I'm a Fitness Trainer and These Are the Simple Habits Responsible for My Six-Pack
Rodney Carter Jr., the co-owner of Hurricane Fitness in Harlem is a fitness expert and former boxing competitor and the person New Yorkers turn to when they want to get in shape. Not only does he talk the talk, but the longtime athlete walks the walk. The Body Network recently spoke to Carter, who dished on all of his health habits.
A "Flexitarian" Diet
Rodney follows "a flexitarian" eating style. "Throughout my fitness journey I have come to believe in eating mostly fruits and vegetables," he tells us. "I believe our bodies are designed to operate optimally and rejuvenate themselves when injured or ill, provided that we feed it the right fuel source."
Related: I'm a Dietitian and These Are 7 Foods You Should Never Eat
80/20 Rules
Rodney eats healthy most of the time. "Growing up a 3 course meat eater it's been a challenge to give it up completely. Life is all about balance as I like to say and preach to my clients, I try to follow an 80/20 rule of fruits and veggies/meat and dairy respectively," he continues.
Intermittent Fasting
It's not just what Rodney eats that helps keep him in shape, but when he eats it. "I also practice and promote the various types of intermittent fasting," he says.
Boxing
"I swear by boxing workouts," explains Rodney. "It is one of the most intense workouts you can get. I love it because it challenges you both physically and mentally. For me it was also therapy, and a passion that burned strong. Just like your ability to burn up to nearly 1000 calories per hour. Hands down it's my favorite form of exercise."
HIIT Training and Weight Liftin
Bodyweight and HIIT Training are a "close second, then traditional weight lifting due to my older age," he says about his other favorite workouts. "For clients I meet them where they are. However, if weight loss is the goal, everyone eventually gets to HIIT training."
Related: 5 Habits from Fitness Trainer Krissy Cela that Could Change Your Life
Move, No Matter What
"I like to tell people to start where you are, it doesn't matter if it's just 5 min a day. The best thing you can do is get started, and then get better," Rodney says. "I'm big on meeting people where they are taking small steps to get to the larger goal. Fitness should be fun, it's a lifestyle and the journey is a marathon not a sprint."
💪🔥Body Booster: Many health experts promote an 80/20 diet: If you eat healthy most of the time, but allow yourself to indulge on occasion, you are more likely to stick with it over time.
