Sometimes, all you need to boost your fitness regimen is a fiery and enthusiastic fitness guru who is passionate about most everything in the fitness world and beyond.
One of those gurus is Solomon Levin-Sanders.
Levin-Sanders is a Taylor Place community assistant and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise and wellness with a minor in nutrition.
I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Solomon, and his answers to my questions astounded me. I didn’t know anyone could be so passionate and committed to physical fitness!
DH: Tell us about your background in personal fitness and bodybuilding.
SLS: I was first introduced to weight training at the age of 14 in a basic physical education class my freshman year of high school. I quickly fell in love with lifting weights and began to realize my strength was surpassing that of my friends, at which point I was convinced to join the football team, where I further developed my love for training throughout my high-school career. Upon the cessation of football my senior year, lifting weights began the primary focus, where I dabbled in bodybuilding for several years before I ultimately made the switch to powerlifting and the focus on maximal strength.
DH: Describe your experience in the fitness industry.
SLS: So far, I have worked in several avenues in the fitness industry. First, I was a personal trainer for Gold’s Gym for several years working with a wide spectrum of clients. I then involved myself in the realm of strength and conditioning as an intern for Arizona State University, working with teams such as football, tennis, water polo, gymnastics, track and field, swim and dive and volleyball. Currently, I work for Foothills Sports Medicine as a physical therapy technician.
DH: What are some of your long term physical fitness goals?
SLS: My biggest goal is to compete as a power-lifter on a national scale and represent Team USA internationally.
DH: What keeps you going?
SLS: Knowing that I am just an ordinary individual who has been giving an extraordinary blessing called life, and the opportunity to live out my passions drives me to inspire others to achieve whatever dreams and aspirations they may hold.
DH: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to face as a personal trainer or bodybuilder?
SLS: Balancing the rigors of training and dieting with social life, school and work is undoubtedly the most challenging aspect. Moderation is key to success in this field. Taking time to enjoy life outside of the gym and relax your mind is pivotal for long-term success.
DH: What’s your favorite thing about being a personal trainer or bodybuilder?
SLS: The ability to use fitness and training as a platform to inspire others with whatever endeavors they take on, regardless of similarity, is one of the greatest joys.
DH: How often do you work out and what’s your routine?
SLS: I train every day — predominantly high-load, high-intensity strength training — but I’ve (unfortunately) begun to incorporate a considerable amount of cardiovascular training as of late to assist in dropping several weight classes.
DH: If there’s one thing you could tell someone who’s wanting to get in shape through strength training and cardio, what would that be?
SLS: Use training as an outlet for positive experiences. Do not get caught up in immediate results. The results will come, enjoy what you do, be passionate about your training, do what you enjoy and do it for yourself.
DH: How important is diet to bodybuilding and fitness, and what do you do personally?
SLS: Dietary intake is essential to fitness, as what you intake fuels your body for performance. Every person has a different goal and every person has individualized needs. There are no cookie-cutter plans that will bring long-term success. Understand the basic principles of nutrition, how the body works and consider the many individualized factors which play in. Again, moderation is key. It is essential that an individual enjoys what they eat. I have always preached to my clients fitting the foods they enjoy in moderation so they may create a sustainable plan for themselves. Tracking one’s macronutrients (IIFYM – If It Fits Your Macros) and energy intake while allowing for individualized preferences allows for a systematic and scientific approach, rather than relying on broscience, voodoo and gym lore which exposes an utter misunderstanding of how the human body functions.
DH: Do you have any general advice for the downtown health community as a personal trainer and bodybuilder?
SLS: I would love to see (people) in the downtown health community become more involved with each other. We are located in a terrific setting and possess some of the most brilliant minds. It would behoove us to push greater efforts of networking and connection to enhance the experience we have downtown.
His answers speak for themselves. Solomon truly brings more than muscle strength and ability to the table. Dedication, drive and knowledge of the science behind strength training truly define him.
What he really emphasizes is being fit — for yourself. I think that’s crucial to remember in a world where we constantly try to please others. Be fit and healthy for your own sake — nobody will appreciate it as much as you will.
I have known Solomon for three years now and he’s definitely one of the most jovial, health-centered people I know. So, if you’re looking for a fitness guru to consult, Solomon is definitely my recommendation.
Stay healthy, my friends!
Contact the columnist at wshahid@asu.edu
