Masons that are built like stones - Event Date: November/19/2007

If you work in the quarry too much, you might end up looking like this guy:

My head is as hard as a rock but instead of working on my six pack I decided to go straight for the keg. Does that count?

Originally posted by Tanizaki I see far too many round bellies at Masonic functions. The ubiquitous gravy doesn't help. I've cleaned up my act this year and dropped over 50 lbs of fat. I'm now at my slim wedding day weight and am still losing. It's easy to do if you put your mind to it.

Agreed. I lost about 40 lbs this year. Don't think I'll lose much more, but I needed it.

Originally posted by 32PRINCE The ashlar has a practical purpose as well as a beauty to behold. Just my opinion, but we should put some effort into looking the part of a stonemason. These men worked in the quarries with stone, all effort was physical. I'm getting tired of seeing out of shape men representing hard working stone masons, which I happen to be by the way, and I still find time to train in the gym. I'm 43 so no, not a spring chicken, and I don't look a day over 30.

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it" - Plato

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, 6:19

Ok gents, I have no idea what you all look like or what shape you're in, but my guess is that at least a few of you are soggy about the middle. Let's shape ourselves up!

As I have already written, I have lost over 50 lbs of fat in the past six months, bringing my total body fat from over 30% to less than 20%. I am still working on it, with an ultimate goal to be under 12% body fat. There are lots of great free resources on the web to help in this effort. Two I use are:

bodyspace.bodybuilding.com
It's like MySpace, except with a focus on working out. You can see my profile at http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/tanizaki/ to get the idea.

fitday.com
This site can be used to track your food intake and exercise. I use the software version on my PC, but the free version on their webpage is great.

Don't be a part of that group that puts on weight between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day!

Originally posted by stevep My Brother, There is a Huge difference between both types of masonary.  No matter we still have the same beliefs and edicts that were passed on to us. stevep

What does that have to do with being slim or obese?

Originally posted by 32PRINCE  Bro. Steve,  There is no exscuse to not be the best you that you can be. There are far too many GLORIFIED EA'S calling themselves MasterMasons. To master ones self is to master all aspects, or at least stop the exscuses for non-mastery.

Brothers I am unfamiluar with the term GLORIFIED EA,s. In all the areas I have been associated with most had to give there profesincey back with in 30 days.

Brothers My initial post  I was refering to the difference between Operative and Speculative

Good Point  what threw me was the poster that was put up. Again sorry I didn't express my self right.

 My intent was to get us to think healthy outside as well as healthy knowledge we learn from our lessons.

Brother thank you for the explaination.  Unfortunately I do know a couple of them.

SMOKING PROBLEM?! Now I can't smoke as a Mason! Screw that! Now where are my Player's?

Depends on perspective I guess.

Unless an alcoholic drinks and drives or does something equally stupid it is only their own health that is effected, however there is evidence that second hand smoke can cause cancer in non-smokers which would make it less socially acceptable.

As far as addictions go, cigarettes have been compared to heroin which would make them at least on par with alcohol as being a difficult habit to kick.

I'm an ex-smoker but I never joined the ex-smoker Nazis. Ah man, I quit about 15 years ago and now I want one.

Originally posted by Tanizaki I don't deny that nicotine is highly addictive. However, addiction to it does not have the psychopharmological effects that other intoxicants do. A man might get liquored up and beat his wife, but no one smokes a pack of Lucky Strikes and gets violent. The evidence on second-hand smoke is that it is harmful to young children with developing respiratory systems. The evidence on damage to adults just is not there.

OH, so what's the problem?