Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty should ditch the rowing machine for an exercise bike, which would free up his hands to multitask during a workout. (Tibor Kolley/The Globe and Mail)
Power Crunch gets expert feedback on a different workout routine every week. This week, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty shares his exercise plan.
My goal "To maintain a high energy level is really what I'm after. I've got a pretty demanding job - it can grind you down physically - and this just helps me maintain my energy level."
My workout Works out five times a week. "I vary it on alternate days. The one day is muscle, the other is cardio. And one day is devoted to lower body, and the other day is devoted to upper body."
Uses free weights and a bench for strength training. "The weights can take anywhere from a half-hour to an hour, depending on how much time I want to devote to it."
Uses a rowing machine for 20 to 25 minutes.
Exercises with a rubber resistance band when travelling. "The key for me is, I can't make my exercise regimen dependent on my having to go somewhere to exercise. So I will bring a rubber band and throw it into my suitcase. You can always exercise in your room in the morning or later in the evening."
My lifestyle"There's no shortage of food in my line of work. I attend a lot of cultural events and festivities, and there's always food. So I try to eat as little as I can. ...I'll go around the room and say hello to people and move from table to table, and then I'll come back and sit down. Another thing you do is, when you're going to eat, put the food in front of you so you know what you're about to eat, because if you're just kind of picking stuff along the way, it's hard to add up what you've eaten. So then I try to come back home and have a meal in a relaxed way - and also, I can see what I'm eating.
"Sleep's important, obviously. I used to sleep eight hours and then it became seven and now, sometimes, it's closer to six. You can get run down a little bit, but on the weekend you can often find time to catch up.
"I'll work out whenever I've got the time, so that's either morning or after work."
My motivation "I like to think I've kind of hardwired it in, because I've been doing it for over 30 years. But also, I've got four kids: It's something I'd like to pass on to them. And in a way, it's kind of selfish. I don't feel good unless I've had the opportunity to work out from time to time."
My workout anthem "I'll often watch music videos, MuchMusic, while I'm working out. Or sometimes, I'll just put on a movie. I try to use a workout not only to physically tune up, but to clear my mind and distract myself."
My challenges "Long hours. Travel. And there's a lot of preparatory work, briefings to review, even at home. There's always a competition between desk work and a workout, so it takes a lot of discipline to adhere to your fitness program. But even 20 minutes or 15 minutes is better than nothing."
The critique
Sweat and read Trading the rowing machine for a home exercise bike could help the time-pressed Premier multitask, says trainer Barrie Shepley, president of the Toronto-area fitness firm Personal Best.
Although the rowing machine provides a strong cardiovascular and strength-training workout, it uses both arms so you can't read while exercising. "Many of my clients are able to ride and read at the same time," Mr. Shepley says.
Don't go hungry Working the room at food-laden receptions is a clever way to avoid the politician's paunch. But going all evening without eating could backfire, Mr. Shepley says.
"Even if the Premier had a small dessert plate to eat off, to ensure he doesn't overeat," he says, "but going all night will slow his metabolism down and likely mean he's hungry when he gets home and then perhaps eats some fast, junk-type food."
Mobile muscle-building For strength training, Mr. Shepley advises Mr. McGuinty to add sit-ups, push-ups and his rubber-band exercises to his regular routine to help maintain muscle mass. These activities can be done at home or in hotels.
Move those meetings Mr. Shepley recommends Mr. McGuinty conduct walk-ing meetings once or twice a week when conferring with people who are physically fit. "He could get his exercise in and be a visible role model for active living at the same time."
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