FITNESS PROFILE
Heart attacks were retiree's wake-up calls

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

James Kanae, 72, lifts weights six days a week. He decided to change his lifestyle after four heart attacks and a bout with cancer. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Age: 72.

Profession: Retired.

Height: 5-feet-6.

Weight: 155 pounds, down from 210 in 2000.

Workout habits: Runs about five miles, six days a week (Sunday is for God). Lifts weights six days a week, working on chest, arms, abdominals, shoulders and legs.

When and why I started working out: "I had a pretty loud wake-up call when I had my first heart attack at age 54. But it needed to get even louder — I had three more heart attacks and a bout with cancer before I really changed my lifestyle."

My good foods/bad foods: "I'm pretty much a vegetarian. I eat some salmon but no meat. I drink red wine in moderation. I used to eat a lot of fatty foods, but I don't do that anymore."

My biggest motivator: "How I feel. Also my kids and grandkids. I just can't see myself as a couch potato."

My biggest roadblock to fitness: "I don't let anything get in the way of my health."

What saves my sanity: "Working out and spending time on my computer, looking for new avenues of learning every day."

My next challenge: "I'd like to find a body-building contest that includes men in my age group."

Advice for those in the same boat: "Never give up. Every day, learn something new. You're never too old to learn. You make you what you are. Believe in yourself. Forever young."