Shane Warne’s sudden death at aged just 52 was a tragedy. It sent a nation and the world into shock and mourning. But it also caused many Australians, especially men over forty, to re-evaluate their lifestyles, their responsibilities and consequently, their health.
According to abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs, a National Health Survey in in 2011 – 12 revealed “63% of Australians aged 18 and over are overweight or obese. Along with poor nutrition, the main factors associated with increases in obesity and being overweight are sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity.”
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported insufficient physical activity was defined as:
“Adults aged 16 – 64 who did not complete 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity across 5 or more days in the last week and adults aged 65 and over who did not complete at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day on 5 or more days in the last week.”
The Heart Foundation reports that cardiovascular disease accounts for 26% of all deaths in Australia. That’s 118 per day or one every 12 minutes.
Warne’s death left many older Australian men contemplating their navels only to discover their navels had travelled quite significantly South. In their heart of hearts, they know something has to be done, but what?
As young sports journalist Aidan Cellini wrote recently in this very publication, “He (Warnie) gave me a dream. He gave me something to strive for. He inspired me. And although history will say his legacy is one of cricket glory, some could argue that his true purpose was providing hope.”
When it comes to getting fit, hope is a lifeline we all need to hang onto.
One person who has real grass roots, no BS experience of helping people, especially men over forty, literally turn their lives around by tackling their weight and other health issues head on, is Grant (Bomber) Barker, Director, and Executive Coach at small but perfectly formed, Shire located gymnasium, ‘The Bomb Shelter’.
Grant is a hard as nails, former world champion kick boxer who has had 60 professional fights for 50 wins with 48 of them knockouts. Having achieved his goal of becoming world champion through grit, hard work and spirit he now leads by example to help others achieve their fitness goals.
He explains, “Men of a certain age, when they discover the mirror’s no longer their friend, still make excuses. They tell themselves, I’m too busy, I’m too tired, I’m too old, It’s too expensive. They especially avoid going to gyms because gyms are generally the domain of people who are already excessively fit. Who wants to be compared with them? So, my gym, the Bomb Shelter and the fitness programs I run are different. They’re tailored especially for men over forty who have issues and want to remedy them by putting in the hard yards. So pretty much everyone is in the same boat. If you want to train in a simple and uncomplicated way with no fancy BS, just old school hard work, join my team. I teach discipline, commitment, and dedication. A lot of men because of the stresses in their lives such as supporting a family, managing careers, and trying to maintain equilibrium, often turn to alcohol and other substances to de-stress. At the Bomb Shelter we focus on goals, and the realisation that you don’t need that kind of shit in your life to get to where you want to be. Guys on my team lose weight, get fit and feel awesome about themselves.”
Grant’s dedication to helping over forties achieve their goals, get fit and put their lives back on the right path began a couple of years ago when a guy of a certain age walked in his gym and declared he wanted to become a world champion boxer. He weighed around 120 kilos. Grant didn’t begrudge him the ambition but pointed out he would need to lose a few pounds and dedicate himself to some serious training. The guy agreed and low and behold he shed around 24 kilos and won the Gold Masters Australian Title.
Grant found he enjoyed the experience. There was no ego, the guy just had a go. So, Grant decided to market his training programs and his gymnasium. His first two customers weighed in at 150 and 160 kilos respectively. These two were quickly followed by a bunch of guys who had experienced heart attacks and strokes. The Bomb Shelter was on its way.
It’s important to note Grant focusses on mental as well as physical well-being. “Most of my clients weren’t happy with their lives,” he says, Physically, emotionally, or spiritually. The Bomb Shelter is about older guys training and networking together to become better people. Better people for their kids. Better people for their wives. Better people for their mates and just better people in general. It’s hard to achieve anything in life, whether it’s buying a house, getting married, getting up in the morning or going to bed …. anything, if you’re not physically and mentally on top of things.”
No-one wants to become a detrimental statistic. One heart attack induced death every twelve minutes is one heart attack induced death too many.
But if Warnie’s death taught us anything, yes live your life to the full, love your family and your mates, capitalise on your God given talents and work hard to develop them and respect and nourish those who look up to you and love you. But don’t forget to look after yourself along the way.
History will remember Shane Warne, his achievements & especially the ball that completely bamboozled Graham Gooch. His legend and legacies will grow. But think how much more he may have been able to contribute if perhaps he had done a little more exercise.
As Grant (Bomber) Barker often says, “The only person that can do anything about you, is you.”
