Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated
Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness. ~Edward Stanley
Pushing my body to the brink of exhaustion is a feeling that I relish. The results I get afterwards are rewarding for all the hard work I put into my physical training. Not only do I want to look good, but I want to feel good. Physical activity is one way I take control of the stress in my life. Being active boosts my feel-good endorphins and distracts me from daily worries. It is meditation in motion! I have been doing various types of physical training for 9 years now and have gone through many body transformations.
When I was in my early 20's, I did power lifting and went for a more bulkier look. I used to weigh 235 lbs (6'3 tall). I benched 315 lbs, curled 60 lbs dumb bells, squatted about 350 lbs, etc. In 2009, I pinched a nerve in my lower back and was in severe pain for many months. I had to wear a back brace, take medication for the pain, and attend physiotherapy. My physiotherapist noticed something that helped me change the way I physically train for the rest of my life. He said that I was in great shape but didn't have a strong enough core for my frame. He noticed that I had abs but warned me the dangers of only training abs. It could lead to a tight hip flexor, back pain, and lack of results. He explained to me that by training my entire core improves muscle tone, balance, stability, and posture. It reduces risk of injury, increase of functional strength, and increased activation of stabilizing muscles. Since then, I mainly train with a core emphasizes. I do a lot of cardio, plyometrics, power, resistance, and balance training. If I do use weights, they are much lighter than I used to use in my early twenties. I am much more lean now and usually range in weight between 190-200 lbs. At age 30, I feel that I am stronger & quicker than I have ever been! I have not suffered another injury since I radically changed my work out routines and I feel great!
Pushing my body to the brink of exhaustion is a feeling that I relish. The results I get afterwards are rewarding for all the hard work I put into my physical training. Not only do I want to look good, but I want to feel good. Physical activity is one way I take control of the stress in my life. Being active boosts my feel-good endorphins and distracts me from daily worries. It is meditation in motion! I have been doing various types of physical training for 9 years now and have gone through many body transformations.
When I was in my early 20's, I did power lifting and went for a more bulkier look. I used to weigh 235 lbs (6'3 tall). I benched 315 lbs, curled 60 lbs dumb bells, squatted about 350 lbs, etc. In 2009, I pinched a nerve in my lower back and was in severe pain for many months. I had to wear a back brace, take medication for the pain, and attend physiotherapy. My physiotherapist noticed something that helped me change the way I physically train for the rest of my life. He said that I was in great shape but didn't have a strong enough core for my frame. He noticed that I had abs but warned me the dangers of only training abs. It could lead to a tight hip flexor, back pain, and lack of results. He explained to me that by training my entire core improves muscle tone, balance, stability, and posture. It reduces risk of injury, increase of functional strength, and increased activation of stabilizing muscles. Since then, I mainly train with a core emphasizes. I do a lot of cardio, plyometrics, power, resistance, and balance training. If I do use weights, they are much lighter than I used to use in my early twenties. I am much more lean now and usually range in weight between 190-200 lbs. At age 30, I feel that I am stronger & quicker than I have ever been! I have not suffered another injury since I radically changed my work out routines and I feel great!
The journey not the arrival matters
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
When I travel, I feel such an exhilarating feeling through the adventures that I experience. It reminds me of when I was a child and would ride the roller coasters at Canada's Wonderland! When the ride was just about to start, I'd be excited, but with that jittery, scared feeling at the same time! It's amazing that we can board various types of transportation and arrive at a foreign land where there are extreme differences that you aren't used to seeing. From the architecture, customs, food, fashion, etc. I love the great outdoors and for me, there is nothing better than hiking/trekking through a forest, jungle, mountain or desert! I've always been intrigued with animals and love to watch them in action! I've had the pleasure of interacting with elephants, monkeys, camels, bats and snakes! In the summer of 2009, my wife and I traveled across Europe, Morocco, Middle East & South East Asia. It was a trip that I will never forget. To travel from one extreme culture to the next really puts life into perspective. As you respect each culture and its beliefs, it's difficult to overlook the fact people tend to live by a particular tradition and frame of mind, following unique rules and rituals. This can create a strong spiritual side with some, making their love stronger towards their higher power; toward people, nature and life. Where in others, it can inspire a sort of negative energy- one of segregation and ignorance. Is it wrong or right? Who knows! But I found that travel has made me a well rounded individual with a zest for life.
Introduction
Hello! This is the 1st time I've ever written a blog & I'm excited about the endless topics that I could write about! My wife & I have recently moved to the vibrant & electric city of San Francisco from Toronto. My beautiful & talented wife (Deanna) obtained a character design position with Pixar Animation Studios. I worked at a bank in Canada as a Financial Advisor. I've found it quite difficult to obtain a work visa in the United States & have quite a bit of free time on my hands! This has been quite an adjustment for myself, as I have had either a job or been in school for the bulk of my life. My wife suggested that I start this blog and just write whatever comes to mind and to express myself... this is where I am right now!
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