Introduction Welcome to this group. My name is Paul Lajos, I am 23 and I love to keep physically & mentally fit! That in itself is not unusual, many people keep fit, but as my life progressed I developed the idea that along with fitness should stand physical & mental toughness - and perhaps that concept is a little unusual these days. My Physical Fitness Hobbies Exercise, Aerobics, Running, Swimming, Football, Rugby, Weight Training, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Yoga, Tai-quan-do, Body Development. My Toughness & Mental Fitness Hobbies Keeping my Sleeves rolled up & always wearing Shorts even in winter, Daily Cold Baths & Ice Swimming, Putting up with Pain & Discomfort, Physical Endurance & Mental Stoicism, Sexual Tantra & Orgasm Control, Meditation, Anything involving Personal Development & Character Building. Why do I do these seemingly unusual things? Well, if you want to know, you'll have to read on.======================= I enjoy anything which keeps me fit - pushes my boundaries and tests my resolve or willpower, usually involving cold, discomfort or occasionally moderate pain. I also enjoy most sports & outdoor activities. However I like my comforts too: - A warm sofa with girlfriend (or boyfriend) & good film - A romantic meal - Beautiful countryside - Firm reliable friends. I play the guitar & sing a little, and I love writing! I keep fit with a rigorous program of Body Development, & Character Building. I admire some aspects of the Ancient Spartan youth training system (ability to withstand cold, discomfort & even pain) and use some methods in my own personal development. I have unconventional views on personal toughness and have found very few other people who share them. I would like to find others who have had similar experiences in the hope they will respond or get in touch via this group. Influences in my early life gave me, I think, an above average toughness. At the age of four my father would take me ice swimming in a local lake. At the age of ten, I was the only boy at school who chose to take cold baths all year round. As a teenager, I took up yoga and meditation, as a young adult I discovered sexual tantra & orgasm control. And I now believe there is something spiritual and beautifully satisfying about self mastery & stoicism. As a good friend once said to me “If you can master pain you can master anything.” Nevertheless I’m not perfect, I’m not a Superman, I have faults, and like most people, I get things wrong and screw up occasionally. My paid work is as a Fitness Instructor & Personal Development Coach at a gym in the north of England, and I’m currently training to become an Outdoor Activities Youth Leader. However, in my free time I like to develop my own fitness, I exercise with aerobics, I run (cross-country), swim, weight train, & wrestle. I am never happier than when running over the hills and moors of northern England or swimming in the lakes. I have always liked to challenge myself & push my boundaries. How did I develop these interests....?? Well... If you wish to read the story of my unusual childhood and the influences that pointed me this way please read on. So here, I would like to write about my Fitness, Body Development & Character Building methods, and how my life has developed up to now, and why. To follow my story, or to comment, visit:-http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Toughness Or my Utube:-http://www.youtube.com/Toughpaul Paul Lajos