FOR WEB 05/18/06 -- Jack Graves, left, head of the Lifeworks Academy, a set of two boys homes in Boonville, encourages Cal Glenn, 17, right during weight lifting while Antonio Washington (CQ), 18, awaits his turn. The boys have intense workouts that will help them learn trust and show them that they can accomplish things they never imagined were possible. (The Press Democrat / Crista Jeremiason)

Letter of the Day: Faulting fitness

Faulting fitness

EDITOR: At least twice in the past month, I have read articles criticizing the trend among young men to go to gyms to build muscle and improve their physiques. It just goes to show that there will always be someone to find fault with a good thing.

Considering the amount of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in our population, I find it incomprehensible that someone would criticize men who want to improve themselves and be fit and healthy.

Columnist Richard Cohen ("Bonding with this 007 is not easy," Tuesday) said that it was "sad" that 40 percent of young men went to a gym instead of reading a book or watching a movie. Is he for real? The sad thing is that 60-percent are watching TV, playing video games or hanging around street corners getting into trouble. What is sad is that it is not 100 percent of young men going to gyms and building their bodies and self-confidence.

The advantages of being strong and healthy far outweigh any risks of injury, and the discipline of a fitness regimen is good for mental health as well. So we should encourage anyone who wants to improve himself and not be swayed by those who I imagine are really just lazy or frustrated weaklings.

KEN DOYLE

Santa Rosa

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