That's Fit

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy

My guest this week is the very excellent athlete and adventurer Will Gadd. Starring on Discovery Channel's Fearless Planet, Will guides us through the world's most spectacular natural wonders to teach us how these land formations were created. The show is really so gripping that as I lay sick and exhausted in bed a few weeks ago, I refused to fall asleep. I couldn't miss his journey through and lesson about the Sahara. (No.....I don't have TiVo.Yes, I know I'm a nerd.) I was wishing this show was around when I was back in school learning about geography. If it was.....I think I would have actually been interested in the subject and learned all of the things I was supposed to learn back then. Totally entertaining!

From Canmore, Alberta, Will has won every major ice-climbing competition in the world and holds the distance world record in paragliding. He's one of the most successful outdoor sports athletes in the world, as well as an award-winning film-maker and writer. He has flown his para-glider over the Grand Canyon, climbed icebergs in the North Atlantic, won the X Games, written a best-selling outdoor instructional book and regularly writes for the New York Times and other international magazines and newspapers.

As I interviewed Will, we giggled a lot as he was totally down to earth (when not hanging from it). He's a new Daddy and considers that his most exciting, yet rewarding adventure. He's also the real deal when it comes to healthy living. He has some especially unique insight on food, which I think we could all learn from.

Fitz: You're the ultimate outdoor sports guy....in amazing shape. You're world renowned for excellence in ice climbing, mountain climbing, paragliding, kayaking , caving and skiing; a bit of a lunatic. How did you get started with all of this?

Will: I actually began my escapades in utero. My Mom was hitting the mountains while pregnant with me. My Dad's a climber too. I grew up with it.

Fitz: What does your wife think about you dangling upside-down from ice all the time?

Will: She totally gets it. She's (Kim Csizmazia) also a champion ice climber.

Fitz: That would probably help! And now you have a daughter?

Will: Yes! She was born this past June. She's soooooooo much fun. Life with her is amazing.

Fitz: Is it harder to climb an icy mountain or manage an infant?

Will: Oh God! Icy mountains are way easier. I adore her and love every second with her. But, caring for this baby and all of her various needs is a far more challenging task.

Fitz: What's been your wildest adventure?

Will: This series, Fearless Planet, has to be it. I had to do such a wide variety of sports in a really short period of time. The schedule was hectic. Discovery just kept us going from one thing to the next.

Fitz: What scares you most? I'd hate to be stuck in the cold for so long (I'm from Florida).

Will: You know, the cold doesn't bother me that much. I know the snow. I grew up in it and I'm prepared for it. Spending time in the Sahara Desert in 115 degree heat which there is no escape from, is horrible. Honestly, the most frightening thing I did was swim 50 feet down in the Great Barrier Reef holding fish-heads while I was surrounded by sharks. That was pretty freaky.

Fitz: Do you get hurt often?

Will: No. I stay pretty injury free. It's an important challenge to keep things safe though. I also do yoga now, which seems to help with my recovery time.

Fitz: What do you eat out in the wild?

Will: Whatever is there. I find people are too concerned about diet, and not concerned enough about moving. I eat what's available for energy. That's all that counts.

Fitz: What's on your mp3 player?

Will: Early 90's punk, Birthday Massacre, Ramones, and Minor Threat. I also love gangster rap.

Fitz: Whats your favorite healthy dish?

Will: I really enjoy premium quality whole foods. The less prepared my food is, the better. I love things raw.

Fitz: What's your favorite not so healthy dish?

Will: You know, I tend to find pleasure in actual fun. Food is not one of the things I consider fun. It's more of a necessity for me to consume it as fuel, so I can go have real fun! But....if I had to pick something unhealthy....flavor-wise I could eat Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chocolate chip cookies are great too.

Fitz: Have any hobbies outside of the outside?

Will: I love to read. My favorite authors are: Cormack McCarthy, William Gibson, Jim Harrison and Carl Hiaason.

Fitz: Favorite movie?

Will: Seven

Fitz: Where is your favorite place to vacation? Do you exercise while there?

Will: I'm happy to go any place new. And yes......I'm always active.

Fitz: If you were forced to fight Bear Grylls of Man vs. Wild in a boxing match, who would win?

Will: Agh. Can I pick the location?

Fitz: Sure!

Will: OK then. I pick me, if we were on an icy mountain.

***Just for entertainment value....I asked Bear the same question about fighting Will. Bear asked what Will said. I told him, Will thought he could beat you on an icy mountain. Bear said., "OK then. He can have it." Hmmm. They're both too handsome though. I wouldn't want either to hurt the others face. ***

Fitz: Thanks so much for your time Will! I love your perspective on food in particular. And don't forget! Even though we don't have even one mountain to climb here in Florida, you're always welcome for some fun kickboxing training here with me!

Visit Will's web site here.