Craig Melvin pointed out a daily practice that his co-star, Al Roker, does everyday in Studio 1A – but it may have gone completely unnoticeable. During the October 23 episode of the Today Show, the hosts were joined by an expert to discuss exercises for those over 65.
Despite Al being absent from the show, his name was brought up in the discussion. Craig pointed out that the meteorologist sometimes likes to balance on one leg during filming. He then quizzed the expert over whether this was a conscious exercise to help maintain the 72-year-old's health.
"Is that part of it?" asked Craig. "That's exactly part of it," replied the expert. "As you get older, you worry about fall prevention because falls are a big source of mortality as you get older. So sitting in a chair and standing up without your hands or if it's actually doing what Al's doing with the one foot balance, all of that is really important because we see this all the time with older patients, maybe they fall in the shower or get out of the shower. These can be really big sources of frustrations and make sure you're checking your vision as well."
© Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty I"This is really helpful," added Dylan Dreyer.
Laura Jarrett stepped in for Al during the Third Hour of the show. The NBC star's absence was left unexplained, but there's no doubt he's most likely enjoying some well-deserved time off with his family.
© Getty ImagesAl previously spoke to HELLO! about the great dynamic he shares with his co-stars. "The great thing about the Today Show is that the sum is greater than its equal parts," he shared. "They've all subbed, they've all stepped in, and we don't miss a beat. So no matter what happens, we're going to be in great shape," Al ensured, noting that the show, which has been on the air since 1952, is "built to evolve."
He continued: "Each one of us is very fortunate to be in this position, for however long we have, and then we pass the baton off to somebody else. So the future of the show is just as strong and bright no matter who steps in."
© Getty ImagesAl Roker's exercise routine
Al underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002, and now ensures he maintains a healthy lifestyle to stay in shape.
He revealed that prior to surgery, he relied on guilt and "desperation" to get himself back on track with diet and exercise. "I’m still glad I did it," he shared. "It’s not the end. It’s the means, and you still have to do the work." Despite his demanding schedule, Al ensures that he finds the time to regularly exercise.
© Getty Images"I try to walk a couple of miles a day at least," he said. "I’ll walk [to work] and back. It’s about 15 blocks. If I can get in 15 or 20 minutes of weights or some sort of aerobic exercise, then great, fantastic. It’s better than not having done it at all."
He continued: "When you get to 71, you’re thinking, How much time is there?” he shared. "A health journey is literally that – a journey. There are ups, there are downs. It’s all, you know, big and complicated – just like life. I can be the best 71-year-old I can be."
