Client conversations: meet Hudan
This post is is the first in my new client conversations series. I’m lucky enough to train really diverse and interesting folk with all kinds of training goals, ambitions, professional backgrounds and life experiences. I’ll regularly feature an interview with a client on my blog, so you can get to know them! First up, meet Hudan, an economist who has been training with me for four months.
You in 25 words or less
Simon I feel like this is the hardest question anyone has ever asked me! I work as an economist and I take that pretty seriously. But part of me is just completely inspired by Capoeira, music, and dance.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Right now? In no particular order, Jhene Aiko, Cody Chesnutt, Carolina Soares, Sergio Mendes, The Lion King cast album, Wu Tang, some of Daniel Johns' new stuff, this one song by Rihanna, some random tracks I heard from dance videos on Youtube...
Why did you decide to start training with me?
After doing Capoeira at Elementos for a few years, I had a level of coordination and fitness that suddenly made certain movements and goals seem attainable. I knew how deep a background you had in Cap/gymnastics style training so you were my guy. I had never done PT sessions before but I finally had the time so I thought I'd give it a shot.
What are your big picture training goals?
L-sit to handstand, flairs, windmills, au sem mao. I chose a bunch of goals that were movement based. I chose them because they inspired me on some level, like some were impossible breakdance moves from my childhood. I chose them partly doing these moves would be fun, but also partly because they formed the kind of journey I wanted to be on. For all I know, something could happen tomorrow and I may never reach these goals. But heading in that direction has made my life better.
Who inspires you?
In a physical sense? Capoeiristas, bboys, ballerinos, and gymnasts.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about getting into training?
Some advice that really spoke to me: training is not a punishment, and neither is your diet. Your physical fitness is something for you to enjoy, but not a particularly good way to judge your self worth. So find a way to be happy with who you are first, and train just because you enjoy it (sorry to get emo).