Hi, I am Bob Petras Sr., and when I say “senior” I mean SENIOR. I am 68 years of age. Seventeen years ago, I lost a kidney and part of a rib to cancer. Since then, I had quadruple hernia surgery, two total hip replacements, corrective wrist surgery, an amputated pinky finger reattached and had Lyme’s disease and Covid within two months of each other. I also have six pack abs, I can climb a rope 15 feet to the ceiling, I could probably climb higher but I am afraid of heights, and can do more than 50 pushups, hold a plank for more than five minutes, and probably could go longer but my attention span is that of a juvenile, just ask my soulie Debbie. And my most important hold is—holding off going to the bathroom for eight hours and sometimes longer until I wake up in the morning.
I know what it is like to experience setbacks and obstacles in one’s personal quest for fitness. I have the experience and the scars to show for it. Whenever someone says to me that I am ripped or cut, I am uncertain whether they are referring to all my scars or they know of another forthcoming surgery or my abs.
I think I know how to take creative approaches to modify exercise routines. I will be happy to show you these modifications and my knowledge of fitness, nutrition and immunology. I am a big proponent of how fitness and nutrition can improve one’s immunology. In fact, I worked out moderately while inflicted with both Lyme’s and Covid. The only symptoms I experienced with the virus was loss of taste and smell. Imagine my chagrin when I could not taste my favorite beers for two days. Yes, I have a couple of cold ones every night. As the saying goes in the Petras world of fitness, “You can drink your few and still have your six pack.”
I am a professional writer, my journalism quest beginning in 1971 at Marshall University when I was a member of the Young Thundering Herd football team, the very squad featured in the Matthew McConaughey film “We Are Marshall.” I was the long-haired blond drinking beer in the dormitory.
Sixteen years later I graduated from West Liberty University. I attended two other colleges in between. I experienced some setbacks in life, most of which were of my own making.
I am pretty sure my stubbornness and defiance enabled me to eventually obtain my goal of a four-year degree in journalism, even if this journey took me 17 years. I am going to mention goals frequently in my posts.
In addition to reporting for newspapers and magazines, I have also had published more than 200 poems and 50 shorts stories in a variety of genres across the globe. I like to think I can apply some of my creativity to fitness for you ladies and gents and dudes like me, interspersed with some humor, at least that which I get.
My background in fitness and health include certifications from the International Sports Science Academy in personal fitness trainer, senior fitness specialist, nutritionist, recovery specialist and certification from CrossFit as a Level 1 coach. I also have a few certifications in immunology, tai chi and am working on more.
I am excited to present you my ideas. Welcome to The Senior Six Pack and may your journey with me always be refreshing and rewarding.
