Health Hero – Conrad Samuel

Question & Answer Session

Q       What do you do to stay fit?

A       I go to the gym twice a week – three times if I can.

Q       Why is exercise important to you?

A       I’m in remission from cancer and don’t sleep well. But since I’ve been exercising I sleep much better. Even just six months ago I wouldn’t have been able to imagine this.

Q       Did anyone inspire you to start exercising?

A       When I was in hospital my muscles went. So first they got me to get one foot off the bed. Then they got me exercising in a chair. It sounds simple but the result is phenomenal. It doesn’t feel like you’re doing anything, but it really helped.

Q       What’s your favourite time of day to exercise?

A       I go to the gym at 11am and walk on the treadmill.

Q       What do you do to motivate yourself to exercise?

A       Exercise helps me sleep better and that gives me the will to get up and do more. It makes my spirit more with it. My whole being is now here, whereas before I was just waiting my time out. It’s improved my quality of life - even though pain still greets me first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Q       Has your exercising inspired anyone else?

A       When I was really ill, my son couldn’t face seeing me – he wasn’t accustomed to seeing me sick - and I understood that. My daughter used to visit and see me lying there. But now when she comes I’m often at the gym! I think they both find that inspiring.

Q       What’s your greatest benefit from exercising?

A       My doctor said he didn’t expect to see me here three years later.

Q       What would you say to someone who was interested in exercising?

A        I will tell you how wonderful it is to exercise - I can’t praise it enough. And I especially recommend it to anyone who is ill. But I won’t preach to you. You have to find it out for yourself.