It was a cold evening in the California Desert in 2002. Your humble writer, me, was playing basketball in the park was beginning the best years of his life. As a college student, I couldn’t play more than a few games of 21 per night, because I had to grab the bus home and be ready for class the next day.
During each game, I was playing the perimeter very well, passing and shooting, as well as driving by defenders. Someone who was very knowledgeable about basketball would come by and give me advice on developing a hook shot, because I was taller than all of my opponents and teammates. I struggled to be effective with the hook shot, so I continued to play my style. My defense was my Achilles heel, which may be responsible for me not being asked to go for the basketball team at the local community college. I had defeated a few guys that were on the team in pickup games in the gym.
I encourage you to be active in sports, play pickup ball. It doesn’t have to be basketball, any plausible sport, like soccer or tennis, would more than suffice. Lifting weights is good for you as well. But only do those if you’re physically able.
Walking long distances is better for you than having a sedentary lifestyle. A long walk to a convenience store, then a purchase of a sports drink, then drink it while you’re walking back to work or home would be good enough, but playing pickup sports is the best way to get, and stay, in shape.
Let’s hope for a heart-attack-free year in America’s emergency rooms in 2016.