How did I become interested in fitness?

- September 10, 2023

My journey into the world of fitness wasn't your typical "Eureka!" moment but more of a gradual awakening, sprinkled with some unexpected twists and even a dash of humor along the way. It spanned decades and was shaped by a series of personal experiences and events, some of which left me scratching my head, while others left me with a profound sense of determination.

Back in the day, I was knee-deep in the construction and property industry, a world where long hours and stressful schedules were the norm. They say those who work in construction might be a tad "crazy," and I can't argue with that. The daily grind left little room for leisurely meals; in fact, lunch was often a mad dash to refuel before diving back into the fray. In my younger years, I brushed off the physical, emotional, and spiritual toll, but eventually, the toll started to add up. Fitness? Well, it was about as far from my mind as a tropical beach vacation during a snowstorm.

Let me whisk you away to my thirties, a time when I found myself in the bustling city of Abu Dhabi, involving in a prestigious condominium project. The culture was rich, as was the cuisine, and that included spicy delights like Biryani Rice with mutton or beef. One day, after a particularly hearty barbecue feast, my nose decided it wanted in on the action and started bleeding like a faulty faucet. Talk about awkward moments! Fortunately, I managed to stem the tide of crimson embarrassment. Little did I know; this nosebleed was the canary in the coal mine, signaling my significant weight gain. My right leg started complaining too, and soon, I was the proud owner of high uric acid levels and high blood pressure. Life was giving me quite a workout, but not the kind you'd find in a gym.

Then, there was the unforgettable incident involving my senior colleague, a seasoned veteran in the construction game. At the tender age of 46, the stress finally caught up with him, and he experienced Bell's Palsy. He took weeks off to recover, and when he returned, it was like a plot twist in a movie. The fiery lion had turned into a zen master, speaking less and fuming lesser. His transformation left me pondering life's quirks.

Fast forward to our late thirties when my wife and I decided it was high time we gave our health some much-needed attention. We dabbled in activities like jogging and swimming, but let's be honest – Penang's culinary temptations didn't exactly make it easy to stay on the fitness wagon.

But then, a pivotal moment arrived when I bore witness to my friend's rollercoaster of health woes. Work-related stress led to a mild heart attack and a stroke, and despite best efforts, it was too late for a quick rescue. His right side became partially immobilized, and his health took a nosedive, becoming a constant cycle of hospital visits and specialist care. We rallied around him, offering support and prayers, but it was heartbreaking to see his condition deteriorate until he took his final breath at home, surrounded by his family and friends.

My health rollercoaster ride was next on the agenda. While I didn't get the heart attack memo, my gall bladder was harboring a stash of gallstones due to years of indulgence in unhealthy delicacies. The last straw came in the form of a notorious peanut snack in Langkawi that sent me on an emergency flight back to Penang. My gall bladder had to go, and I vividly remember feeling a certain "gutless" sensation as they wheeled me into surgery. Recovery meant two weeks in the hospital, where I contemplated my newfound "gutlessness."

And then, COVID-19 swept in with all its pandemic glory.

I got a taste of what it's like to have your body stage a mutiny – muscle pain, fever, appetite disappearing into thin air, a scratchy throat, and an endless fatigue that wouldn't quit. But the real star of the show was the never-ending cough, which stubbornly hung around for a good two months. If I'd known it would be so persistent, I might've considered giving it a name.

Around 2019, just before COVID-19 turned our world upside down, my wife got lured into the gym by a persuasive friend. Eventually, she twisted my arm, and I reluctantly joined her. Little did I know that this would mark the beginning of my love affair with strength and endurance training. Leg squats, bicep curls, triceps extensions, chest presses, hip thrusts, and more became my new playmates. I found genuine joy in the feeling of strength and the journey of staying fit, even as the years ticked by.

As I look back on all these experiences, it's clear to me that fitness is more than just personal well-being; it's a commitment to keeping myself in the best shape possible, not only for my sake but for the sake of my family. My fitness journey has been shaped by a series of life-changing events, some serious, some downright comical, but all of them have molded me into the fitness enthusiast I am today.

So, why did I get interested in fitness? Well, when life throws you its curveballs, sometimes you just have to hit back with a few squats and curls and show it who's boss! 🏋️‍♂️💪

Yours truly,

Gary

September 11, 2023

Feel free to explore my fitness wisdom on my Blog and Facebook Page, where you'll discover a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. Let's continue to motivate and uplift each other on the journey to being FIT & STRONG! ⚡