Fitness tips from sports and fitness model, Evans Amoako

Budding US-based Ghanaian fitness and sports model, Evans Amoako is committed to working hard, staying in shape and becoming one of the best fitness models out of Africa. Born in Tafo - Kumasi, Evans was always very passionate about sports. It is therefore no surprise that at age 24 he has been involved in college cross-country, track & field as well as soccer. He has been working out for nine years with dreams of becoming a fitness and sports model, drawing inspiration from fellow models, Obi Obadike and Sebastian Siegel.

His love for fitness and sports began during his school years in Hawidu Agogo back in Ghana, where he started playing neighborhood football matches. His skills made him very popular and my Physical Education teacher took a special interest in him. Evans soon joined the school soccer team and made some little magic until he moved to United States at the age of 12 years.

In Houston, Texas he attended Fondren Middle School where he joined the soccer team and at age 13, he won the Most Valuable Player Award. When he started High School at Westbury he played for a year and quit because he noticed that football wasn't given much attention like back Home in Ghana. He decided to join cross-country and Track & field team instead. It was in the track team that he developed his commitment to hard work, dedication and discipline.

“Because I wanted to be the best at Westbury School I woke up at 4 a.m to practice before I go to school. People began to notice me so got more disciplined and dedicated; I was running 10 miles and doing 600 push up a day and spending one hour at the gym”, comments Evans. Due to such determination, his teammates named him 'The Machine'.

I got in touch with 'The Machine' to find out more about sports and fitness models, his aspirations as well as some quality tips to stay in shape and live a healthy life generally.

Ameyaw Debrah: What exactly does a sports and fitness model do?

Sports and fitness models can be used for all types of jobs like fitness magazine, sports TV commercials, sports advertising; and general TV commercials, pop videos, film, theatre, advertising. They are the kids that usually work for companies like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armor. Basically, you have to stay on your game and be in top physical condition all year around to be a sports and fitness model.

Ameyaw Debrah: How long have you been doing it?
I have been doing fitness and sports modeling for about 6 months. I'm still new to the game. I'm trying to get my name out there so companies can notices me. In this short period some of my highlights including winning second position as fitness model in my first competition, Fame USA in Houston TX. I also did some few sports stock photos ad and some locate ad. My biggest accomplishment is the people all over the world that I have inspired to start exercising, and that lot to me.

Ameyaw Debrah: Have you modeled for any sports company?

Since I started, i have not gotten any opportunity to work for any company as fitness and sports model. I am currently seeking agency representation that will allow me to work in the commercial print field as well as TV and web advertising. Still very new to the industry so I pray that one day, a company or agency gives me an opportunity to work with them.

Ameyaw Debrah: What else do you do aside modeling?
I just started my own business called Body Fitness. Body Fitness principally runs a strengthening and conditioning program for people of all shapes and sizes. I educate, motivate and support my clients with a positive attitude in a relaxed atmosphere throughout the entire program. Body Fitness is dedicated to serving my clients and providing them with the motivation to stay fit, have fun, and further their health and fitness education.

Ameyaw Debrah: What is a routine day like for you?
I wake up early in the morning at about 5 a.m and I go for 4 miles and hit the gym for 2 hours. After workout I will get ready to train my clients. When I get home from work I will go the gym and spend one hour doing 500 push ups and 500 sit ups.

Ameyaw Debrah: How do you stay fit all year round?
Staying fit requires a lot of hard work and commitment. I work out 5 days a week. I'm very much disciplined when it comes to nutrition because food plays a very important part for me to stay in top shape. It is about eating healthy as well. My meals include low calories, low fat, lots of vegetables and fruits, fiber and lean protein and I drink plenty of water. Sleep and rest is another vital aspect for me in staying fit and healthy so I make sure that I get 8 hours of sleep everyday. I stay in shape all year round with 1 to 3% body fat. I always want to make sure that am ready for photos shoot. One thing I don't do is no protein shake or supplement I'm 100% all naturally.

Ameyaw Debrah: what benefits have you gained from staying fit?

Staying in shape has prevented me from getting all kind of sicknesses. For me, taking care of my body gives me higher self-esteem which leads me to feel good physically and mentally. Most importantly, my goal as a fitness and sports model is to inspire others to stay in shape and lead a healthy lifestyle. The benefits are endless. Being fit is just a great way to live your life.

Ameyaw Debrah: what kind of food do your recommend for staying fit?

My quote I go by when it come to healthy food is: “Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”

1) Brown Rice, 2) Oatmeal, 3) Salad and Vegetables, 4) Baked Chicken, 5) fish

Ameyaw Debrah: what are some 5 basic exercises to do to stay in shape?

1) Push ups, 2) Abdominal exercises, 3) Running or Walking, 4) Sports, 5) Maintain a healthy diet

Ameyaw Debrah: what are the dos and don'ts in staying healthy?

Dos
Try to exercise at least 4 to 5 per week, drink plenty of Water, Eat a Healthy Diet, and get enough sleep

Donts
No Fried food, No Fufu or Fried Plantain, No Smoking, No Alcohol