Wholistic Fitness

Namaste Noble Warriors!

Recently, I was approached by a friend, Leena, to contribute to an interview on Wholistic Fitness senior Teacher, Quentin �Sugiyukako� Vaughan.

I thought you might enjoy it as well. I will let you know when the whole article is released. May it inspire your workout today.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH COACH ILG

by Leena

“Emotionally, WF has provided me with equanimity and an ever deepening sense of moment by moment appreciation and compassion. My training lets me gobble up the difficulties of life like tasty morsels of soul food.”

-Coach Ilg

#1. Quentin said you are the founder of Wholistic Fitness.� In your words, how would you describe this training and the purpose of it?

� Wholistic Fitness is a manifestation of my ‘karma yoga’ or my Service of Inner Duty to the world. Tagore, the mystic poet once wrote,”I have spent my life stringing and unstringing my Instrument, yet the song I came to sing remains unsung.” I have always wanted the message of my life to

contribute something helpful, something healthy to the world. Even if no one chose to pay attention to my ‘song’ it does not matter, because karma yoga is about cultivating one’s inner self, the soul. If the outer world LOVES Wholistic Fitness or despises it, it doesn’t matter. Fortunately, Wholistic Fitness has helped thousands of people lead more balanced lives by making their bodies and mind more fit. Wholistic Fitness uses personal fitness training as a vehicle for spiritual growth and self-transformation. The study of Wholistic Fitness means engaging Five Fitness Disciplines (strength, cardio, yoga, meditation, and nutrition) combined with Four Lifestyle Principles (breath & posture, mindfulness, appropriate action, and practice) to attain a completely balanced body stabilized by a manageable mind and elevated by a sense of spiritual integrity.

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#2.� What made you start Wholistic Fitness and how has if affected you as a person physically, emotionally, and mentally?

� I never really ‘started’ Wholistic Fitness (WF). It has been the workplay of my soul for many lifetimes. This I know. I’m just letting it sing through me as best as possible. But what I am able to write about, speak about, and teach is just a tiny fragment of the immense information that comes through me, particularly during my meditations and sleep states. In 1982, I formally introduced Wholistic Fitness after meditating on my own Teacher’s counsel and encouragement to lead a spiritual life doing what I love best. For me, that meant never losing, no matter what, my basic love of having fun in the outdoors, moving and breathing in my body. I have sacrificed many things in order to ‘play’ every day, but I certainly would not have it any other way.

How WF has affected me physically? Well, 5 World Championships in 4 different sports is on my resume, a feat no one has yet repeated. At 42 years old now, I can still outperform nearly any athlete regardless of age. For instance it is very difficult to outperform me physically across the physiologic realms of ultra-endurance, endurance, strength, power, agility, flexibility, mind control, and mastery of food and water. In fact, I have yet to meet the athlete who can keep up with me in these many disciplines on very little food or water intake. This is what a Master Student of Wholistic Fitness attains; physical balance led by mental discipline.

Emotionally, WF has provided me with equanimity and an ever deepening sense of moment by moment appreciation and compassion. My training lets me gobble up the difficulties of life like tasty morsels of soul food.

Mentally, WF has strengthened my capacity to navigate the inner realms of the constituents of my mental fabric. I have climbed some of the most difficult mountains in the world. Often with no rope or safety measures. I have over 75 climbing first ascents to my credit. Yet, climbing the mountains of my mind remain and will remain by far, the most fascinating, difficult, and joyful ascents I have yet to attain.

#3.� Over the past 12 years you’ve watch Quentin incorporate the wholistic fitness training in his lifestyle.� How would you say it changed him?�

� Not much. He is a very feeble student.

Just kidding! I reserve my deepest bows to my beautiful Q. The first name I gave him was, “Never Quittin’ Quentin.” He has, in the absolute Highest of Ways, continued to live up to that name. You see, along the Spiritual Journey, talent does not matter. Intellect does not matter. Material possessions are more of a hindrance than a help. What matters most in the Spiritual Journey are these qualities; Love, Faith, and Perseverance. Quentin is a Master Student and a Teacher of my Path because no matter how hard life has come at him, he has always demonstrated the leading quality of a WF Warrior; Elegance in Difficulty.

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#4.� Through this journey, where have you seen the training of Wholistic Fitness�come in handy or taken advantage of?

� Well, a fraction of my personal exploits and adventures have been documented in various magazines, books, and throughout my five books and in my online journal; DIRECT LINES at www.wholisticfitness.com

The training of WF has not just allowed me to survive but actually feel amazingly Blessed by experiences that most people might consider ‘bad luck’ such as bankruptcy, a broken back, paralysis, loneliness, depression, divorce, and a host of other challenging circumstances. As I sit here answering these questions, it is my training as a WF Warrior that makes me tingle with Joy as I know I am making myself a better person by not running away from such things, but using them to grow in multidimensional ways. WF has enabled me to feel brave and soft and strong and kind.

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#5.� As the author of Total Body Transformation, who would you recommend to read the book and why?� What do you�think one can benefit from the book?� (By the way, I have a copy.)�

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� EVERYONE would benefit from reading TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION. Then, if everyone would actually do the 4 workout plans in the book, the entire planet would be spiritually awakened! But seriously, I never write a book unless I truly, deeply feel that it can help benefit humankind. I don’t like writing books that much. I would much rather be out skiing or riding my bicycle! TBT took me about 4 years to write, so you BETTER enjoy it! TBT is a guidebook for self transformation through personal fitness. It will help anyone start to erase their negative tendencies and lead a more empowered, balanced, and joyful life. Maybe even a more sacred one. Not bad for $24, wouldn’t you say?

thank you for your questions!

i bow to you,

coach ilg, RYT/USCF

founder/www.wholisticfitness.com