Staying in shape

Tom Monaghan writes that physical fitness helps mental fitness and all-around health . . .

Thomas Monaghan

As many of you know, for the better part of my life I have been a proponent of staying fit. For me it started simply with my love of sports.

When I was in the orphanage and in school, sports were a big part of my life. I enjoyed just about every sport I could play and I didn’t have to put much effort into staying in shape. However, as the responsibilities and demands of running a pizza company mounted, staying active didn’t just happen on its own; instead, it needed to become a conscious decision on my part.

For decades now, I have worked an exercise regimen into my daily routine. Sure, it has changed over the years and now, at age 75, I am very grateful this has been a part of my life. Research shows that if we keep fit, we will likely live about nine years longer than if we do not. Nine years may not be a big deal to some, but the real difference is the quality of life. Ideally, we want to be fully active right up until the end.

Physical fitness goes beyond what it does for our bodies. Kenneth Cooper, MD, MPH, the man who wrote the book Aerobics and got the nation (including me) running, has consistently taught that being physically fit helps one’s psychological health. In studies at his Cooper Institute in Dallas, they have proven that exercise reduces depression, helps people to better handle stress and gives people a general sense of psychological well-being. He also asserts that aerobic exercise helps one’s self-image and confidence — and even prevents some types of cancer.

For many years, I took my top executives at Domino’s Pizza to Dr. Cooper’s clinic. We would get comprehensive physicals, hear lectures on fitness and wellness, and have a personal fitness and diet consultation. Since selling Domino’s, I have continued to get an annual physical exam at the Cooper Clinic, and I regularly invite key administrators associated with the Ave Maria Foundation to join me. Those who have attended noted positive lifestyle changes. This year, I invite Legates (individuals or couples) to join me for this trip to Dallas. Dr. Cooper will give a presentation tailored specifically to our group.

This year’s trip is May 28-30. Due to limited availability, reservations will be taken on a first-come basis. If you’re interested, please contact Priya Niskode at [email protected]. Phone: (734) 930-3441.

THOMAS MONAGHAN is Legatus’ founder and chairman. He is a member of Legatus’ Naples Chapter.