In 2012, at the ripe old age of 37, I had an acute gout attack. I can only describe this as what I imagine it would feel like if your foot was being crushed in a vice. This came on the heels of many years of too much alcohol and red meat, and a lack of exercise, vegetables and water. I was a classic workaholic who once considered himself to be a pretty healthy person. I transformed my diet and exercise routines with the help of @Joyous Health, an article in bicycling magazine about NY-based chef, Seamus Mullen www.bicycling.com/health-nutrition/a20017728/chef-seamus-mullen-wants-to-heal-you and a new mountain bike. My new obsession ensued. I was mountain biking so much that my knees and lower back were becoming limiting factors. I remember hobbling down stairs and aching as I got out of bed in the morning. I was getting concerned that I would no longer be able to continue riding, and wondered how to keep healthy. With a family, a home, and a business to run, I had reached a new crossroads in my physical and mental health.
It was then that I decided that things needed to change, and I came across the pinkbike article for mountain bikers with lower back pain www.pinkbike.com/news/short-yoga-routine-lower-back-pain-2015.html. It was just what the doctor ordered—super convenient and accessible. I could feel a difference both physically and mentally after my first session. I immediately downloaded the app and ordered the full set of 15 minute videos on Vimeo. Within a week I was pain free. I began a daily yoga routine and haven’t looked back, using it when traveling for work and finding Yoga for Mountain Bikers to be the perfect balance to my regular cross-fit and mountain bike workouts.
I can’t thank Abi enough for putting these together!!! I hope to be riding and enjoying time with my family and friends for another 60 years or more!! Thank you!
Add comment