Dean Pohlman: Hey guys it’s Dean. Welcome to the betterment podcast. Today I have Kyle Raymer, who is a mental yoga member since 2022 from Virginia Beach. We’re going to be talking about his health and wellness journey. So Kyle, thanks for joining me.
Kyle R. : Thank you. Glad to be here.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah. So I understand you’re also, a midwestern transplant.
Kyle R. : That’s correct.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah. So what part you’re from? Indiana.
Kyle R. : From Indiana? Yes. Okay.
Dean Pohlman: My dad grew up in Gary. You know, it was a Gary, Michigan city. Actually in Indiana.
Kyle R. : I actually went to college with some some people from Michigan City, so. Yeah. Okay. You know, it’s interesting at the, at the, depending on where where you live in Indiana, it can be very different. Oh, yeah. Geography. It’s a very flat up there. I, I grew up, in the southern part of the state, and there’s like a rolling hills there.
Kyle R. : So it’s it’s, Okay. Interesting.
Dean Pohlman: Cool. So, and I don’t I just want to start this off by saying this isn’t meant to be, like, this blatant promotion to man for yoga. I really just want to hear about, you know, your health and wellness journey. You know, obviously mindful yoga being a part of that, but also, what else grew from that? And, you know, what was the progression?
Dean Pohlman: So the first question I want to ask is when was the moment that you realized, okay, I can’t keep doing things the way that I’ve been doing and I need, start changing the way that I’m approaching my health and wellness.
Kyle R. : I think I, I came to yoga because, I think I was overtraining, with what’s running. And I always. And I always knew that, you know, the weight would be a good thing to incorporate with me, right? And in fact, I think I think I had been running so much that I’m like, I started to get a chance plans.
Kyle R. : And so, you know, you know, like my knee started to ache and that sort of thing. And I’m like, you know, if I want to continue to run like, well into, like, you know, like my older years that I, I need to do something. But I always knew that yoga, I was always told that, you know, it would be an excellent way to, kind of extend your, your, your running life, so.
Kyle R. :
Dean Pohlman: So how long you been running for and when did you start, looking for a yoga solution?
Kyle R. : So I was I think I posted over the weekend a photo from my very first half marathon and that was so. Yeah, I remember that that was 17 years ago, but I, I’ve been I had it running, you know, before that but nothing, you know, no distance of of real length. Before. Okay. And so, you know, I hadn’t had all the mileage and, like I do now.
Kyle R. : And so, you know, especially starting running kind of later in life, I don’t think I ran into the problems that I think other guys do. In our face. I mean, I did run, track in middle school and a little bit in high school, but never distance. It was always it was a very short distance.
Kyle R. : So I don’t know that I Built up enough mileage to, you know, say, oh my knees, I can’t run anymore because my knees are hurting or or what? I don’t I don’t know, I have that,
Dean Pohlman: Got it. So when what age did you start running?
Kyle R. : It was probably like in my like mid 30s, I think. Okay.
Dean Pohlman: What was the goal? Was it just general exercise? Was it like you wanted to run or what? What was it?
Kyle R. : I think it was general exercise, but I had a good friend of mine who who was a runner, and he kind of got me. He kind of got me into it. And so I kind of credit, a friend or I because again, I, I don’t think I ever felt like I had the endurance to run long distances.
Kyle R. : And then.
Dean Pohlman: So what was your average runner? What were your how long were you going running for?
Kyle R. : I probably, you know, definitely like, you know, A5K like three miles or. Okay. But I think in the beginning it was probably, it was probably less for that. I kind of worked my way up to that. So yeah.
Dean Pohlman: All right. So mid 30s you start running and then at what one did you start meant for yoga. When did you start looking for for yoga. You said 17 years later.
Kyle R. : Yes, yes. So and again I think
Dean Pohlman: So you were how old were you at that point?
Kyle R. : Two. That was about two years ago. I was in my early 50s. So. Okay.
Dean Pohlman: Was, was turning 50, like a big moment for, you know, just like now some people, some people, it’s like a life changing, like, okay, I’ve really got to do things differently. And some people are like, yeah, I’m 59.
Kyle R. : I think it probably could have been, and I think the pandemic didn’t help. Yeah, I turned I turned 50 in 2021. And so we were still kind of, you know, kind of in the midst of all that.
Dean Pohlman: Do you have.
Kyle R. : You know, I had that. Yeah. Exactly. Like I think I had, you know, I really had wanted to plan a trip to like, Greece or somewhere, you know, I mean, yeah. But it just it just wasn’t in the cards because, again, because of the, of the pandemic, but. Right. But yeah, 50 was not really a, you know, and I’ll be all thing for me I think
Kyle R. : Oddly enough I think 30 and 40 were, were more like kind of like, you know, always shared. I’m kind of like, you know, I’m getting old here, but, but, you know, and again, I think, you know, as you have more birthdays, they seem less and less significant. So. Yeah. Or you don’t have them, you know, you don’t really count them anymore, you know?
Kyle R. : So.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah, eventually you get to an age where you’re just like, this really isn’t a milestone. Like 22 is not a milestone. Age 23 is not. And then, yeah, like a 38 means nothing. It’s just, for. Yeah, I guess. So you started doing, so you started doing manual yoga. And, what, for you, what enabled you to be consistent?
Dean Pohlman: That’s a, that’s a big thing that a lot of people struggle with. So I’m curious for you, what allowed you to be consistent?
Kyle R. : One thing I love, and again, you know, risk of sounding like I’m plugging man flow yoga here, but I love the, the accountability emails. That for me is helpful because if you have a if you have a workout, like in your inbox, then it’s kind of like, oh, this is my this is sort of my like agreement to myself that I, you know, I there’s something I got schedule.
Kyle R. : This is something I plan on doing. But also for me, I think again, I think it depends on the person. But for me once, once I decide I’m going to do something, I, I’m usually in pretty good about, you know, staying on top of it and doing it. So, I think you.
Dean Pohlman: Know, go ahead. Sorry.
Kyle R. : No, that’s okay. I, you know, I said act like I said as soon as I decide I’m, you know, I’m I’m doing this. I’m, I’m, I’m a member now, I, you know, I’m committed. So I think that, what that commit to something I, I’m pretty good about doing doing the follow through.
Dean Pohlman: How long did it take you to decide that? Okay, this is mental yoga is what I want to do. Or, you know, an angel. Yoga’s a specific example, but, you know, generally, how long does it take you to figure out.
Kyle R. : I don’t think it took me long. Yeah, I, you know, I knew that, and, again, that, you know, when I looking back, I actually did look up to see when I, when I started, I’m like, wow, I didn’t, you know, I, I didn’t even finish out that six week trial before I decided, you know, I want to become a member.
Kyle R. : So I, you know, I think fairly quickly I realized that there’s a lot to this. And it, it can go well beyond helping you with, with programing. It could help me in a lot of other ways. And that’s what I, you know, I guess I didn’t, didn’t think about like, wow, this can help me like stress, which I now I don’t think I, I didn’t approach yoga thinking about that at all.
Kyle R. : And which I should have because I know that breathing is a big part of yoga and that’s so helpful. And And helping you relax and kind of relieve stress. And so, I guess I didn’t, I didn’t really think about it in that way. I think I was really thinking more about what I can do for your body as opposed to, like, what could do for your for your mental wellness.
Kyle R. : And I think that that’s been a really huge kind of, French benefit of, of yoga is, is how it can help your mental, your mental wellness.
Dean Pohlman: So was it so was it. That man for yoga was helpful for multiple aspects of your health? Was that the motivation? Is that what helped you to, you know, to stick with it and and to want to do it?
Kyle R. : Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, just it helped me establish a routine, and just figuring out, okay, how does how does how does yoga fit into, my running, how did it fit into, you know, other aspects of, what I wanted to, my goals for, for fitness and, and just plugging that and I think has really has really helped and just, you know, doing yoga opposite those days that you’re, you know, you’re, you know, concentrating on strength training and or whatever that seemed to it’s been.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah. So it’s a that’s a great question I was going to ask is or what you’re bringing up is a great topic, but what is the, how did you fit this in with your other workouts? How did you, you know, balance those out other activities? And what were those other activities?
Kyle R. : I don’t know that I always did a good job about it because I know that, you know, for a while I was really focused on doing like, other workouts. I’m concentrating on doing, more weightlifting. And, that seemed to like, be my focus. And I kind of forgot that, oh, you know, I need to be doing something on those days where, you know, they’re like, consider like rest days or.
Kyle R. : Yeah, you know, off days, like you got to do something, you know, whether that’s walking or, or, you know, so I think that’s where yoga really came in to, and apply for me is, you know, I would and that’s what I’ve kind of continue to, to this day is, to doing those yoga workouts opposite those days that I’m, in the gym doing, doing, weightlifting or strength training.
Kyle R. : So and the way my schedule is now, like I’m doing, my, weightlifting strength training Monday, Wednesday, Friday. And I’m doing, natural yoga, like Tuesday, Thursday. And then probably Saturday. And then Sunday is kind of like a free day. But I always like to try and do, either a yoga workout or a walk or bike.
Dean Pohlman: Okay. Yeah. I think that’s a really great and like super simple because people do. So first off I’ll say that, you know, I don’t know if there is a perfect way to balance all of these things. You know, I think it’s, it’s, it’s as much of an art as a science and whatever, you know, I think everyone wants to do more with their fitness.
Dean Pohlman: And, you know, they’re like, I’m like, okay, well, I definitely want to do yoga in the morning. And then I want to do whatever workout later on. And then I definitely want to do some, you know, some supplementary mobility work before I go to bed. And maybe I can fit in a quick ten minute session, you know, before lunch, like there’s there’s so many different workouts that you want to do.
Dean Pohlman: And, you know, ultimately you’re, you’re it’s unlikely that you’re ever going to be able to do all of the things that you want to do. So, and then also you have different you have different phases with your fitness or different, seasons, so to speak. So sometimes you, you know, like, I’m really into weightlifting right now and that’s where I’m pushing myself.
Dean Pohlman: And then other times, you know, you’re, you’re not and you’re doing a lot more yoga or you’re doing more, more running. And I think the important thing there is just continue to stay consistent no matter what. And, and let your motivation guide you. It’s more about being consistent than about, like, you know, doing the exact perfect, perfect formula.
Dean Pohlman: That’s what’s going to help you make it sustainable.
Kyle R. : Yeah, I love that. And I feel like, that has been exactly the case for me. It seems like it kind of adds and flows and, I also, just to kind of speak a little bit about about myself and, I feel like I’ve always struggled with, with, with weight, I feel like my weight is kind of, yo, you know, like I’m constantly.
Kyle R. : And, I feel like I’m in one of those, you know, like. Oh, well, I was kind of like, you know, weight wise, I was kind of like, going down kind of like, you know, on a downward slope in terms of, like the weight loss was coming and it was like it was happening. It was happening quickly. And I think if I thought about that, that moment where I’ve kind of plateaued and it’s yeah, you know, like and so I think what I when I’m really trying to concentrate on right now is, is how, how to really do some maintaining.
Kyle R. : And I’m really kind of like focused on that right now. And I never really was before. And there isn’t a magic number for me, I think I, I used to think, oh yeah, you know, being a certain way would definitely be sustainable for me. But I don’t know that there really is a magic number, but I, you know, I think if, if I see, you know, the needle not moving too far in terms of like weight gain, that I feel like I’m probably doing something right.
Kyle R. : So,
Dean Pohlman: So what’s your what was your heaviest weight?
Kyle R. : So. Wow. I think, you know, in college, in college, I was probably like 180 or more. And again, I, you know, I wasn’t weighing myself, you know, on a regular basis, but I think just in terms of appearance, I guess I could tell, but I did I do feel like I knew that I was probably in the 180 range at some point.
Kyle R. : I was told I was a little taller at 1.56.
Dean Pohlman: Five six, 180. And then what you’re currently.
Kyle R. : I think it’s like one. I think I weighed myself yesterday at the gym. I think I was like 161 or something. So I think that seems to be sort of where I’ve kind of plateaued, I think.
Dean Pohlman: Do you feel that weight?
Kyle R. : Yeah, I feel good, but I feel like, you know, I can probably stand to lose a little bit more. But I will tell you, after what I experienced at that time, this time last year, I think I have a kind of artificial sense of, like, weight loss to recover quickly, but, I had, experienced some kidney stones last year.
Kyle R. : I had already,
Dean Pohlman: I remember you talking about that.
Kyle R. : Yeah, I had already, you know, I had already started, kind of on a weight loss program. And then I think once that happened, it sort of accelerated everything. And so I think I had this false sense of, oh, wow, I can I can do this, and the weight can come on, you just like 20, 20 pounds, you get stuff like that, right?
Kyle R. : Exactly, exactly.
Dean Pohlman: But the Covid weight loss plan. Yeah.
Kyle R. : Right. So I think that, I’m like, wow, you know what? That first of all, that’s not sustainable. I, you know, I think I, I think I was down to like 145 that, you know, that seems like, you know, that seems like a great weight. But it just like there’s no way I can maintain that and not be healthy, you know.
Dean Pohlman: And did you but did you feel good at 145.
Kyle R. : I did, you know I yeah, I didn’t so, you know, I trying to think about like, how can I get back there? I’m like, well, you know, by being sick, I don’t, I don’t know how I could, I mean, and so I think you just really have to be on top of it. And, I think that’s really a challenge.
Kyle R. : And I think it kind of goes back to what you were saying about, you know, there’s a season for it. And I think that, you know.
Kyle R. : I’m not always I’m not always like tuned into, the weight loss, like, I like I should be or could be and so I think that’s why right now I’m like, yeah, probably, I probably have more weight back on that. I probably wanted it came back. But, as long as I can maintain, I’m happy with that.
Kyle R. : But again, I think I probably, kind of look at, really kind of tightening up on, on the diet and,
Dean Pohlman: Yeah. What’s worked well with you with weight loss.
Kyle R. : You know, I’ve tried Whole30 in the past, and that seemed to, seem to help, I think the following. The diet plan that, that father recommends has has really helped me as well. So, Okay. And just staying away, you know, staying away from sugar, I don’t, I don’t drink soda. I haven’t in a long time.
Kyle R. : And it’s interesting I’m finding that just with do with doing like a protein shake in the morning, I don’t drink as much coffee as I used to. I used to be a coffee fiend. Three and four cups a day. If not more. And I feel like I really. And I feel good or bad. I don’t drink as much coffee as I as I used to.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah. Okay. So that’s, that’s, that’s some good advice there. So when you, my next question has to do with when you encounter resistance with health and wellness. So it could be and be inconsistent with your workouts. It could be. And you know following a new diet or you know, implementing Whole30, what do you how do you deal with that and how how do you deal with discouragement in general?
Kyle R. : I think that’s a great question. I, I kind of experiences actually recently, I had some friends from out of town that were here, and, that, their visit kind of overlap and like, oh, they’re gonna be here when I, you know, usually at the gym on Monday morning, you know, and like, so I and I, I didn’t feel like I can’t really, like, sneak away while I’m trying to like, you know, be with them, you know, and so that was a little, there was a little frustrating for me because I’m like, you know, wow, this is kind of like my my routine is getting disrupted here.
Kyle R. : And, you know. But, what I had to remind myself is like, you know, this is temporary. It’s a temporary thing that, you know, sure. I may not be able to workout like I normally do on a, on a Monday morning, but I’m just going to have to adjust my schedule and, you know, whether that means, you know, doing an abridged version of my weekly schedule, you know, that’s fine with that.
Kyle R. : And that’s what I’m going to have to do. And so just realizing that, you know what, there are going to be setbacks. You’re not always going to be able to maintain a schedule like you want, but as long as you are doing something and, you know, even if it’s like a kind of an abridged version of your weekly, fitness routine, then it’s what you can do.
Kyle R. : You know what you can do, what you can manage and what you can, schedule given what’s going on.
Dean Pohlman: So, yeah, I think it’s a really important mindset to have with things because a lot of people will get bogged down in the all or nothing mentality, or they’ll feel really they’ll, they’ll they’ll carry around a lot of shame, with things that they didn’t do. And they’re like, oh, you idiot, why couldn’t you do your workout today?
Dean Pohlman: Or oh, you’re lazy. You didn’t want to do your, you know, you didn’t want to do this or, you know, oh, you fatso, why’d you eat that piece of cake or whatever it is? But, yeah, I think being able to recognize that, you know, this isn’t this isn’t do or die and, you know, you’re you’re going to sometimes you’re going to go off the track and sometimes sometimes life is just going to happen.
Dean Pohlman: Right? Like your workouts are not your most important thing. So, I really like that you have that. I really also like that that’s something that our community in general has. Like this sense of grace. This seeing that having grace for yourself is better than shaming yourself into, like, I just worked a double shift at work and I was really tired and there was no food at home and the AC is out, but I still did a two hour workout.
Dean Pohlman: I’m like, did you really need to do that? Is that does that good for you? Like, no, maybe you should have just gone to sleep, you know? So yeah, I think that’s, I think that’s great that you, that you have that, that recognition and you live with that. So another question that I have has to do with.
Dean Pohlman: So, you know, you’ve been running for a long time, you got in demand for yoga after, you know, almost two decades of that, also moving into your 50s. How did that where else did that take you in terms of your overall health and wellness? What what other areas did you start to go into?
Kyle R. : I think I got into the gym more and I started I started hitting the weights more than I that I would, and I’ll tell you that there, there were you know, I that kind of had has ebbed and flowed for me over the probably past 17 years as well. There would be a group of guys that I would, I would get together with them and work out with and well, that was good.
Kyle R. : And that was motivating because you had somebody, you know, that was pushing you, but it was also there was also a downside to it because, you know, depending on, you know, that other person’s schedule, they may be like, oh, well, I can’t, you know, you know, X, Y and Z happened at work today and I, you know, I, I can’t, I can’t go.
Kyle R. : And so, so, you know, it was good and bad. It was like, oh well that’s you know, that’s unfortunate. And I was, you know, was really looking forward to getting in the gym today. And so, you know, so I guess what, what, what I ultimately boiled down to was like, and what I’ve realized is you can’t really rely on anyone else but yourself to get to get it done in terms of, you know, your fitness.
Kyle R. : And so I think you.
Dean Pohlman: Always want to do your workout.
Kyle R. : No. But and, and I would I think I would be I think I would be lying to you if I said yes, but, I think the better and I and I, I’ve seen this a lot kind of like, you know, I’m different. And in my feed on Facebook, different that that I, that I see is, is just changing your mind at about.
Kyle R. : Okay. It’s not something you have to do. It’s something you get to do. And so I think that that’s I mean, that’s so minor. But I think that that’s, that’s everything is like you get to do it. It’s like it’s, it’s a gift because, you know, not everyone has that ability. Not everyone can do that. So I think the fact that, you know, I have that opportunity, I think it’s kind of like, again, it’s like a whole mind shift.
Kyle R. : And, I think that that’s that’s helpful. I mean, that’s that’s the way you’re, you’re going to you’re going to maintain a decent routine. It it is if you approach it like, oh, it’s something you get to do. It’s not something you have to do. Are you. Yeah. It’s not like a chore. Like it shouldn’t feel like it shouldn’t be a chore.
Kyle R. : It should be something you want to do because it’s like it’s, it’s helpful and it’s kind of, it’s going to make you feel and and and be better.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah. Totally. I think that’s are definitely the right mentality to have that. Those little language tweaks are important. Like one thing that I, that I say a lot that I have been pretty good about implementing when it suits me, I guess is, saying, I could not make that a priority versus I can’t, I couldn’t do it is I could do it.
Dean Pohlman: I could have done it. I just I did not make it a priority. I chose not to make it a priority. Now that’s different when, like, you know, my wife is saying like, hey, why didn’t you make dinner? I’m like, well, I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t, I could not do it today. Or hey, when are you done?
Dean Pohlman: Today? Like, well, I have to do my workouts. Like, I need to go do my workout, and then I can, you know, help out. So, but. Yeah, but, yeah, internally, I think saying, like, oh, I get to do my workout versus I have to is is a much better way to, to think about it. So what what results have you noticed?
Dean Pohlman: Just in general in your, in your, you know, your day to day life in terms of your overall maybe happiness or fulfillment as a result of, you know, doing manual yoga, starting to be more consistent with your weight training, continuing running, you know, getting to, you know, a better wait, what what results have you noticed from from doing those things?
Kyle R. : You know, I, I chronically have had, difficulty sleeping. And I think that just this whole, whole routine that I have has really helped with that. I think I sleep better, and, with that, I know that in the past, there have been times where I, you know, because I, I, I always have been like an early morning kind of workout person.
Kyle R. : So that’s when I go to the gym, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, it’s always in the morning and usually I’m up, you know, those days at 5 a.m. and I’m usually in the gym by six. And so, I know myself and, you know, in the past where I wasn’t kind of like in a good place fitness wise.
Kyle R. : And I would, I would be trying to maintain that kind of schedule and I would, I would, I would wake up and maybe I hadn’t slept that well the night before, and I would just, oh, I make an excuse and I would roll over and I just wouldn’t do it. I would get out of bed and I wouldn’t, I wouldn’t go do it.
Kyle R. : And I think that. Having this routine, I don’t feel that way anymore. And I think maybe again, I think it’s because I’m sleeping better. I’m feeling better.
Dean Pohlman: You know, how’d you break that cycle? Did you, you know, did you just force yourself to get up for a few days or what did what did you do? Yeah, I think so.
Kyle R. : I think I felt better, like, I’m like, you know. And you know, what I think also helps is getting up and and and the first thing I do is, is, is drink water. And I think that there’s something about drinking water that like it. And this may sound really weird, but I feel like it wakes me up.
Kyle R. : I feel like it kind of, you know. Yeah, you know, it, you know, obviously rehydrate you from from the night before, but it it’s become part of my morning routine that I feel like it helps me like wake up and. Yeah. Because because I always, you know, it’s always iced water. And so I mean, that’s part of it too, that the cold kind of wakes you up.
Dean Pohlman: But I had a, I had someone I spoke with a long time ago. He did this thing where he, brush his teeth as soon as he woke up. Unrelated, kind of kind of related. My thought with the water was, you can wake yourself up really well. If you just pour too much water in your mouth and start choking and, you know, activate your fight or flight response.
Dean Pohlman: But he actually he actually did this every day. He brush his teeth, but he would like, stick the toothbrush like toward the back of his mouth.
Kyle R. : Like, almost gag himself.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah, like gag himself. He’s like. And then I wake up and I’m like, why would you start your day like that? That sounds terrible. So anyways, point being, yeah, I’m a I’m a big fan of waking up and drinking water. If I don’t do that, I notice that, like I get a little bit of a headache. So definitely the water thing, there’s a lot of kind of subconscious, subtle, maybe subliminal benefits that go from that.
Dean Pohlman: Like just the act of, oh, I’m nourishing myself. Like I’m taking care of myself. I’m making my health a priority. So, so yeah, so the sleep improvement thing to, So wait, so help me, help me get help me get clear on that. So how did you how did you first start? You know, you weren’t sleeping well and you didn’t have the energy to work out, so where did you where did you find the energy to work out?
Dean Pohlman: Or how did you start and how did you get past that initial like block?
Kyle R. : That’s a good question. I think it’s just, you know, you take it day by day and, I think that, you know, a day turns into a week, turns into a month. And, you know, before you know it, you’re like, you know what? I, I don’t have those issues anymore. I think also, you know, if you’re if you’re doing something in the morning and then, you know, I’ve really liked and I, I need to like to really do more of it is, is after dinner and going for a walk.
Kyle R. : And I think that, you know, if you are doing something in the morning, then you do an evening and you’re doing something that well,
Kyle R. : Ultimately, I guess, make you tired, I guess. Yeah. Exactly. That that’s going to like, you know, help the whole sleep thing. And I think that’s really been helpful as I remember, like, especially after a long day at work, you know, you’re like, wow, the last thing I want to do after after dinner is go for a walk. But I think, you know, I’ve, I found that when I feel that way, that’s the best time to do it.
Kyle R. : You know that that’s that’s when you, like, you really should be doing it because then,
Dean Pohlman:
Kyle R. : Your, your, you know kind of tiring yourself out and that will make for a better night’s sleep.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah. So what are you I, I’m going to shift gears, ask you another question. So what are you currently focusing on with your health. What’s what’s kind of the next obstacle or the challenge?
Kyle R. : For me, I think it’s like is building skills like muscle and lean muscle. And there may be some definition. I think I’ve, I know that there are, people in my life that that I’ve noticed, like. Oh, yeah, you’re I can tell that you’ve been doing something because you you you you definitely have more definition in your arms than I’ve ever noticed, about you before.
Kyle R. : And so I think just hearing that and like that, that’s motivation for me. You know, I continue, continue what I’m. What I’m doing. Yeah.
Dean Pohlman: Got it. Cool. And then I just wanted to ask one other one, one question before we move on to our rapid fire section. How has the how has being part of a, you know, a fitness community? So, you know, part of this is man for yoga. I know you’re also part of Fit Father Project. How has been how is being part of a fitness community helped you with your overall wellness versus trying to do it all on your own?
Kyle R. : I’ve been so overwhelmed about how supportive, the community has been, and it continues to be. I guess I never thought that that would be part of this. And I just am just amazed how, you know, people have reached out to me personally about things like, like I’ve had have, you know, guys, send me, you know, private messages and say, you know.
Kyle R. : You’re doing the x, y and the has really inspired me to, to try and do it also. And I guess, I mean, I never set out to do man flow yoga to like, inspire someone else. I did it for myself. So the fact that that’s happening, I think is pretty is pretty amazing. So yes.
Dean Pohlman: I think that’s really cool.
Kyle R. : Yeah, I think it’s cool that, everyone is been so wonderful and so supportive and, so encouraging. I think that’s helpful, especially if you are, you know, at a moment where you’re kind of like, teetering on, you know, I’m not feeling the greatest about, you know, what I’m doing right now. Just that, you know, little word of encouragement.
Kyle R. : It’s like, okay, you know, all the different.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah, that’s pretty cool. Yeah. So, moving on to our question. So what do you think is one habit, belief or mindset that’s helped you the most in terms of your overall health and wellness?
Kyle R. : Right. So are we doing the rapid fire thing? So I need to I need to fire. Fire I need to I need to fire fire it off. So so I’m sorry. Could you repeat the question?
Dean Pohlman: Yeah, sure. What is one thing, what is one habit, belief or mindset that has helped you the most in terms of your overall health and wellness?
Kyle R. : I think just fitting in, like, if you could do 15 minutes, like I found myself like especially I have the opportunity to work from home to 15 minutes, just to get away from the desk and walk, you know, once in the morning. In the afternoon, if I can do that. I think that’s that’s huge for me because it’s something I never I never would do, ever, you know, in my work life.
Kyle R. : So just incorporating small things, the. Yeah, like, like, like, you know, a 15 minute walk or doing, like, getting up from the desk and doing, like, a seven minute, like, flow. Yeah. You know, is I love doing that. And I wish I had I wish I had time of the time in my day where I, where I feel like I could do that.
Kyle R. : So, cool.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah, that’s great advice. What is one thing that you do for your health that you think is overlooked or undervalued by others?
Kyle R. :
Kyle R. : Maybe it’s an attitude thing. Kind of like what we were talking about earlier. Like, it’s a maybe it’s a mindset that’s like, you know, it’s a new day. And, you know, I, I get to do, you know, x, y, Z or, I don’t know, maybe it’s just a mindset, a mindset that I.
Dean Pohlman: Need to just to get to instead of to have to.
Kyle R. : Yeah, I think that that I think that’s kind of a, that people do. Appreciate that. Okay. They should I think.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah. No I think that’s great. What’s the most stressful part of your day to day life?
Kyle R. : Probably work or.
Dean Pohlman: Whatever.
Kyle R. : But not every but but not every day, I think, I think when you know something is in our crazy going on, you got a lot, a lot to do that can be stressful. I think,
Kyle R. : I think, like, people in your life can be a cause of stress, whether whether they mean to or not. And I think, you know, in relation shifts can can cause undue stress. So, I think yeah, I think people relationships work. Yeah. And I think that I think Doga has helped me. You know, I think, you know, when things get stressful, I think I, I always go back to remember the breath.
Dean Pohlman: Yeah, yeah.
Kyle R. : I know that that’s, you’ve covered that a lot and some of the a lot of the workouts is, you know, concentrating on breathing in, in the, in the, in the workout. That’s good. But, you know, just knowing that that translate can translate into your, into your daily life too, that, you know, right. You know, later on, you know, when you’re behind your desk and you feel you’re feeling like you’re stressed, just remember the breath.
Kyle R. : I find myself thinking about that.
Dean Pohlman: So yeah, absolutely. What’s the biggest challenge in your fitness right now?
Kyle R. : I would say,
Kyle R. :
Kyle R. : I don’t know that. I feel like I’m completely dialed in right now, and I think that just getting back there, I think,
Dean Pohlman: In terms of the overall workout schedule or the nutrition aspect or which I think.
Kyle R. : Is probably more is probably more nutrition than anything else. I think, I know that, you know, I do have room to tighten up on that. So,
Dean Pohlman: Cool. All right. What’s your best piece of advice for men who want to be healthier?
Kyle R. : You just have to decide to do it like you have to, like. Make it make your mind up that enough is enough. You know, I, I’m tired of feeling this way. I. I feel like, you know, feeling tired or feeling, you know, stressed out. Kind of like what we were saying about, about priorities. Like making yourself and your health a priority.
Kyle R. : I know that’s hard for people, especially if you’re, you know, in a, in a situation where, you know, a lot of people depend on you and,
Kyle R. : It’s hard for you be hard to find the time to do that for yourself. But, and maybe and maybe that’s an excuse. You know, people say, oh, well, I don’t have time in my day to do something, but and I think if account goes back to what you were saying about, about priority, you know, it’s like, sure, you you probably did have time in your day.
Kyle R. : You just didn’t make it up and make it a priority and making yourself a priority. I think that’s hard for for guys. It’s like to like, oh, you know what? At the end of the day, all these people are depending on me. So I got to I got to take care of myself in order to take care of or take care of other people.
Dean Pohlman: So cool. All right, well, Kyle, thank you for that conversation. So, and it’s it’s cool if people reach out to you in the Facebook group or in. Oh, yeah, man, for yoga. Engage.
Kyle R. : Absolutely. I welcome that.
Dean Pohlman: Awesome. Okay, so it’s Kyle Ramer r a y m e r is it Raymer? Am I pronouncing it right?
Kyle R. : Yeah, sure. But yeah.
Dean Pohlman: So cool. I like to play this game where I look at words and invent pronunciations. So I guess I could like RA mayor if I.
Kyle R. : Really be weird.
Dean Pohlman: But anyways, Yeah, I appreciate you coming on and sharing your story. I think there’s a lot of really helpful tips in here. So, yeah. Thank you again for joining this. Thank you for being part of the man for Yoga community.
Kyle R. : Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate appreciate the opportunity to talk to you today. And thank you. Yeah.
Dean Pohlman: This is cool. All right. Well, guys, I hope this inspires you to be a better man. And I’ll see you on the next episode.
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