Dope Surfer Drops 30kg’s For the Love of Wakeboarding

Hi, I’m Oliver.

That’s my beautiful wife Amita and our dog Nami.

Thank you Amita for supporting me through thick and thin. (And I was thick… ha ha … And OK… I’m not shooting for thin, Ive always dreamed of being athletic…) Amita, you stood by me. Thank you.

I gotta thank Nami too. One of my best mates who also stood by me through feasting and fasting. Nami is 30kg. A big boy. I lost the weight of Nami off my body! No wonder we both used to walk around with our tongues hanging out.

Believe it or not, I actually used to go wake-boarding at 125kg and wonder why it was such an effort. I used to cruise to the beach and dream about surfing. The problem was, it was a challenge just squeeze out of the car. Life was a bitch man.

I’ve always been chubby, yet after moving to Thailand, the pounds piled on. I was like a massive Sumo (without the nappy they wear). I was fat, unfit and miserable. Eventually I manned up and got my mind, body and spirit back on track.

Here is how I look today – 6 months later.

I’ve done all sorts of diets over the past 20 years; shakes, pills, extreme things like not eating for 24hrs then binge feasts. You name it; they all promised quick results, but I got ripped on all of them. Not like, ‘6 pack’ ripped, I’m talking ripped off, lower confidence, demotivated, and to make it worse, typically fatter. Talk about being in a bad place.

Why now?

My uncle passed away last year from a stroke and it shocked the shit out of me, I was scared like a little boy. That, combined with the fact that my body was in constant pain; lower back, knees, groin, hips… and I could no longer enjoy my passion for wake-boarding. I wasn’t feeling good anymore. I decided to change all that, for my life and also for my wife.

What did you do?

I started to change my diet with health & performance coach Hayden Rhodes from RPM Health Club. Eating tasty healthy food helped a lot in losing weight effortlessly. Step two was understanding my mind and body, so Hayden helped me establish a weekly program encompassing healthy rituals that we constantly fine-tuned on a weekly basis. It was not about exercise at all, that part came way later.

The third step was to re-align my body, so I started yoga and Pilates with a private instructor. OMG that was painful… like… I cried, painful! … So glad I did it though, I now understand that posture is important. Hayden teaches that physical, mental and emotional awareness and alignment is the base of all health, performance and happiness.

How long have you been busy?

I started after my birthday at the end of March, 2018. In 6 months I have lost more than the equivalent weight of my dog (30kg). It was not easy and going it alone would have been near impossible. Self commitment and a good coach help tremendously. I now see a big light at the end of the tunnel and can start to train a little harder to become more athletic for wake-boarding and surfing.  My goal is to be lean and athletic by Xmas 2018.

What is the hard part of making sacrifices?

Hayden teaches it’s not about sacrifice it’s about focusing on what you truly want and learning to treat yourself with goodness rather than crap. I personally don’t use the word ‘sacrifice’ and prefer the word ‘choice’ instead. For example, in the long-term you will feel better to choose a fresh young coconut everyday, rather than a pancake or ice cream.

The mind games are tough. 90% is the mind. The old thoughts and behaviors, your own mind trying to beat yourself up all the time. That’s why mind-full practices are vital and why mediation is important. Temptations are everywhere, and available almost 24/7. Also, friends who want to lead you astray and want to hang out with you and do the same old – same old; that can be challenging too. You need to make serious choices and stay focused for the greater good.

What is your routine?

Well I can’t tell you all my secrets – LOL – but major points are;

–          Sleep early and well, in a dark room for at least 8 – 9 hrs

–          Move or exercise for 60-90 min daily

–          Meditate, a bit challenging in the beginning but it helps with mind-body recovery

–          Be consistent – mind set is crucial

–          Learn to listen and respect your body – a coach comes in very handy!

What is the best part?

Compliments! Ha ha. Yet it’s true. When I was overweight, it wasn’t just my physical well-being that was poor, I had low self esteem, I was shy, emotions went up and down. Now people come up to me and tell me I am a different guy – and I am.

I look much better when I ride – and feel so light! OMG… Wake boarding is so much more fun now.

Shopping for smaller size clothes is one of the best ways to lift the spirit and gives an extra boost at to hit the gym. I now enjoy being healthy – it’s an amazing feeling – just being healthy.

Will you go on?

Of course! I feel great and wake-boarding is so much easier and smoother, plus I promised myself that I would land air tricks before the Christmas. I’ve even started new sports such as surfing and rock climbing.

Any last tips?

Nothing is impossible with the right help, motivation and commitment.

This is key though – straight from 40+ years of experience. DO NOT GO ON A DIET.

DO CHANGE YOUR WAY OF LIFE and create a lifestyle you can do for the rest of your life. If I can do this – anyone can. You can.

Remember, surfing is your medicine – so be at your best. For speaking engagements or private performance coaching to improve your surfing, health and fitness contact Hayden at info@surftrainingsecrets.com

If you would like a personal 90 Min strategic coaching call. Contact me.

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