garlic in olive oil, the vibrant colors of chopped vegetables, and the comforting warmth of a meal shared. I’m not a purist—I’ll grab prepackaged snacks with their crinkly wrappers or fast food’s greasy, guilty pleasure, and I savor meals at restaurants or friends’ homes, where the clatter of plates and the symphony of flavors dancing on my tongue. That’s actually a big motivator for staying fit: I love indulging in food and drink without regret—the rich, velvety pour of a fine wine or the spicy kick of bold Cajun cuisine. Plus, there’s the joy of moving my body freely, muscles gliding smoothly like well-oiled machinery, and catching those appreciative glances from my wife, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
My Balanced Routine Today: Sweat, Savor, and No Regrets
As a dad and now grandfather, I’ve taken huge pride in passing this on to my kids, watching their faces light up with the same spark. My daughter thrives on hiking, with the crunch of leaves underfoot and the earthy scent of pine trails; yoga and Pilates; and 5K runs, the crowd’s energy buzzing like electricity. My son is obsessed with snowboarding (as a skier I try to mask my disappointment), carving through powdery slopes with the whoosh of fresh snow and the chill biting his cheeks; skateboarding, wheels rumbling over concrete with gritty vibrations; and basketball, the swish of the net and the ball’s bounce echoing in the gym. School sports were a big factor in choosing their high school, the thrill of games under bright skies and roaring stands sealing the deal. They both love cooking and savoring well-prepared meals—the pop of herbs in a hot pan, the steam rising with aromatic promise. One of our family’s top vacation spots? New Orleans—not just for the history’s timeless charm, the nightlife’s pulsing jazz rhythms, or the drinks’ smooth burn (though we enjoy those), but mainly for the incredible food, with its bold Creole spices tingling the palate and buttery richness melting in your mouth. We plan entire days around meals there, from the warmth of beignets dusted in powdered sugar to the savory depth of grilled oysters simmering with butter and aromatic herbs. For me, it’s also a prime spot for long runs through the vibrant streets, the humid early morning air thick with magnolia blooms and the sounds of the early morning street cleaning drifting on the breeze, or along the waterfront where the Mississippi’s murky flow laps rhythmically against the levees.
Passing the Torch: Fitness and Feasts as a Family Legacy
I’ve infected my wife and kids with this drive, though theirs channels into different activities—the shared thrill of endorphins surging and the glow of post-workout satisfaction. We all share a healthy fear of gaining weight that might slow us down, like an unwelcome anchor, balanced by our passion for food—from budget bites with their simple, hearty crunch to gourmet feasts exploding with layered tastes and textures. It’s woven into our daily lives (though my wife valiantly tries to swear off chocolate every Lent, the temptation of its silky melt proving a tough foe). I’m no ultra-dedicated athlete like runner-writer Amby Burfoot or “The Penguin” John Bingham, but I still crave trail runs, branches whipping past with the forest’s damp, Aspen laden aroma, or long cross-country skis, the glide over snow whispering softly underfoot. Skipping a hard workout once a week just doesn’t feel right—my body rebels with a restless energy, craving that release.
What Fuels Your Fire? Let’s Swap Stories on Health and Indulgences
What about you? What keeps you motivated to stay healthy, amid the sights, sounds, and sensations that make it worthwhile? Share your favorite workouts or dietary tips—the ones that leave you buzzing or satisfied. And most importantly, what’s your go-to restaurant and must-order dish there, with all its tantalizing details? I’d love to hear—maybe it’ll inspire my next indulgence!
Michael H. Ritterhouse 
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