Steven Kincel, 54, of Dallas grew up during a time when, as he says, “there were no technical gadgets to interrupt a healthy lifestyle.” Thus, he spent much of his childhood walking on his hands, riding a unicycle, climbing trees and doing flips on a trampoline.
Throughout his 20s and 30s, he stayed active with tennis, running, gymnastics and yoga. Not so his 40s. Being laid off, working on his master’s degree and ending a long-term relationship took its toll.
He gained weight. His blood pressure went up and he had to start taking medication. He didn’t exercise for seven years. He became lethargic and grumpy. He couldn’t bend over to tie his shoes without getting out of breath.
His turning point came during a physical after a trip to Spain in 2016. “My doctor ‘fat shamed’ me,” says Kincel, who teaches art at Uplift Peak Preparatory in Dallas. “He said, ‘Could you at least lose 10 pounds?’ I finally had the motivation to show him I could do it. I was nearly 200 pounds.”
Kincel saw a notice about a boot camp, with proceeds benefiting an organization that feeds the homeless. He had two reasons to go for it. One, he thought that was the least he could do. And two, he had more excuses to do it than not. He met with trainer Joel Corado, “followed his recommended eating plan to a T and went to every class I could,” he says.
In four months, he had lost 30 pounds by eliminating “boxed foods,” cutting back on pasta and bread, and adding lots of fruits, vegetables and lean protein. He’s kept at it and voila! No more crankiness, no more medication. Just lots more friends and a better all-around outlook.
If I had just 20 minutes to work out I would: Stretch and do some sort of cardio, perhaps run.
What gets in the way of my workouts: Not much. I used to have the mind-set that I would fit it into my day if I could. Now it is a priority, like eating, taking a shower and brushing my teeth.
Proudest fitness moment: Losing all of the weight and building more muscle than I ever expected at my age. The best feeling was being able to stop taking blood pressure medication after being on it for more than eight years. I ran a 10K last November and placed in the top 25 percent overall.
Fitness goals: I want to concentrate on becoming more flexible, leaner and to feel good. I want to feel strong so that I can travel and enjoy myself without feeling exhausted. I teach art to 600 students, kindergarten through fifth grade, so I need to keep up my energy level. Keeping up with 100 5-year-olds is a workout!
Fitness mentor: Joel Corado, owner of Corado Fitness, has challenged me without the screaming some fitness coaches think is necessary. He motivates, educates and challenges me. He truly understands nutrition and the way a body works.
Favorite healthy food: Melons, berries and all other fruit.
Favorite indulgence: A good margarita and Mexican food: a fajita chimichanga, to be more specific. I still indulge, but it's not on a regular basis. That got me into trouble. When I do enjoy this meal, I really appreciate it and feel that I've earned it.
Four things you'll always find in my refrigerator: Kale, almond milk, lots of fruit, eggs.
What I'd tell someone who wants to follow my routine: Celebrate the successes! For every 5 pounds I lost, I had a massage or bought new clothes that fit. Also, find a really good mentor/coach who will work with your budget. I had a lot of people say, "How can you afford this on a teacher salary?" My answer is, "How can I not?"
I also saved a lot of money that I was spending on going out to eat. I do less of that now.
What my workout says about me: Most of my workouts are in a group setting, a boot-camp environment. I also like running alone and purging the stress of the day. My workouts say I like competition with myself and others. I'm not doing anything that other 50-plus individuals can't do. Just need to get off of the couch and do it. You'll be surprised at the number of wonderful people you'll meet along the way.
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