The Reach Out: Scott Simon
When he's not rooting for the Cubs, how does the author and host of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday stay active and fit?
Scott Simon is the host of NPR’s popular Weekend Edition Saturday and serves as one of the hosts of Up First, NPR's morning news podcast. He has hosted several television specials and contributes to CBS Sunday Morning.
Simon has written eight books, including Home and Away; Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball; Pretty Birds; and Windy City.
In his book, Baby, We Were Meant for Each Other, Simon shares the joyful experience of adopting his two daughters. In My Cubs: A Love Story, Simon describes his lifelong fandom of the Chicago Cubs, and he wrote Just Getting Started written with Tony Bennett.
Unforgettable is Simon’s memoir about growing up with his mother in Chicago, taking care of her in her final days with lung cancer — and the experience of sharing some of the most painful, difficult moments with his compassionate followers on social media.
Simon has contributed to The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Times of London, The Guardian, and Gourmet.
I reached out to Scott Simon to ask why staying active is important to him.
How do you make regular exercise a part of your life?
My wife and I take a long walk along the river every morning (save for Saturday, of course), and do yoga. Then other walks at night.
Did your exercise routines change during the pandemic?
My gym closed, so my wife and I decided to start walking, running, and doing yogic stretching, and we haven’t looked back. I miss friends at the gym, and the sauna. But otherwise, I have welcomed the chance to be with my wife more, and share this time together.
What motivates you to keep active and exercise regularly?
My wife. Our children. Working and feeling better.
Do you find it helpful to wear a fitness monitor to track your step count?
I don’t wear one. Our oldest daughter, a college athlete, does, and will sometimes breathlessly text something like, “Hey, 30,000 steps today!” I’m in awe, but find it hard to relate.
Do you find that exercising helps you with creativity or productivity?
I think so, yes. There are certain spry, almost unrelated thoughts that come into your mind while running.
What do you listen to while exercising? News? Politics? Music? Or do you prefer to tune out completely?
Although it’s arguably my business, I never listen to anything other than my wife, who is very funny; our dog, who is also funny; the river, geese, and children laughing as we pass them on the street to get to the river.
Is there a sport or fitness activity that you think you might like to try?
When COVID permits additional classes to reopen, I’d like to become even more serious about yoga. I find it truly energizing.
Thank you, @nprscottsimon
I agree with Scott about listening to nature — instead of podcasts or music — while walking. It’s important to step away from the intensity of the news sometimes.
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