So in the vague interest of staying in a condition that begins to resemble health, I’ve just started walking everywhere all the time. I re-learned how to ride a bike, and had 8 months of glorious excercise and joy before my boss asked for his bike back. Now I need to get myself one for my Christmasbirthday.

It seems like a reasonable, low-key, fun way to stay in shape. Because, you know — actually CHANGING my diet of cheeseburgers and gin / habit of never sleeping is CLEARLY not an option.

I hear what you’re saying about exercising at the gym — so might I suggest that you go outside? Seriously, I can’t stand gym exercise either, but in running and biking around C’ville you’ll discover a lot about the topography, hydrology, and ecology of the area. You’ll start to think a lot more seriously about where all the runoff goes, what is blooming when, and what grows on which side of the hill. You’ll notice the small details of human settlement, too — lawn art, painted-over signs, remnants of old buildings, etc. “Alpine walking” with hiking poles looks pretty goofy, but it’s a good way to get a full-body workout in the outdoors in a climate that’s too warm for XC skiing. Give it a try, some time.