Ever since I was a baby, I’ve been in the ocean. When I was just two weeks old, my mom took me for my first dip in the sea. Since then, I have grown to love the ocean so deeply that I can honestly say I don’t know who I would be without it. It has not only been my goal, but my purpose to utilize the ocean in as many ways as possible, and in doing so I find fulfillment. With that being said, I am so fortunate to be able to call myself a Professional Ocean Athlete. The ocean is my office, my gym, my playground; it’s my happy place.
Now at age 27, I compete in a variety of ocean disciplines including standup paddle (SUP) surfing and racing, longboard and short board surfing, body surfing, lifeguard competitions, traditional paddleboarding, canoe surfing, tandem surfing… the list goes on. In order to be successful and compete in a variety of disciplines, I am required to maintain a high fitness level. Because of this, my training consists of a combination of specialized regimes for each individual discipline along with various cardiovascular, balance, core and strength training workouts. Although my fitness goals may be a bit more demanding than the average person, it is much easier than it seems to get moving and reach your individual fitness goals.
We are made to move. Our bodies are temples full of endless capabilities and once you tap into your physical potential, you will discover it feels so good to move that you won’t want to stop. Here are a few simple ways to get moving this May and to get your body feeling fit, healthy and ready to take on the summer:
1. Learn to SUP. This is currently the fastest growing sport in the world and for a very simple reason…it’s fun! The first step is to get a lesson from an accredited professional and you’re on your way to the most fun workout you will ever experience. You will have so much fun that the term “work” out won’t even apply.
2. Walk/Ride to Work. If you live within 10 miles of your work place, leave the car keys at home at least once a week and ride or walk to work. If work is too far, try substituting easy errands with walking or riding a bike. It’s also great for the environment.
3. Clean Your Local Beach or Park. A 30-45 minute beach or park clean up is a great way to not only get moving outdoors, but to help the environment too! Invite some friends and make it a weekly social engagement; you will cover more ground that way and spread a positive message to those around you. It’s very important that we take care of our playgrounds and as a brand ambassador for Ocean Minded, I personally strive to implement this ideology in everything I do.
4. Join a Gym. For many, these tips might seem a little monotonous… but not if you join a CrossFit Affiliate Gym. CrossFit is a very intense style of training that incorporates cardio, strength, balance and core training all in one workout. Each workout is completely different from the next, and this makes CrossFit exciting, challenging and new every time. In San Clemente, I train at Beachfit CrossFit with Heather Braunwalder and it has greatly helped improve my athletic performance.
5. Dance. I love dancing. In my room, in public, in a club… dancing is so good for you and it’s fun! Whether it’s playing Just Dance on a Wii console, fine tuning your moves in front of the mirror or getting dressed up and heading out for a night on the town, dancing is a super easy way to get fit and have a good time.
Being fit and staying active is so important in maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle. Without physical health, your mental health can suffer or vice versa. I’m very fortunate that my profession revolves around a healthy lifestyle, but for those of you who are not professional athletes, getting fit and moving can be as simple as walking to the grocery store instead of driving and picking up a fun new hobby like stand up paddling. However you chose to get moving, do it now because the longer you wait, the more fun you will miss out on. Aloha!
