Back in the early stages of last year, I was already looking at making my way to Bangkok. I wanted to be around a community of great, entrepreneurial-minded people. I contacted this gym called The Lab BKK online and spoke with a man name Rich – who just so happens to be on my podcast today. I was very apprehensive with the entire ordeal, but I just decided to join the class shortly after the Spartan Competition back in September. After 30 minutes of this particular cardio class, I was completely dead. I bought a package, and 5 months later, I’ve never looked so sexy before in my life (HA!).
Moving onto the man of the hour – Rich Cohen – a fitness entrepreneur in Thailand and originally from England. The first time I met him, he beamed with this aura of optimism. I’m attracted (no pun intended – don’t get it twisted) to people who are just a bundle of great energy. I spoke with him the entire class about different things, but it wasn’t until two days ago when I asked myself, “just ask him about joining the podcast.” He agree – instantaneously – and here is some show notes, questions, answers and an intro from him.
“I was 21-years old, wheelchair-bound, sitting in my parent’s backyard smoking a joint, slowly en-route to recovery following a near fatal neck and back injury.”
Richard went on to say that he had that “jesus” moment. That moment that most of us (I hope) say “enough is enough.” He came to Thailand in 2004 in a remarkable prime. Since there were only 1-3 fitness guys around at the time, he built what’s turning into an empire. Full one-hour podcast down below!
Also, his personal thoughts on the Ketogenic Diet
“I used it for my competition and it worked well for me personally as a fat loss strategy, although I got very sick towards the end and it has taken me a few months to reset the way my body functions since introducing more carbs and protein.
I think it works well for certain people, for instance a friend of mine is type 1 diabetic and an endurance athlete (triathlon) he says going on that diet has been life changing for him as a blood glucose management tool.
Long term I’m not sure what the health implications are consuming that many fats.
Some diets suit different people, I always encourage people to experiment with different types and take bits from each that works well for them.”
I made a blog about a year ago on the ketogenic diet. I received some backlash and whatnot, but it was all based on opinion. I’m not someone who sticks to a strict diet. I love my pizza and my hamburgers, although not excessively.
Nonetheless, to see this many create a business which is booming in Bangkok and ultimately going from wheelchair to champion – is simply amazing. He did an ultra-marathon in the Atacama Desert in Chile. I’ve been contemplating about doing an ultra-beast, and now I think I’ve been inspired to achieve it because of this inspirational figure.
Arsenio's ESL Podcast 
Leave a Reply