Photo: Front squats with Kettlebells (click on image to enlarge)
The hard work, dedication, and trials of error are how Flex molded it's shape and system 10 years later.  By enduring all challenges it has faced on every possible level, Flex is here to challenge others to join us in our journey.  The belief system for F.L.E.X. stands for the following acronyms: Focus (a persons mind and intention), Lifestyle (extends to you making the necessary changes by adjusting yourself to those variables), Energy (staying upbeat with a positive attitude) Xercise (to stay healthy with our mind, body, and soul).  The approach of Flex Nation are targeted toward physical, mental, and spiritual training for optimum health.  These 3 elements are interrelated and in order to achieve an equal balance in our lives we need to understand how each of these elements work and then implement them into our daily lifestyle. It is quite similar to the yin and yang balance of nature and life.  All of these elements are important because of the amount of stress we put on ourselves and allowing us to improve our overall health. Perseverance is a key importance to whatever each individual is challenged at that time. Obstacles are mere turning points in our daily lives and it is up to us on how we will overcome them on a positive note.  In the year 2004, Richard was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis which is associated with Multiple Sclerosis.  Doctors ran medical test for the 1 year determining his health.  During that 1 year, he decided not to take any medication and proactively took health into his own hands focusing his internal self.  He did visualization with his breathing along with meditation and it disappeared not discussing this to family or friends.  The medical doctors were astonished when it was gone and they had no explanation except saying "you are lucky so don't worry about it". 

Flex ended a chapter in 2006 as one of the largest fitness clubs (35,000 s.f) in Richmond Hill, Ontario.  Looking back at certain things in my life, I can truly say it was a great learning experience.  I can say being diagnosed with Optic Neuritis was a total breeze compared to the mental process I went through all alone in those 1.5 years of reflecting.  I am able to train my mind to an extensive point where I can teach others how to persevere obstacles using this ability.  There was a reason I went through those personal experiences so I can share and help other people heal themselves from what I went through.  All the physical injuries I went through growing up as a child leading into adulthood not realizing I was able to self-heal myself was another surprise.  It was indeed a wide range of injuries that I encountered in my life.  For instance, I never thought how quick I was able to heal my ankle within a few months when it was 10% away from being a full break.  I am now looking forward towards a full transformation of Flex Nation on every level internationally.   During his life changing journey Richard came across Qi Gong in 2007.  Qi Gong is an ancient healing art or internal exercise that has been around for 10,000 years before written history.  It has helped jump start me to learn how to gather my energy that has always been there and also heal myself internally with a persons health and physical issues.  Richard has learned Qi Gong from the system under  Grandmaster Wu who had 65 plus years of learning from many Qi Gong masters when growing up.  He studied with many famous Qi Gong Masters such as Wu Dang, Shaolin, Omei and the Royal Family are only a few.  His relentless years of studying Qi Gong has helped him develop his own unique signature Qi.  In 1992, Grandmaster Wu was the top Qi Gong master in all of China which is an extra-ordinary feat to ever accomplish.  His credentials was appointed on the committee of the Qi Gong Talent Bank which is the highest network in all of China.  After Grandmaster Wu retired he was then allowed to leave China and came to Toronto. He was in pursuit of spreading Qi Gong to North America.  Grandmaster Wu departed to pure Qi energy in 2006.  Since then Richard has also learned other modalities such as Reiki, Reflexology, etc.  Experiencing and learning all forms is only beneficial in his books because one can be applied in a unique situation.  He has also expanded his knowledge with techniques such as Psych-K, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).   In addition, he is looking to continue his training and studying with Bnei Baruch Learning Center. The founder Michael Laitman, PhD named it Bnei Baruch (sons of Baruch) in memory of his mentor, the great Kabbalist Rabbi Baruch Ashlag, himself the firstborn son and successor of Kabbalist Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, author of the Sulam (ladder) commentary on The Book of Zohar.  

More importantly I am able to create a fusion of my own personal experiences working and learning from other great teachers, and healing abilities in order to help many people.  I was also able to grasp and let go of the negativity that was bottled inside myself developed a few years ago with very close friends involved in the business and people in the industry.   I am truly blessed to have gone through these personal experiences and wish all my love to them.   I am now looking forward to helping others with my abilities.

Photo:  Richard Chan at the Whole Life Expo on Nov 15, 2008

Richard believes in helping and devoting his time with liked minded organizations such as the Safe House (working with children and young adults), Fife House (HIV/AIDS  Community), Hospice organizations, and others looking to make a difference in helping others.   He is dedicated and supports each organization unconditionally devoting his time continuously.  Richard also uses his  understanding and compassion to get the message across to people.  As a result those Institutes will only grow and evolve with his assistance.  However, he continues to help people with various forms of healing methods whether that is with a persons mind, body and soul.  Richard's mission is to help heal people and in addition teach people how to heal themselves either with exercising, energy work but more importantly with their own mind.  A persons own mind is very powerful and it is limitless.  

More importantly, Richard is able to incorporate his abilities connecting with others feelings on an emotional level assisting them at a deeper level.  His intention is to spread the message to a larger size scale as a F.L.E.X. Coach covering all aspects of life.  We understand the world is continuously evolving in the universe and so has Flex Nation.  On a very special note, Richard is proud to begin his own evolvement with Flex Nation.  This is unique and when the time comes the world will truly understand the benefits of F.L.E.X.  Everyone has their own journey in life and we must appreciate those individuals who have came into our lives.  These people that have been placed in our lives whether short term or long term to fulfill a role that they need to complete on their part in life's journey.  We are all connected and intertwined with each other in life.  Remember every experience is only beneficial for us all.   Richard continues to learn on a regular basis and he believes the more you invest in your knowledge, the more you can help others.  But most of all he is a student first so he can constantly learn and grow as an individual.  Part of being a great teacher, Master, or Sage is to also continue being a student in life.  In order to expand your own capabilities you will continuously learn from one another and also teach others by sharing your knowledge.  Besides his strength or athletic abilities, people remember him as a person who can connect with others with compassion and motivate each individual to their fullest by using their own mind so they will achieve their goals. 

TESTIMONIAL

"I  can not describe all the benefits I have received training with Richard.  I am thirty one years old and I am in the best shape of my life!  I never really had too much of a problem getting back in shape since I was pretty much gifted with good genes in my family.  However, I tapped into a whole new level with my personal self-being.  I have learned a lot with Richard from a mental point of view and it shows how I conduct myself with my business partners, employees, and clients.  I have worked out with many trainers who were bodybuilders before but I have never trained with someone like Richard.  He is someone who loves what he does for a living and because of that attitude, everyone he trains will always benefit."

Kristin C.  Education Law

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