Showing up for PT

 Here's an old mantra: Energy, strength, confidence.

I say that to myself when it’s time for what the navy calls PT, physical training. 

When it’s time for me to train, there’s a period — sometimes an instant, sometimes an hour — of hesitation and procrastination. It’s the most creative period of the day. I search with real inspiration for excuses.

But I know this: If I don’t put my body under the stress of physical training, it won’t absorb certain nutrients. Yours might, but mine won’t.

Without the training, I have less energy. With less energy, I will sit in my easy chair and gradually but inevitably lose strength. As strength ebbs, I might lose confidence in my ability to negotiate the world on my own. It happens to people of a certain age.

Old guys like me should show up for PT.

• Sources: At least in my highly fallible memory, the mantra of energy, strength and confidence was part of navy boot camp 50 years ago. The navy spoke of “street to fleet” training — meaning training that whipped your mind and character, as well as your body, into shape. But the doctrine has evolved into something called “warrior toughness.”