Today’s Guest – Levi Bloom
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
My name is Levi Bloom, I’m a cycling coach, and I’m 27 years old. I’m “semi-retired” from competitive bicycle racing and focusing on coaching instead. Currently I am a Level 3 Coach, certified by USA Cycling. I work with cyclists of all abilities to create customized training plans and meal plans, help them develop riding skills and racing tactics, and motivate them throughout the season.
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
That was definitely Uncle Frank, my great uncle.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
Frank was someone everyone looked up to and someone I still strive to emulate, twenty years later. Not only did he live a very active lifestyle, but he encouraged others to do the same and taught all us kids how to do that. Where I grew up, there was no shortage of farmers or woodsmen, but there was only one man who had the strength of a hardened woodsman and the heart of an angel. That was Frank. He took me on long walks, taught me how to negotiate rough terrain, taught me how to chop wood, and even showed me the correct techniques for lassoing bulls!
I would have been inspired just watching him do these things, but learning from him really ingrained this active lifestyle into my brain!
4. How did their lesson change your life?
I grew up near lots of farms and wooded areas, but without Frank, I don’t know that I would have experienced it nearly as much as I did. The active lifestyle I learned from him stuck with me all through childhood and was probably the #1 reason I stayed fit and healthy.
Reflecting back on it now though, I think it goes so much further. I’m still striving to be a role model like Frank was, and I’m trying to help as many people as possible. Frank could be the reason I ended up becoming a cycling coach!
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
Though I don’t have children of my own, I still try to get kids outside, out exploring, whenever I get the chance. Sometimes it’s just playing in the dirt, but it’s a start! My policy is I try to never say “no” to going outside to play!
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
Don’t just go outside, go out in the woods. There’s so much to do once you’re out there. Climbing trees, climbing boulders, looking for animals, building forts, etc. – you’re bound to find something interesting! And try your best to find someone to mentor you along the way!
I think experiencing nature not only makes you more inclined to stay active, but also to eat healthy, natural foods, as it makes processed foods just seem “wrong.” So if I could only impart one habit on them, it would be to get out and enjoy nature!
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?