The World Is My Gym
At one point, I found that it was getting difficult to breathe. It was difficult running upstairs and in some cases, walking put me out of breath. I thought to myself “I have to do better.” There was no other option but to work on my cardiovascular health. No joke, my breathing would be strained. The way that my parents raised me, I couldn’t accept that.
So, I decided to pursue calisthenics. Even though it’s not common for men over 300 lbs. When I got to the park, I am met with “go to the gym, Big Man.” I wasn’t jacking that. I kept pushing and made showing up to the park to work out part of my daily routine. Doing my best to make every second count. Doing my best to make every pound count.
The comments made me feel uncomfortable, the looks that made me feel uncomfortable didn’t matter. My survival depends on it. Then I had a crazy idea, why can’t I bike? After pedaling in cold, rain, and warm weather I can’t see myself NOT riding! Just know that I got the questions “is that bike strong enough?”
Here. Here we are. Quitting isn’t an option. The wild part is that I am not the only one that is faced with scrutiny. Chardline is a blogger that shares some similar experiences and Chardline pushes through! Whether it’s through diet or pushing through injury to maintain a better lifestyle. It’s good to know I am not the only person with this perspective.
Reebok is a brand that I can appreciate their stance. Being a strong voice and expressing their stance with people who look like me. We Can Only Move Forward From Here.
I took breathing for granted until it was hard to breathe. Something that is considered easy or natural to some became difficult for me. The only solution was to dig deep. Not to have a six-pack, not to show off my body for “likes,” but to live. Cycling helped my endurance and breathing tremendously, especially in a city like New York City. The stairs are looking easier and easier. A long way from being timid & made fun of to being Big enough to make the world my gym. Love.