As a veteran, you’ve probably heard too many times about how going to the gym can help you. But, life isn’t a gym. Functional fitness trains you for real life. It trains you to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and be the best person you can be so that you can show up for what’s important to you. Alim Shabazz is the second vice commander of AMVETS Hawaii, an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and a fitness expert who explains the link between physical and mental health.
On Today’s Show
- How outdoor workouts make you happy
- What you can do to be your best self
- What functional fitness is (and how it’s different from traditional fitness)
Episode Timeline
(00:48) Who is Coast Guard Auxiliary Alim Shabazz?
(04:19) Why he joined a veteran service organization
(06:30) AMVETS facility in Hawaii
(07:15) Getting out of a funk with outdoor workouts
(11:57) Using fitness to help people
(14:45) The ONLY thing you have 100% control of
(18:07) How to start becoming fit from scratch
(19:08) Don’t be a ‘bro friend’
(22:15) What if you can’t get off your couch?
Key Takeaways
- There are four chemicals that increase the feeling of happiness in your brain and body. Outdoor workouts trigger all four of them.
- Exercise is not the be-all and end-all of happiness and wellness but it is one powerful way to expand your options and feelings.
- Connect with people and form a community on your good days. This way, on your bad days you have someone or people to call on, lean on, and depend on.
