bobchoat

I consider myself the “average guy” who is on this path of self-discovery. Along the way I decided that I want to make a difference, especially in the areas of health and fitness. It’s all about that journey for all of us and I’m no different. As the son of a career soldier and a Japanese mother, I’ve had the advantage of traveling the world as a child and living in many different areas. While I don’t have what anyone would consider ‘roots” to any one area, I do look at myself as lucky. Learning about different cultures, even within the United States, has expanded my perception. From early on in my life I was exposed to the healthy side of life as well as the unhealthy side. My father was a life-long smoker and lived his life unhealthy. I remember him saying how much he hated to eat spinach as well as many other veggies. It was no wonder that he suffered from many cardiovascular diseases which led to his passing in 1983 under the age of 50. Just as I was lucky in being exposed to many cultures, I was also lucky to see both sides of health. My Japanese uncle, Keiji, represents what one could be like when living a healthy lifestyle. Even into his late 90s he showed vibrancy. Seeing so many sides of life led me to look at my own. I did manage to serve in the Marines and the Los Angeles Police Department. I love action and fitness was part of repertoire in both lines of work. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Even in health and fitness. Like I said earlier, I’m like the average guy. Yet, I went on a quest to want to learn more, especially in the area of how we think and believe. My question became, “What is that driving factor that leads us to do what we do?” I will never forget my father coming up to me back in high school and saying, “Son, I know you’re into sports and exercising. That will all change by the time you get into your 30’s. You’re not going to do any of that, your life will change.” That was his mindset regarding health and fitness. He stopped exercising and didn’t really believe in it. At the age of 39 he had his first heart attack. And just under 10 years later he passed away from the complications of a stroke. His attitude about health is much the same I’ve witnessed in many parts of the United States. Since the 1970s I’ve seen many changes to the health of the average person (which is the one area where I am different). I wanted to answer the question I thought about above. So began my journey into learning. From graduate level studies in psychology to courses in personal training, I absorbed it all. The practical application of hypnosis I learned at Hypnosis Motivation Institute in Tarzana, CA helped quite a bit in knowing how to change the mindset of people. Earlier, as a direct response copywriter, I learned how certain words can have an influence. My studies in psychology via the academic route helped, though it was the study outside of it is where I really learned. Traditional universities do not teach methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). So I decided that I wanted to learn more, beyond the university walls. I took courses in REBT as well as EEG Neurofeedback. I was able to combine all of this with trainings in fitness as well. I received my certification in personal training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. While working on my dissertation I learned about epigenetics and how our lifestyle affects the expression of our genes. I also studied extensively in neuroscience and became a member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society. I could go on and on about this credential and that credential. It’s not going to do you a bit of good, except I do my homework in what works and what doesn’t work. While I educate my clients and others in how to change their mental state towards fitness, I also live by example. In June 2012 I set my all-time best in non-stop pull-ups by doing 57. My best in the Marines was 44 pull-ups. I also did over 1000 push-ups in 30 minutes in June 2012. In recent years I received my 5th degree black-belt in Kenpo Karate and the same in American Modern Jujitsu as well as becoming a Senior Instructor in Jeet Kune Do. There’s more in that arena too. I’m a big believer in moving forward and not resting on past laurels. I will keep challenging myself to perform at my best as much as possible. I can’t tell you to do the same thing if I am not doing it either. So, keep challenging your mind and body to get and stay healthy and fit and I will do the same.

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