FITNESS PROFILE
Pumped up about weight-training
By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer
Having a workout buddy is a proven way to increase fitness levels. The friendly competition, coupled with the motivation not to miss a workout because someone else is depending on you, work well for many Islanders who exercise.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
Randall Kawano of Kunia took the buddy concept one step further when he inspired a group of downtown businessmen and attorneys to spend their lunch hours in the weight room at 24-Hour Fitness Bishop.
Randall T. Kawano, chief finance officer of Finance Factors, squats 270 pounds. He works out regularly with his weight-training buddies, from left, George Leong of American Savings, attorney George Gusman and city appraiser Ryan Fujitani.
Their ages range from early 30s to mid-50s.
"All of us push ourselves to do things we probably would not do on our own," Kawano said. "The composition of our 'gang' has changed over time as some people changed jobs, etc., and through 'recruiting' replacements. We work out extremely hard. In fact, someone once asked if we were training to become firemen. The ultimate compliment we get is that people say they are scared to work out with us."
Kawano's employer, Finance Factors, offers additional incentives to employees who exercise. They will pay up to $25 per month for gym memberships at any gym. They also have a point system for workout teams of two to three employees to encourage friendly competition. Each team wins points each time a member works out.
Name: Randall T. Kawano.
Age: 45.
Profession: Chief financial officer, Finance Factors.
Height: 5 feet 8.
Weight: 185 pounds.
Workout habits: Kawano lifts weights three to four times a week and does cardio exercises two to three times a week. He's working out daily because of the company's fitness contest.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
When and why I started working out: "I started lifting weights when I was 10 years old. I read the muscle magazines back then and wanted to be like the guys in the magazines."
Randall T. Kawano takes his turn at squats at 24-Hour Fitness Bishop, as seen in this mirror image. His workout buddies include Ryan Fujitani, left, George Gusman, center, and George Leong.
My good foods/bad foods: "I start off my day with a protein shake and oatmeal. I try to eat clean, but I love plate lunches. I was on the low-carb diet for quite some time, so I can be very disciplined. But the lack of carbs made me weaker, so now I just try to keep my carbs under control, but not too low."
My biggest motivator: "My wife, Thuy, who supports my fitness endeavors even though at times she probably thinks I'm crazy when I go to workout at 11 at night. My work out partners also serve as a great source of inspiration even though they complain about how tough our workouts are." In addition, Kawano has a son, Jordan, age 13, who enjoys running with his dad.
My biggest roadblock to fitness: "Maintaining focus and intensity, which is where my workout gang is invaluable in keeping me psyched."
What saves my sanity: "Putting in a good workout is one of the best ways to obtain peace of mind. Whenever I have something weighing heavily on my mind, I will go to work out to calm myself down and be able to think more clearly."
My next challenge: "Improve my cardiovascular fitness so that I can beat my wife at the next Great Aloha Run."
Advice for those in the same boat: "Just do it. Stop making excuses. You need to make time for working out instead of trying to find time. If you don't take good care of yourself then how can you take care of others, such as your spouse or children?"
