I am honored to be contributing in this South Asian Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo publication. As an avid athlete, I have come across many outstanding examples of South Asian athletes excelling in competition. What is clearly visible is South Asian’s are naturally gifted with physical strength, endurance and talent assisting them to succeed at all levels of sport. I have decided that 2011 is the year I am going to put the pedal to the medal. As someone who enjoys cycling and as a writer for the past 16 years I wondered how could I combine these together with an everlasting message? This is what I came up with. I am currently planning a 7-day biking expedition from my hometown of Mission to Victoria this June called, “ Let‘s celebrate Multiculturalism together”. The purpose of this journey is not only to promote multiculturalism, but also to share in a valuable discussion with British Columbians of the growing cultural divide we’re currently facing in some of our Lower Mainland communities. Why not, highlight the spirit of physical health with an important Canadian message.
Keeping physically active enables us to enjoy are lives to the fullest potential on and off the court. By encouraging people to be in full motion with their bodies and minds they will notice positive results in their overall health. Speaking with my older brother Daljit, who is a physician in Surrey. He recommends that daily exercise is important for South Asians who are at a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes throughout their lifetime.
If you’re heading back to the gym or looking for an intense cardio workout with low impact on the body you should definitely try a spinning or cycling class at your local gym. I do it three or four times a week and I am seeing quick results. I am looking slimmer and feeling much better. Instructors guide you through an intense program with music that usually last 50 minutes. One of my favorite instructors from Inform Fitness Center in Mission Georgina Mitchell said: “ spinning is a great form of aerobic exercise. This work-out tones the and strengthens the lower body - the legs of course, but also the hips and core muscles of the back get used too. In an hour-long class, a person can burn 400 to 1000 calories - depending on the individual and the intensity of the workout.” It is also a great training workout for the cycling enthusiast who is unable to get outside during inclement weather. Plus there is no traffic to worry about or falls to be had - so no helmet necessary. You will want water and a towel, said Mitchell.
“Because each person is in control of their own bike, they control the tension and speed that best suits them - so they can set how hard they want to work. Plus instructors are happy to give different moderations for different participants.”
Some of my other workout activities include running, basketball, tennis and doing whatever it takes to hopefully land my bike and I at the provincial capital.
The bike that I will be pedaling on has been generously donated by Wentings Cycle & Mountain Shop in Mission. During the trek, I am planning on raising funds to hopefully buy the bike and donate it to a worthy individual who is in need. If you would like to nominate someone please let me know. Strangers have been approaching me on the streets and giving me loonies and toonies and offering me places to stay during the trip. I am thankful and humbled by the gracious support.
I am not doing this to obtain ‘hero status‘, but rather, I see it as a personal responsibility to share in the feedback I have received as a veteran columnist. Meeting and listening to people is always fun and exciting. Along the route, I will be hopefully visiting a dozen or so communities and discussing ways to make our communities more inclusive. Whether you agree with me or not, I am here to pass everyone this message from readers. If you believe in this message and would like to be part of this team, even if it's for only part of the distance, drop me a line. This has to be a group effort and its not a race. Estimates have it that we will be pedaling 4-6 hrs a day traveling roughly 300 km during the week.
People are extremely angry and frustrated of this growing isolation. Changes need to happen sooner than later. Experts predict that our population is going to get much more diverse in the decades to come and in 10-20 years, we will have some serious issues on hand if we don't discuss them now. I can't change how people live, but we can certainly make them think. The engine of diversity are working, but some major repairs are needed. Remember, that isolation creates hate and this effects everyone. How we live today, will be passed down onto the next generations of Canadians. By creating awareness, we have made a difference.
The end goal of this week-long spectacle would be to arrive at the Legislature and meet with the next premier and highlight this awareness. Stay tuned. I am looking forward to coming to a city or town near you. Enjoy the day.
KenHerar@gmail.com
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