Here's a quick little video I put together of one of our Coaches, Andy Calvo, putting the guys through a really tough boxing workout.  I can't even explain (or show in a minute long video) how tough these routines are: 90 minutes, very few breaks, high high intensity.  These guys push themselves to the limits and then some.

Besides being physically exhausted, they are really more than anything being mentally exhausted.  I've often repeat the saying "The mind quits 1,000 times before your body does once" and it is so true.  Can you really not do one more pull up?  One more punch?  Or is that just your mind telling you that you can't.

MAKE IT FUN!

I have a confession.  I've never really liked working out.  To me, staying in shape meant soccer practice, surfing, skating, biking, hiking, jiu jitsu, boxing, sparring, etc...  I never really woke up one morning and thought, "I can't wait to go lift weights in the gym today!"

But I know people like that, and I think I'm am starting to understand why.  I stay healthy and active because the sports and activities I choose to occupy my time are fun.  If you don't find lifting weights fun, then find something you enjoy (that's active, not video games or watching tv) and own it.

Don't be scared to step outside the realm of lifting weights up and down to get a workout.  Try a boxing class, jiu jitsu, caepoiera, cross fit, etc.  It also helps if it's something you can see and feel improvement in (makes it more fun).  When I boxed the first time I felt about as coordinated as a baby deer, but after a few classes I could move and punch in combinations.  One of my mentors, Professors, and friends told me it's all about the S.S.L.: Sweat. Smile. Learn.  Now go have fun

Is Health Free?

I've always had mixed feelings about "selling" people on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fitness.  Of course people should have to pay for services provided by a coach or instructor, but living a healthy lifestyle is a choice and shouldn't cost anything... right?

Even if you can't afford a gym membership, you decide what to put in your body and how you spend your free time.  Are you eating junk and laying around?  Or are you eating whole foods and being active?  This seems simple enough, but more often than not, people who live in poverty are not educated on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

I don't want people to be dependent on an instructor or coach to hold their hand through every workout.  I don't care about long term gym contracts that tie people to coming in to work out.  I want to keep the gym open and available to all, like a Rec Center.  More importantly, I want to instill the lifestyle changes and good habits that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

This is why we became a foundation: to provide a safe haven and education for the people that can't afford $70+ a month to workout.  I believe health and fitness should not be a luxury for those that can afford it.  If anything it is a million times more important for those that have very little, because no matter how few material possessions you have, you should always have the choice and the means to treat your body well.