If Santa Was Ripped…
Funny as it may seem, I was just sitting here creating a story in my head about Santa Claus. Yes, I am a grown man. But my intentions were not to daydream about Santa sliding down the chimney and leaving presents under my tree. I was trying to think of a holiday- themed workout for an upcoming session, and then I started to veer in another direction.
It led me to create this crazy illusion of an Adonis-like Santa riding on a row machine sled being pulled by some seriously jacked animals that were once reindeer. Then, I giggled at my ridiculous imagination. But as I giggled, a serious thought came to mind. What if Santa was not only ripped but an overall icon of health? What if our concept of this larger than life figure was a bit different?
Let me paint the picture for you…
Santa can bench press Rudolph and power clean Blitzen but doesn’t because he’s humane to animals. He doesn’t eat cookies and milk after leaving you presents under the tree; he wants a baked sweet potato with a protein shake to wash it down. He opts for a 6-speed bike to get from little Bobby’s house to the next well-behaved boy or girl. He may even row his way to those kiddies overseas. Instead of taking the easy way and dropping himself on the roof to get to the chimney, he throws on some climbing gloves to scale the side of each house American Ninja Warrior style. He eats clean all year (mostly Paleo), and his cheat meal on Christmas Day consists of one extra serving of stuffing to go with his properly portioned plate of holiday goodness. He doesn’t overindulge. His mind, body and soul are completely aligned. He seeks clarity and unbiased truths in all situations. He (or she????) is a hybrid yogi/athlete/personal trainer with the heart of Oprah and the attitude of Tony Robbins.
Yet, what if this out-of-the-norm Santa was real and not just a figment of my weird imagination? How different do you think Christmas would be? Would we shower people in presents like we do? Would we spend tons of money on things that we may, or may not, need? Great questions, so let me indulge….
Knowing that Santa spends most of the year staying fit, we ourselves would train all year just to be the good little boys and girls that Santa expects. We would donate our time and possessions to people in need. We would meditate each morning to clear our thoughts and synchronize our mental and physical states. On Christmas Day, we would get together with the people who we consider our family, friends and close ones to dine on good food and drink. And did I mention that we all lend a hand in creating this wonderful dinner for everyone. We would extend invitation to those we know who do not celebrate Christmas, not to show off, but to build community beyond religious walls. We would give the gift of love, happiness, friendship, companionship and gratitude.
Ironically, this depiction is pretty spot on to what Christmas should be. But it doesn’t take a health and wellness guru of a Santa Claus to make this type of Christmas possible. Remember the true meaning of the day. It is a time for togetherness. And if you have room, opening the door to those who are seeking companionship. It is a time to be thankful, to love and to forgive. It is a time to celebrate our health and wellness.
I am a fitness nut, hence my bizarre Santa story. But I am not a preacher. I am not a guru. My depiction just led me to remember what the holiday season is all about for me. Sometimes, I feel lost in the hustle and bustle of everything life has to offer these days. But jacked Santa, the all-knowing healthy spirit of my imagination, has helped me. I realize that being healthy mentally, physically and spiritually, and doing so while surrounded by my loved ones, is what this holiday will encompass this year.