6:00am – the alarm rings, I stretch my arms out wide, take a nice deep breath and exhale…. let’s win the day
My routine was not always like this, I’ve struggled with consistency in the past; it was something that didn’t come easy. I liked going with the flow, stating whatever happens, happens. Fast forward to now; consistency in my routine has helped me take my life to a whole new level- a better place – to turn in to someone I’ve only wished I could be….
Hi, I’m Kyle aka @kylerocs aka Tito flex. First of all, I’d like to thank you for reading my story. A great part of what I do and my experiences have been expressing gratitude. Being thankful for all the opportunities that have been presented in front of me is one of the main reasons I continue to do what I do. Secondly, I want to share with you all my story that is my experience with fitness and sport. These two activities have kept me sane during some very trying times in life, like now, in this pandemic. Lastly, I hope to inspire you to pick up a passion project, a new hobby or something similar after reading this article.
“Give it your all or don’t give it at all”
Your effort is what matters. Stay in the present moment. Don’t let the outside world affect you right now. You can deal with it later.
These are words I repeat to myself as a reminder that whatever I give, is what I’m able to receive in return. The energy of the universe breathes through me. I am an extension of the universe.
Now I know that sounds really deep, and maybe somewhat confusing to some, but simply put, by putting your 100% effort in to the exercise/task/mission right now, you will appreciate it more than if you half assed it.
Give it your all or don’t give it at all… and if you can’t give it your all, maybe you need to redirect your energy and work on what’s holding you back.
I also know that it’s not always easy to put your 100% and so that’s why something that’s helped me continue and stay motivated is to be grateful for every opportunity that I have to play sports, exercise, run and even interact with the people around me. I tell myself, what if this is the last time I ever get to do this? It feels like there’s a switch that goes on after saying those words that makes it possible for me to do better.
Sports and fitness saved my life.
No joke, I think sports and fitness really saved my life. As a first generation Canadian, kid of separated parents in Brampton, there were so many opportunities for me to go astray. Substance abuse, violence and other destructive habits are evident in my community. I could have been on that path, but instead, thanks to my parents, I found a passion for sports.
Growing up as a kid, I was fat. No lie, a fat kid that loved to eat and loved to play sports. Doctors told me I needed to lose weight, I was bullied they called me obese, I even had a coach that told me I was too fat and slow to make the basketball team in grade 6. Those words burn to this day. But that didn’t stop me from doing what I loved, it didn’t stop me from becoming the best version of myself. Being skinny is overrated. I learned how to use my body to my advantage. In high school, I put myself in a position to use my size and speed by playing football (2011 ROPSSAA Football champions), rugby (perennial playoff team) and continued to play as a forward in basketball, outside of school
It was because of playing those sports that led me to finding fitness. Exercise and lifestyle changes was something that was becoming more prevalent in my life. I used fitness as a way to balance my nutrition habits, I’m telling you, I still love to eat! Through that balance, I was able to make the decision to study kinesiology. I wanted to share my experiences with people like you to let you know that it is entirely possible for you to find health in your busy life; even when it seems impossible because you have so much on your plate.
2020 is a Year of Change
We live in such a fast paced environment. Information overwhelms us by the Gigabit, our brain can only absorb so much at a time. There are so many people telling us what to do, that sometimes we run in to contradictory opinions, it’s hard to determine who to listen and what advice you can take and follow.
During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to slow things ALL the way down. I used the quarantine as a time to reflect on where I am in life. I was having internal conflicts with where I was currently and where and what I wanted to be. I used this time to carefully analyze what were the things holding me back and what were the things that were pushing me forward? I soon realized I wasn’t enjoying life. I wasn’t playing sports because of injury, I wasn’t interacting with people that I wanted to help and that could also help me. I was drowning from the demands of the world and it was hard to keep afloat. During this pandemic I learned that in order to float, you must find stillness. Don’t waste your energy on things that don’t matter. Find your blessings through doing stuff that makes you happy. But I’m not going to tell you to quit your job and escape all the first world problems. I want you to find balance through making the right decisions for yourself, because when you are at your highest form, you benefit the people around just as much as yourself.
My name is Kyle and I am a Leader in my field. I work with individuals who are looking to make a healthy lifestyle change by incorporating fitness in to their lives. Follow my coaching page @coach.kylerocs and I’ll share with you my insights and tips for moving and living better.
