Fitness: The ability to function and perform.

In my adult years, I wasn’t particularly active—I wasn’t a runner, powerlifter, or any kind of athlete. I recall participating in a 5K breast cancer awareness walk organized by my mom’s group. Attempting to run the last 200 yards, I ended up kissing the ground afterward, realizing running wasn’t my forte. My athletic experience was limited to middle school track and some mountain biking in my early twenties. Throughout my thirties and early forties, I led a sedentary lifestyle, spending hours at the computer and taking breaks only to smoke cigarettes. My mom often expressed concern over my inactivity.

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Ignoring the Warning Signs

Years of smoking, consuming sugary drinks, and indulging in heavily processed, often fried foods took a toll on my health. A few months before my heart attack, while working on a large project that required carrying substantial gear between filming locations, I realized how out of shape I was. My client frequently checked on me and offered to help with the equipment. I dismissed these signs, attributing my fatigue to aging and believing a smoke break would suffice. 🙄 In hindsight, these were clear warnings of my deteriorating cardiovascular health.

Guys, I’m going just go ahead and say it as blunt as I can… if your “performance” isn’t what it used to be, AGE IS NOT THE EXCUSE! This should have been warning sign number one for my cardiovascular disease building up, even a few years before the 5K walk.

Reevaluating My Functional Fitness

Post-heart attack, I began by aiming for the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise. Initially, I could only manage five-minute walks, six times a day. Over time, I developed a passion for running but neglected strength training. This oversight led to IT band syndrome in both legs during my first half marathon. I incorporated strength training into my routine but faced challenges with consistency. I’ve since recognized the crucial role of strength training in maintaining functionality, not just for daily activities and races but also for healthy aging. Regardless of age or current fitness level, it’s essential to strive for strength and functionality. Here’s your motivation to get started. Watch this incredible video!