I have been fascinated by bicycles since childhood. Like most people, as a child my bike was a form of transportation and represented freedom to explore the city I grew-up in. At some point in my childhood I became aware of a velodrome in the city. My curiosities to discover this facility lead to what would become a long-term interest in high-performance cycling.

As my interest in cycling grew, so did my awareness of the effect of a healthy lifestyle and general physical conditioning; thus spawned an effort to learn how to develop my body using resistance training that would support my cycling ambitions.

I competed at local/regional races and did well in my category. Like many young persons I dreamed of being either an Olympic or professional athlete, or both. Being far too practical I choose to attend both college and university instead.

Very early in my career I chose to find work in a geographic region that would allow me to find a balance between an active outdoor (mountain) lifestyle and professional goals. For approximately ten years I thrived in my chosen profession and physical location. I entered races in both road and cross-country cycling disciplines. For the most part I finished in the top end of my category and even won a number of events from year to year. Whilst pursuing my athletic interests I met many wonderful people from around the globe and explored many remote locations with breath taking vista. I was very satisfied in the choices I had made at an early age.

My utopia came to a sudden halt when in a freak cycling accident I crashed and shattered my arm. The injury was significant enough that I had to undergo several surgeries over a period of fifteen months. The end result is a total and permanent fusion of my wrist. My right arm is composed of a number of titanium rods/plates and screws from my elbow to my knuckles. I have two functional hands, and one wrist.

Once rehabilitated from the injury and surgeries I was determined to once again ride my bike with the vigour of my youth. It was not without challenge and I have returned to cycling; to be honest though, it has lost its appeal. It is less enjoyable, I have a limited range of motion of one arm thus I can only hold on to the handlebar in a very limited number of positions. Riding for any length of time proves to be a painful experience.

Realising that bicycle racing level is no longer an option I began looking for a new form of exercise, more specifically a new challenge and venue.

There are many sports/exercise options available; however I was looking for something that satisfied a number of prerequisites. Foremost it must compliment other physical activities, secondly I do not like being compelled to purchase and/or upgrade a complicated piece of equipment. Furthermore, my life has become somewhat complicated and busy. I need to be able to exercise on my time table, within a very limited amount of time, regardless of the hour of day.

I chose to explore body weight exercises. I was whilst researching this topic that I discovered Zuzka Light. Zuzka is a wonderful resource for fitness and nutrition advise; I appreciate that the exercises she

demonstrates require a minimum investment in equipment and that everything can be completed at home and on my schedule.

I am challenged by any exercise that requires placing heavy forces on one arm and/or require wrist flexion. The repertoire of routines Zuzka has posted to her site and to Youtube allows the flexibility to compile a number of complimentary exercises that challenge me to push myself and keep me interested.

Zuzka is sincere, compassionate and kind. She is a terrific guide and mentor. I thank Zuzka for being steadfast in realising her dreams and I wish her all the best and much success in moving forward with her life and Zuzkalight.com.