Serving the Sherman Oaks and Studio City communites for over 30 years
Menu
Menu
Serving the Sherman Oaks and Studio City communites for over 30 years
It’s incredible to watch these athletes compete in Milan. The focus. The sacrifice. The pressure. The precision. I had the opportunity to qualify for and compete in the Olympic Games in 1996 and again in 2000. However, life had a different plan for me.
The Olympics occur every four years. Athletes know precisely who they are competing against, where the competition will take place, and when it will happen. The schedule is fixed, the opponents are known, and the stage is clearly defined.
They train to perform a skill at the highest possible level. When I look back on my career as a professional Greco-Roman wrestler representing Romania, I used to think I had a difficult life. Train. Compete. Endure hunger to make weight.
Wrestlers often cut a significant amount of weight before each competition. The training was brutal, the pressure intense, and the risk of injury very real. Every day felt like rolling the dice, hoping to walk off the mat unscathed.
Watching these athletes now takes me back to my prime.
And let me tell you something: it was easier then than it is now.
Back then, I had one responsibility.
Train.
Meals were provided according to my needs. Travel was planned and paid for, and hotels were arranged. The yearly schedule was set in advance. On top of that, there was only one opponent at a time. All I had to focus on was becoming stronger, faster, leaner—becoming better.
Now? Man, oh man.
Now, I manage my own schedule. I take care of my daughters and decide what’s best not only for myself but also for my family and my clients. Here’s the hard part: we don’t know who the opponent is. We don’t know when it will attack, where it’s coming from, or how it will manifest.
It’s like the Olympics, blindfolded and happening unexpectedly at any moment.
Back then, staff and doctors were there to support us. Now, I am the one people rely on.
Are you asking about sleep?
I used to take naps during the day, but now I eagerly look forward to closing my eyes at night and lucky if I fall asleep.
Bills. Career. Retirement. Financial responsibilities. Leadership.
Now, I am the leader of my life, as I know you are too.
And on top of that, just like those figure skaters, I have to make it all look effortless… even though sometimes I feel like I’m gasping for air inside.
Honestly, I feel like I’m competing in the Olympics every single week.
And I know you feel the same way.
I’m not downplaying the efforts of these incredible athletes. I’ve been there—I’ve won a world championship and know what it takes. But looking back, I appreciate something I didn’t understand then: responsibility is heavier than any weight cut, and managing bills is more challenging than any wrestling move.
Being a good parent, an excellent employee, a loyal customer, and a compassionate human being is more challenging than executing a quadruple axel on skates.
Today, I want to congratulate you.
For hanging in there.
Thank you for showing up.
Thank you for trying your best.
For moving forward when it’s difficult.
Yes, we can all improve. Yes, there’s always another level. But there also has to be a moment when we acknowledge something important: we are badasses competing in our own everyday Olympic Games.
Keep going.
Strive to reach the finals of parenting. The finals of your career. The fundamentals of being present. The championship of living well.
There is no medal ceremony. But character is built every single day.
Cheers!
Olympians have coaches. CEOs have consultants. Celebrities have assistants.
Who’s in your corner?
If you’re ready to level up your health, mindset, and performance, we’re here. Let’s get to work.
4367 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks (Moorpark & Woodman)
12735 Ventura Blvd, Studio City (Ventura Blvd. & Coldwater Canyon)
To help you achieve optimal RESULTS, we specialize in goal specific programs.
STUDIO CITY:
Mon – Fri: 5am – 8pm
Sat – Sun: 8am – 5pm
SHERMAN OAKS:
24/7 – Appointments Only