Hello men....I'm Ryan and I'll be your guide over the coming months on the incredibly broad and sometimes myth-riddled topics of Heath, Fitness & Diet. I won't make any assumptions over your current level of interest in this field right now. I can only assure you that many in the bear community already take precious time out of their busy lives to improve their health through exercise and diet, not necessarily because they want to lose weight or conform to a perceived better body, but more because they want to function a little better. I'll not preach, it's not my way. I'll try and gently push some ideas your direction in an effort to keep our community healthier, longer.

 

Everyone loves a bit of cake though, don't they? I know I certainly do. Maybe your love for food lies elsewhere. I also realise that not all big people are built that way because of the foods they eat! In the future, I hope to bring you something to digest that'll give you the tools to make informed decisions about the foods you choose, and maybe convince you a life with exercise in it isn't necessarily a boring one. For the gym-goers among you, I'll give you some low-level through to advanced fitness training tools to consider. It'll be up to you to choose your level of commitment. I'll also suggest any group activities I've heard about that any man/bear/cub would likely enjoy, keeping you active and interested in your own health gains.

 

(A little) about me: I've been in the Health & Fitness industry for close to 9 years, working in a number of places including London Central YMCA as a part-time Health & Fitness Assistant, private work as an Ante/Post-Natal Instructor, but predominantly at Paris Gym, Vauxhall in Central London as a full-time Personal Trainer. Paris has a wide selection of people that attend, and although a predominantly gay gym, it's men only, so we have a fair amount of straight dudes in attendance too. My love for this gym runs deep. Although, I admit I have OCD over the returning of weights (I had to say it), it's a really friendly gym, with great staff and management that frankly is worth its weight in gold! Thankfully. things have developed very well for me professionally. I think my smile and dedication have been, in part, key to my success. Getting up at 5.30am isn't for everyone, but certainly necessary if you're to catch the (crazy?) people that train before work. If you can smile at that time of the morning, they'll either love you, or hate you enough to train harder! It's not all about training hard though; if it's not fun (for you), then chances are you'll not come back. With a barrel of laughs included in my sessions (unless you prefer grumpy me), I endeavour, because bringing positive change to just one persons life always seems to trickle down through to their leagues of friends. Job done.

 

I hear an audible "urgh": talk of gyms may be disconcerting, or the thought downright sickening to some of you guys. Ooh what a treat! I'll introduce you to some exercise(s) that neither require gym nor equipment, just a bit of dedication and the knowledge that you may just be able to run for the bus in the future, without feeling like you're about to have an event.

So, until we next meet, keep active and keep smiling. (Running for the bus)!