Cardio Crazy

I'm not sure if any of you have ever desired to make an abrupt shift in your training, but I am currently considering making this move STRONGLY. I'm not referring to the much needed change of pace that creates muscle confusion and diversifies a program to keep your body responding, I mean a complete change in direction. 

I remember the summer of 2007. I was an intern in Hollywood. I worked at a major record label and picked up some credit hours which transferred as an unblemished  4.0 GPA back home at University of Texas, but beyond all this glory talk.... let's be real, i spent MOST of my time just BEACH BUMMING! C'mon, the palm trees and seventy-something temperature, accompanied by the bluest skies I've ever witnessed and the coldest, clearest ocean water this gulf coast native has ever known... It motivated me to hold dear the almighty power of a solid nutrition and cardio program. Afterall, each day at Venice Beach is an opportunity to enter "The Cage" at Muscle Beach, the infamous outdoor training facility at which Arnold himself used to train. You HAD TO BE LEAN to dare set foot on those grounds and not be utterly embarrassed by the company which was sure to be present. 

So I've been back in Texas for over a year now. What's changed? A LOT. I went from a super lean, mildly muscled fitness enthusiast to a bodybuilder. I began pursuing muscle mass increases and then trimming my new weight to uphold a competition-worthy physique. This has been fun, and I will most likely compete again. However, it's called for decreased cardio and increased caloric intake, therefor taking me away from something I once enjoyed so deeply. Sure, out here I'm sacrificing the Cali breeze and the fabulous hills overlooking the pacific as well as Southern California's vast array of fresh fruits, but when I run, I'm happy. And when I eat lean as I once did, I feel so much more whole. 

Never underestimate the power of wellness. To run from a temporary goal or a fad with reckless abandon and embrace whatever form of fitness makes you most happy is a great thing. Be true to yourself. Do you really want to be the mass monster of the gym (and if you genuinely do, I'm not here to knock you)? Or do you want to maintain happiness, healthiness and wholeness by finding your true passion and focus all your energies in that direction?

It's worth thinking about really. I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday!