Doug Gamm is a guy you don't want to mess with. He's 59 years old and benches more than 350 pounds on a regular basis.
He said he "always liked being strong, and you maintain a lot better health that way."
On top of the heavy lifting, Gamm swims a half mile twice a week. Throw in a little stretching, and fitness instructor Charles Green said this is a great example of a healthy lifestyle.
Green explained, the three components for health and fitness are "strength training, cardiovascular training, and flexibility training."
The benefits go far beyond bigger biceps. Getting fit can help prevent you from getting sick.
"Long, long list there," Green noted, "you got the flu, your common colds, a lot of those respiratory illnesses."
Gamm agreed, "I've only missed two days for being sick in 38 years on the railroad."
You certainly don't have to lift 300 pounds to see results. All you need to do is workout three days a week, at a level you feel comfortable, and you'll go a long way in preventing the H1N1 virus. Experts said when you work out, you're shedding toxins, and bumping up your immune system.
Unfortunately, pumping iron doesn't translate to 100% prevention. Those two days of work Gamm missed a few years back - well, he had the flu. But Green pointed out, even if you do get sick, your body is better equipped to fight the disease.
He said, "I find that if it does hit, it does not stay as long and it does not hit with the severity that it might have."
Green added, a little exercise can also help you get over a cold. Cardiovascular training will help break up mucus. But he cautions you to scale back your usual workout routine - his best advice is to listen to your body.
