Anyone who has spent time away at school can attest to what years of constant binge drinking and processed food can do to the human body. It was only when my Mum began asking me "How's Harold?", that I knew I had to do something. Harold was the nickname given to the food baby I came home with and it became a running joke to ask me how he was doing. If innocent taunting was meant to spur me into action, it worked.
One morning in July 2001, I found myself standing at the front counter in a little gym not far from my parents' house. As I was filling out my membership contract, I could never have guessed that 17 years, 3 cities, 4 jobs and a marriage come and gone later, the gym would remain a constant in my life.
To this day, I am grateful and excited for each and every opportunity I have to work out. The gym is and always has been a place where regardless of what is happening at home or at work; I can leave the rest of the world at the door, I can lift heavy, let off steam, push myself, get stronger and leave feeling at peace.
"I live my life a quarter plate at a time. For those ten reps or less, I'm free." - Me
