Team Beachbody ¡preestreno!Español Guest

Growing up in West Texas all of my life, I was never taught the true value of good nutrition and healthy workout habits. I was raised on fast food burgers, fried onion rings, and copious amounts of cheese fries (dipped in ranch dressing, of course). My problems, however, were unlike those of other people who indulge in these temptations – they had no effect on my physique!!! Exciting, right?

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Growing up in West Texas all of my life, I was never taught the true value of good nutrition and healthy workout habits. I was raised on fast food burgers, fried onion rings, and copious amounts of cheese fries (dipped in ranch dressing, of course). My problems, however, were unlike those of other people who indulge in these temptations – they had no effect on my physique!!! Exciting, right? Wrong. At age 18, I was 5’10’’ and weighed a measly 115 lbs.

I spent much time in the latter part of my senior year flexing my pathetic biceps in the bathroom mirror and wondering when I would grow into a man. This prompted me to begin weight training immediately. I still remember my first month of working out. I joined my good buddy every other day at the YMCA after school for a little weight lifting. The first time I attempted a bench press, he had to rush over to spot me as I was moments away from dropping the bar on my face. After saving my life, his comment was, “Dude, that’s not a lot of weight.” It was 65 lbs. How embarrassing is that?

Most people would take the easier route of “This workout thing just isn’t for me.” After all, I had always had a six-pack. Of course, it looked more like that of a six-year-old. But I used this 65 lb struggle as motivation. It would be nice to be able to one day carry my wife into our honeymoon suite without asking the bellhop for assistance. Besides, I’ve never been a quitter at anything in life.

So, I trained diligently over the next few months right up through college. Throughout my tenure at the University of Oklahoma, I could not afford the assistance of a personal trainer; so I just kind of talked to strangers at the gym regardless of their credibility. All I knew was that they were more knowledgeable than me. After this, I started reading some of the more popular health and fitness magazines, gaining a better understanding of some of the basic principles of
exercise and diet. Over the years, I finally began putting on muscle mass which eventually lead me to where I am today: 5’10”, 160 lbs, with a man’s midsection...not a boy’s.

For years I refused to do any kind of extensive cardiovascular routine constantly trying to convince myself that I would get too skinny. In retrospect, I can openly admit that I had just been lazy, and I had always hated cardiovascular activity that didn’t have a point. If I’m going to run, there had better be a ball and a court or a field involved. And someone had better be keeping score. But that’s just the competitor in me.

Well after my buddy and fellow coach, Jimmy, introduced me to Beachbody and the P90X program, aside from growing obsessed with the intense weight training, I actually found enjoyment in the cardiovascular workouts. Who wants to run on a treadmill for hours on end? Not me. And I still say that today. But it is vital in fitness to maintain a healthy heart; and the only way to do this is through a routine workout regimen.

I’ve often heard, “It’s easy for you because you’re naturally skinny. Plus, you enjoy working out.” This may be the most ridiculous thing a person could ever say to me. First of all, it’s certainly not easy. Secondly, I rarely enjoy working out. It takes a lot of will power. But what I do enjoy is the way that I feel after a good workout. I not only look great, but I know that what is going on underneath all of the muscle is something good.

This is the most over-looked aspect of fitness. Put aside all of the narcissism that is associated with weight training, and acknowledge all of the health benefits. I recently heard a young woman say, “I love the fact that I don’t have to work out. I was just born with great genetics.” I told her that she looked fantastic; but then I asked her if she cared at all about what was going on inside her body. She said that she never really thinks about it.

Well, I’m telling you right now to think about it. And think about it long and hard. Forget the excuses. I’ve got them, too. We all do. Heck, I was born with a moderate heart condition at birth. I have aortic regurgitation due to constant leakage from a bi-cuspid valve (I know…it’s a mouthful). I was told by my doctor a few years ago that the likelihood of my needing a heart transplant sometime in the future was fairly high. I asked if I should cease my workout routine. He said that it would actually be to my benefit to stay in shape. Five years after hearing this, my latest check-up showed no signs of the condition worsening. He said that all of my cardiovascular activity had been more than beneficial.

It’s at that very moment that I vowed to stay in shape for as long as I am able to sweat. It’s a healthy promise, and one that you should make to yourself. I often tell myself that perspiration is inspiration. So let’s perspire!

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