My Health & Fitness

Looking back at the late ’80s and ’90s, sport was my life. Rugby, cricket, athletics, you name it, I was all in. But rugby, in particular, left its mark. The feel of the mud, the intensity of a tackle, those moments are etched in my bones.

In 1995, I shifted gears into bodybuilding, focusing on classic athletic styles. Three years of intense training and pushing myself without much knowledge of nutrition proved that sheer grit could get you far. My crowning achievement was winning Mr. New Zealand Samoa Junior, followed by a 3rd–place finish at Mr. World Natural Junior in Auckland.

But after that, something changed. The excitement faded and the competitive drive dwindled. So, I walked away – no drama, just done.

Next up, I delved into personal training at Club Physical Gym in Auckland. This chapter focused less on aesthetics and more on longevity and balance. My approach? Stick to the natural (raw) stuff – real food and real exercise. Forget the obsession with six-packs. The goal is to feel alive. Climb a hill without gasping. Or join a game of touch rugby and keep up with the younger crowd.

For me, health isn’t just physical, it’s mental too. These days, I explore holistic approaches, avoiding the quick-fix mentality that’s so prevalent today. The simpler, natural methods have more to teach us than we often realise.

I’ll continue sharing more about this journey soon.