Reading Eagle Fitness Profile

Fitness profile
Introducing... David Sustello

• Name: David Sustello.
•Age: 48.
•Address: Shillington.
• Occupation: Gas Systems Operations Supervisor, UGI Utilities Inc Green Hills.
•When did you begin to exercise and why: I've been exercising all my life I played a lot of basketball and volleyball when I was younger. A back operation forced me to sideline all my sports activities for about 10 years. Then I discovered the Eastern Arts and Holistic Health Academy, Mount Penn, in April 1998.
•What type do you do: I practice two styles of kung fu — traditional wing chun and yang-style tai chi chuan. I go three times a week for about two hours at a time. You primarily learn self-defense however focus, balance, body control, relaxation and how to develop internal energy are all important byproducts of the art.
• Hardest hurdle to overcome: I had been practicing kung fu for about two years before I had a second back operation — a spinal fusion. Practicing tai chi helped speed up my recovery. The slow, deliberate movements and breathing are very therapeutic. My doctor felt I had a much faster recovery because I had been practicing tai chi. I recovered in nine months instead of the usual two years.
• Biggest exercise achievement: I passed my black sash test last year and I am working as an assistant instructor at the school.
• How exercise helps you: Practicing kung fu helps keep me in good physical and mental condition. It increases my ability to focus and helps reduce stress.
•Tip to others: Kung fu isn't just for self-defense — it's a way to achieve balance in your life.

Once a week Lifestyle will profile a person who has made exercise a part of his or her life. If you know someone who enjoys being physically active write to Fitness profile, Reading Eagle Company,' P.O. Box 582, Reading, PA 19603, or e-mail ftfestyle@readingeagfe.com. Include the person's name address and telephone number and why you think he or she should be profiled.