Health & Fitness
Jamel Davenport
Celebrity Trainer and Founder of Mindful and Dynamic (M.A.D. ) Lifestyle Training
1. What’s Your AMMO? (What inspires you daily?)
My AMMO comes from one thought: when I meet my Maker, he is able to say to me “well done, my good and faithful son”. It is worth more than any paycheck, or any accolade to know that my work is pleasing to God. I truly believe that I am operating within my gift and my work is me living out my purpose on Earth.
2. In the transition from summer to winter most people become lazier as the temperature drops. How can you maintain the momentum and energy to exercise year round?
I am extremely lucky to live in Manhattan, and have an amazing view of New York. The hustle and bustle of the city, from the traffic, to the people on the go, and the inherent buzz, keeps me moving, keeps me motivated, You have to be on top of your ‘game’ to make it in New York, and that keeps me focused on my overall goals, not just staying fit.
No matter where you live, it’s important to get up and get out! It is very important to feed off of the energy around you. Get a friend and do something! Nature is the best gym.
3. Does the atmosphere in your home influence your momentum to work out?
Yes, 100%. I am a believer in Feng Shui. Also, the energy around you should reinforce the life you want to live. I use color schemes, motivational quotes and pictures, furniture on a daily basis to motivate me. A trick that I use is to place the cover of Men’s Health and a picture of someone with an outrageous body to constantly motivate me to work harder. I advise my clients to place a picture of how they used to look and a picture of the body they wish to achieve on their refrigerator, to act as a deterrent away from junk food!
4. Most people feel more effective working out at a gym then at home, how can you make the living space suitable for exercise without buying monster machines and clearing out furniture?
The best way to make a work out area in your home is to set aside an area that is dedicated to working out. However, your working out space should not be in a room that’s dedicated to relaxing. For instance, don’t put your treadmill next to your bed, because you are more inclined to want to sleep than sweat. Instead, create a room, or, if you can’t spare the space, a nook that has fitness clippings and other motivating stimulants that will make you want to work out.
5. Nutrition is key. How can we survive the winter comfort foods without disrespecting Mama?
Nutrition is certainly key to any weight loss goals! There are some people that I like to call ‘trust fund babies’, these are people who have inherited the metabolism that allows them to eat whatever they want with little consequence. There are very few trust fund babies in the world! For those of us who have to ‘budget’ out our calories, it is important to eat foods that have are full of nutrients so you can operate at your optimum level. So, you may not be able to eat everything that Mama lays out on the table, but at the end of the day, your family should understand that your health is worth leaving the ham hocks alone!
6. Stress can be a major factor in weight gain and bloating. What are some ways to ease the mind, body, and soul?
Stress is something that we all have to learn to manage. I believe that in life, we have to have outlets; moments in life where we benefit solely from what we consider be euphoric. You have to look at body as a bank account, if you keep making withdrawals, your account will become insufficient. Make the necessary ‘deposits’ in your life that will create balance. Daily you should take yourself completely out of your comfort zone and feel free in your activities to keep stress to a healthy minimum.
- Crystal Hines
