By: Andy Cole
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| Every good workout starts with an even better stretch. Alabamian Clark Kempe makes time for his workout even when vacationing in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. |
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| Kempe starts out slow, but adds more and more weight with each rep he does. He likes to workout for about 60 minutes five days each week. |
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| "I've always got to watch my breaths. Working with your lungs is half the job," Kempe says. He breaths in and out at to the metaphorical rhythm of a metronome. |
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| Kempe says he prefers benching--it's always been his favorite workout. "It's a great way to get started. Keeping the weight up keeps me young." |
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| "You've got to keep your eye on the prize. Staying strong and sharp is the goal for me," Kempe says. He's focused on a superior workout, even on vacation. |
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| "Scofflaw, it's my favorite brewery. Honestly, I'll probably crack one open when I'm done here." Kempe told me that's not usual, it's just because he's on island time. |
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| Kempe was spotted with something really unique -- his shoes. "Yeah, I forgot my shoes. I figured why not go with flops? Who's watching?" |
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| Kempe was on this machine for about 20 minutes. He told me he runs the workout until he can't, saying it keeps him strong. |
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| Kempe then moved to the dumbbell presses. "I like to start out small, just like bench and build up," Kempe told me. |
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| Just like the last machine, his breathing was as orchestrated as the London Symphony. "Really, it's so important. If your breathing is off, your lift is off." |
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| Kempe's last workout is on the treadmill. "I like to finish out my work with a nice jog," said Kempe. |
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| Kempe told me he prefers a curved treadmill, but the resort one will do just fine. "I'll probably knock out a mile or two today. Depends on how much I want that beer!" |
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| Kempe ran a steady pace throughout his entire run. "I about to turn 51. It's important to me to stay healthy. For my wife, for my kids and for me," said Kempe. |
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| In a last minute decision, Kempe decided to hop on the elliptical. "I thought, why not? Sometimes I run on the treadmill and hit the elliptical. All just based on a feeling," Kempe said. |
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| Signature to his vacation workout, Kempe ditched his 'flips' while running. "It's probably kinda gross, but safer than wearing flips." |
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| Kempe is able to workout with a poolside view. "So much better than my gym. I couldn't stop." |
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| Kempe always ends his workouts the same way they began -- with a stretch. "It's so important. You don't want to lock up afterwards. You've got to stay fluid," Kempe told me. |
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| Kempe does a combination of a handful of stretch's he's learned over the years. "I used to be a high school football coach. Being nimble was--and is--fundamental." |
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| Kempe told me he doesn't mind spending an hour of vacation to workout. "It's engrained in me. I've been doing it forever, it'd be like not breathing to miss the gym." |
