The Reach Out: Shoshana Weissman
The Senior Manager of Digital Media and Fellow at R Street Institute is extremely motivated to exercise (this is a major understatement).
Shoshana Weissmann manages R Street Institute’s social media, email marketing and digital assets. She works on occupational licensing reform, social media regulatory policy, and Section 230, and has written for various publications, including The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
Weissman’s previously managed digital communications for Opportunity Lives, a group that highlighted positive stories and policy solutions, and wrote for The Weekly Standard.
I reached out to Shoshana Weissman to find out why exercise and fitness is so important to her.
How is being active a part of your life?
So I have a bunch of autoimmune diseases and staying active is imperative to keep them in check. As long as I exercise regularly — at least eight hours or so a week — I feel great. However, as I've become a bigger hiker, it's now all about training for hiking. Between those two things, I'm exercising and planning constantly.
Do you have a specific exercise routine?
My general goal is to exercise five days each week, for more than two hours each day. It varies a little, but I start with ten minutes of yoga for stretching and keeping my body from getting too tight. Then about an hour of weights, most of which I lift while standing on a balance board.
With my fibromyalgia, I have horrible balance, so the balance board helps quite a bit there. And I'm not looking for mass, but endurance, so lifting light is fine. I use 8lb ankle weights and 8lb hand weights.
Some days I skip weights and just clean up around my apartment or do other chores. But after yoga, and after weights or chores, I try to climb 3,000-6,000 feet on my Maxiclimber. It's kind of like a stair climber but way harder. It has a 20 inch step which is a lot for anyone, but particularly me as I'm pretty short. It's insane on my legs, but that kind of training does wonders for me and really pays off on hiking trails. 3,000 feet takes about an hour or so, and I've built up to doing it with a 25lb vest.
I also have to train so hard because my Fibromyalgia makes my legs naturally extremely weak. Walking up small hills used to be impossible on my calves. Needless to say, that's not the case with this kind of training anymore! I switch it up now and then with long walks, cycling, and sometimes other stuff.
Have your exercise habits changed since the pandemic began?
I no longer go to the gym or use machines besides the climber. The climber is much better for workouts. I now use free weights and I do it all at home. I like that much better. I don't like people watching me work out, and it lets me tune out better. Lord, aside from Random Hot Gym Guy, there were so many people annoying me — open-mouth gum chewer, grunter, selfie-takers, etc. I miss Random Hot Gym Guy, but nobody else.
Is there something that motivates you to keep active and exercise regularly?
I always enjoy exercise, but knowing I'm working towards climbing mountains that are just so beautiful is such a great motivator. And I know the harder I work, the more I can see! And of course, with everything from Crohn's disease to endometriosis and insulin resistance, I love knowing that none of that is stopping me.
It really doesn’t sound like you need any reminders to exercise! Do you wear an Apple watch or FitBit anyway?
FitBit! It's supposed to be the most accurate monitor, though none are extremely accurate.
Do you watch the news, or listen to podcasts or music, while you exercise?
I used to read legal textbooks on the StairClimber, but reading is impossible on the vertical climber. So I'm often watching film noir or Humphrey Bogart while climbing. I never really sit still so it's a nice excuse to really tune into a film. While lifting, I'm usually doing work for my job in between sets.
How do you think we can encourage young people to be more active?
I've been very sick since I was thirteen. It has its downsides of course, but it's kind of wild seeing friends' bodies struggle for the first time. The better you take care of your body, the easier aging is. But it's important to focus on exercises you like and not ones you don't. If something isn't enjoyable at all, do something else. I have friends who love running, cycling, whatever. Even I skip exercises that I don't really enjoy!
Gym class often sets bad examples for being active. Sure, it's good for kids to push themselves or learn teamwork or whatever. But how many adults play soccer or kickball? It might be better to teach kids more sustainable habits.
Is there a sport or fitness trend that you would like to try?
I need to up my mountaineering game. I have used an ice axe and helmet, but I want to learn how to use ropes on mountains. It will just let me climb more things!
Shoshana has an amazing personal story and genuinely loves to exercise. I have no doubt that she will keep climbing (both actual mountains and her Maxiclimber).
Thank you @senatorshoshana
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