Dr. Hamidreza Sanatinia
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada
What is your hobby/sport?
I enjoy yoga, pilates, road biking, mountain biking, hiking, working out at the gym and landscape photography. In the winter, I enjoy cross-country skiing.
How many years ago did you start?
I picked up photography while I was a student in medical school. I started doing the other outdoor and relaxation activities about 10-15 years ago.
When/how often do you get to work out?
I go to the gym for interval training which includes the treadmill or spin about 3 times a week. I take pilates about 2 times a week and yoga whenever I can to relax me. I enjoy hiking and skiing on the weekend.
What is it that you enjoy most?
It’s great to get outdoors and to be in nature. Being inside all the time is not good for your mental health. People need to be outside which is why I love so many outdoor activities. I love nature and that is why I have a passion for landscape photography. It relaxes me.
What products or gear are essential?
For working out and doing yoga and pilates, you need comfortable fitness attire. For hiking, it’s important that you have good hiking shoes and a backpack that contains essential items if you were to get into trouble like a raincoat, knife, first aid, etc. If you are an avid photographer, you will need a nice professional camera. I have a Cannon Digital SLR with different zooms, lenses and a tripod.
What tips do you have when you’ve “hit the wall” and need motivation to continue?
I always try to know when I have hit my limit. If I am stressed, I try to get out of the clinic and get outdoors. I like to have time to myself for healing when I am overly stressed. A sauna or steam room at the gym is good for that. Also, hiking and biking are good to help clear my head.
What are the health risks you have to keep an eye out for?
For hiking, it’s important to have essential items if you were to get in trouble like a raincoat, knife, first aid, etc. It’s also important to let someone know where you are going in case of an emergency, or hike with a partner.
Are there other activities you’d like to try?
I would like complete an Ironman Triathlon. I might not be ready for it, but that’s something I would like to try. I would also like to hike mountains like Machu Picchu, for an example.
Do your activities require attention to what you eat?
Yes. If you would like to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be able to do yoga, pilates, bike and hike, you must eat a healthy diet. I have a garden in my house where I grown my own fresh vegetables. You should make sure your diet is full of veggies, protein and good fats. Avoid excess carbohydrates, corn syrup and simple sugar.
What’s your guilty-pleasure food?
My guilty pleasure is ice cream.
What did you eat for breakfast today?
This morning I had a shake with almond milk, protein powder and flaxseed oil. I also had coffee blended with protein powder, coconut oil and butter.