Photograph: Tiago Mota / Facebook
Tiago Mota was one of the three winners of the Men’s Health 2023 Cover Contest in the January edition, representing the Coach category of the Portuguese version of this magazine, released alongside the main publication dedicated to men’s physique and health.
Native of Ericeira, Tiago Mota has always had a deep connection with the sea. His favorite sport, bodyboarding, has become not only a form of physical exercise but also an essential source of emotional comfort. At the age of 35, Tiago embodies the values of a healthy lifestyle that goes far beyond mere physical training.
Tiago Mota is the founder of the HybridU project, launched about four years ago.
For over two decades, the Portuguese version of Men’s Health has been promoting the idea that a healthy lifestyle encompasses more than just physical activity. By participating in this contest, this Jagoz demonstrates courage by exposing himself in a way that contradicts his reserved nature: “I always found that exposure to a lifestyle more connected to exercise and healthy habits was interesting. So, in a way, I identified with that role, and when the opportunity arose I decided to participate. But, above all, I think I wanted to compete for the courage to take risks, to expose myself in this way that I am not used to because I am very reserved. It was a challenge. And it went well!”
His connection to the sea began at the age of 14 or 15, when he first tried this sport. Despite some initial setbacks, Tiago fell in love with bodyboarding and considers it his “king sport.”
When asked whether the support he finds in bodyboarding is more physical or emotional, the athlete emphasizes the importance of the emotional component. For him, bodyboarding is not just a physical activity but a source of emotional balance, providing him an escape and a connection to the sea that goes beyond physical exercise.
In addition to bodyboarding, Tiago emphasizes the need to cultivate a healthy social life and prioritize those who play a fundamental role in his life: “I think it’s important for a person to be able to nourish a healthy social life, without toxic relationships. To keep in mind the people who are most important. In my case, it’s my family, my girlfriend and my friends.”
Although he has no competitive plans in bodyboarding, Tiago Mota highlights the importance of stepping out of the comfort zone and embracing new challenges to enjoy the best things in life. His journey is a testament to the interconnection between physical, emotional and social health, and how the pursuit of holistic well-being can positively shape someone’s life.
In this contest, Luís Lopes and Pedro Martins were also winners (and on the cover of the magazine, of course), men who share a passion for physical exercise and interesting stories. The full interviews can be read in the January edition of Men’s Health Coach
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
