Superhero of the Month – Alex Jean
“Alex truly earned his super-hero status through his consistent demonstration of hard work, and a willingness to learn. His schedule has not been easy on him as he works and goes to school full time, yet he manages to get himself to the 5:30 am classes. He always has a smile and positive attitude, Alex is both inspiring and a lot of fun to workout with. He puts in the work, and it shows in his gains in strength, endurance, and overall confidence. Congratulations Alex, the recognition couldn’t be more well-deserved”.
Adrian Velarde, Trainer Mo-mentum Fitness
Q & A
Meet Alex, Mo-Mentum Fitness’s Superhero of April! He definitely is a superhero!
Describe what your life (and your health) was like before fitness
“I’ve always been somewhat active, being involved in Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre. However, I ate A LOT of fast food. Often being bullied in school, I took comfort in food, and silenced bullies by beating them to the punch with my terribly self-deprecating humor.“
Was there ever a low point or an experience that made your priorities change?
“When I was in High School I once went to McDonalds after class and the cashier called me by name. I’d say that was pretty low, after that I went to Del Taco instead. It was always difficult being costumed for shows at times I was needed to purchase my own pants. Size 44 (at my largest), Right now my size 32 pants are loose on me.”
How did fitness come into your life (back into your life)?
“While attending an acting conservatory, I was required to complete at least 4 hours of cardio a week. While at my conservatory my grueling schedule and many other circumstances resulted in an unhealthy weight-loss. I wasn’t sure of how to get to a healthy place. When cast as Link Larkin in Hairspray, an Elvis type heart throb, I began doing cardio and some weight lifting at Crunch Fitness. But during summer I began attending Mo-Mentum classes with my mom and that was the catalyst of my crazy fitness journey. I may not have been overweight when I started at Mo-mentum, but I was still unhealthy and had a lot of change and learning ahead of me.”
What kind of results have you seen since starting a regular fitness program?
“I am happier, I have more energy and have more self confidence. I’m beginning a nutrition journey as I learn what foods are good to fuel my body and help me reach my goals. My acting career has changed significantly too, I’m being cast as leading men, and not the Dad or sidekick.”
Please talk more about the actual changes in your life. (Weight loss, confidence, more endurance, less medications, increased energy, better relationships, etc.)
“My heaviest weight was 275 lbs and I now weight approx. 175 lbs, and am trying to gain more muscle. I’ve gone from eating way too much to eating way too little, I’m in a place now where I’m able to find a middle ground as I build my knowledge in diet and nutrition. Trying to have a healthy relationship with food. Adrian recently told me “food isn’t your enemy anymore, it’s your friend”, and that really struck a chord with me and put a lot of things into perspective.”
Why do you make fitness a priority in your life?
“ Because of how significantly different I feel without it. I can’t go back now, I have dreams and goals for my fitness life and my career as an actor. Fitness has opened many different doors for me and I am so excited to keep going.“
These days, what makes you truly happy and feel at peace?
“Spending time/FaceTiming my girlfriend, who is currently studying in Philadelphia. Perfecting my protein shake mixes. Acting. Watching The Office, Parenthood and movies. Listening to music. Reading plays. Yoga. Meditation.”
How do you feel compared to 1 year ago?
” Inspired, focused, driven, happy, determined, open to change.”