Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth
- What inspired your passion for fitness?
I grew up with Hemophilia and was told from an early age that sports were not an option for me. That made me determined to play sports at a high level on my own terms. Fitness became paramount to playing sports and managing my Hemophilia. After my college career was over I rediscovered fitness in a different way and competing in my first fitness show reignited my passion. Ever since, I have enjoyed learning and sharing as much about fitness as I can.
2.What would you say is your best fitness tip?
Drink water. It sounds cliche but water is key. We often overeat when we are actually dehydrated. Water is also a great way to spark the metabolism in the mornings. I currently aim for a half gallon to a gallon a day.
3. How do you keep confident?
It comes with complete acceptance of yourself regardless of what stage you are in your journey, whether it is in fitness or life in general.I reject the notion that loving yourself is antithetical to wanting to change yourself. In fact, I believe when you truly love and accept yourself, you’ll constantly seek to change and grow for the better.
4. What advice do you have for people who want to begin their fitness journey?
Just begin. Get rid of the voices telling you to wait or the excuses allowing you to feel comfortable putting it off another day. Just begin and stay consistent while expecting nothing of yourself, but to show up.
5. Have you tied your passion for fitness into any of your acting roles?
I have been cast for my physique so it has helped in that way, but I really enjoy roles that allow me to explore characters that are different from myself. That is the real fun for me in acting. However, my passion for fitness brought me to creating and hosting a podcast, Fit Club on the AfterbuzzTV/Black Hollywood Live Network. My favorite thing about fitness is sharing fitness and it’s been wonderful to have a platform to both share and learn from various guest experts, athletes, actors, musicians and others on their fitness journey.
6. Would that be something you’d be open to pursuing in the future?
Absolutely, but it would have to be well written. I would want to go beyond my own passions to explore something new and unexpected in a character that drew heavily from my own interests. I think if I could find that perfect role, it could be very special, but that is the challenge of every actor.
7. How would you describe your musical vibe in the gym?
It depends on my mood. My tastes run the gamut from rap and r&b, to country, pop, and classical. Music is so important – a good playlist can save a workout. Interestingly enough, I’ll be making the foray into music with my first single later this year.
8. Where can fans watch or stream Fit Club?
Fit Club is available on YouTube, or as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio and all major podcast streaming platforms.
9. Do you have any other upcoming projects?
Yes. I’m working hard on my first single and releasing a recipe book with a wonderful chef, Melissa Schwimmer that will focus on easy to make quick vegan recipes that anyone can make. I’m very excited for the second half of 2020!
10. What are your social media accounts?
Twitter: @ShakaStrong
Instagram: @ShakaStrong
Facebook: ShakaStrong1
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