CONSCIOUS
LIVING
Each day I put on my sports outfit with a big
smile!
André Rieu July Column, Chapeau
Magazine:In my previous column I wrote something about my 'revival', if I
may mention it that way. This is particularly due to the fact that I started to
work out and that I watch my diet. We are now a few months further on and I must
say it really has become a way of living, a different way of living. That sounds pretty extreme,
but it's true. I have always worked hard and in between work, I worked out, but
not enough. And my job requires top condition. How varied my life is and there
is always the habits of sneaking, but you can change them!
My calendar is always full, but that is not to say that you
cannot free up time for the really important things. It's a matter of
priorities.
Once a new habit is created, it is not so difficult. I notice now
that it does not matter whether I am in Sao Paulo or Maastricht. Each morning I
just take two hours off to play sports.
Sometimes on my own, but usually with my coach Ruud. I am so glad that I've
discovered him through my family doctor. He is doctor, nutritionist and exercise
expert. And also - what a unique combination -European bench press champion!
If you see him, you believe that
immediately. He
gives me a weekly program so that every day's work out is
different.
Sometimes there is a mandatory day of rest. The program is based
on the recovery of the musculature. Yes, recovery!! Because if you are moving too little, then
your muscle mass naturally decreases as from the age of 25. At my age than you
have lost about 50%. That means that you are half as strong. But now, through
all my training, I can upgrade to 35% recovery. Then I come to 85%. I think
that's not bad for the age of 62. And I
do feel the results, I'm fit on stage. That must be, because my profession is
like top sports, especially when you also travel the world.
I train with weights but not with devices and that is perfect.
Many of the exercises are aimed at the so-called "corset of the body". No, do
not be worry, I do
not wear a corset, that would be lovely for the tabloids, ha ha! But the
so-called corset is, in fact, the center of the body, where a lot of functions
come together. Like breathing, I breath differently now than before. No more deeply in the lungs, but through the
abdomen. That way is calmer, more balanced. I even talk differently on stage. In
that way it also is more relaxing.
I'm no less busy than before, but there is less stress, because I
have myself more under control and it's very enjoyable. Besides muscle exercises
I am also still running and playing tennis due to the variation. But the muscle
exercises are still the base, which make you strong. My son Pierre first had his
doubts, now he trains with me and he is very enthusiastic.
Of course I am now also more aware of nutrition. With good food
and as much as possible organic products, which usually have more flavor. No,
not a diet, I just eat meat, fish, you name it, but in the right proportions and
not excessively and I take time to eat. I have lost over 10 kilos weight. Another few
kilos and I'm back to my weight of 20 years ago. It feels wonderful. And Ruud
also gives me special food supplements. No, not doping, don't worry! Just
ingredients which a body that has to achieve a lot needs.
It is very interesting stuff. Too bad that I was never interested
in my own condition and health before as that is the most important thing in
life! I really live now much more aware, even mentally it has a positive effect.
My enthusiasm is apparently addictive. If we are on tour, like the last weeks in Sao
Paulo, I see half of the orchestra in
sporting outfits each morning! One group
goes to the fitness center, the other goes running. Great! I don't want to come
on as a sports freak, but I think I have found the solution. Each day I put on
my sports outfit with a big smile, even if I performed the night before. I feel
on top. I can really recommend it!
André Rieu
Thanks to
Ineke for Translating and sending this to us
