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Meet Kenty Chung – SweatNET Charlotte Fitness Ambassador

We recently did a little Q&A with SweatNET Ambassador, Kenty Chung. He recently found his passion for fitness, powerlifting to be specific, within the past year. He is a Charlotte, NC native and loves to connect people to fitness! Check out his Q&A below!

What’s your favorite quote or mantra you can’t live without?
Never settle.

Is there any fitness/health related product or brand you can not live without?
The Hyperice Vyper 2.0. It’s a vibrating foam roller. Odd right? Foam rolling has many benefits as it increases circulation, flexibility, and reduce muscle soreness. The vibrating feature allows greater muscle penetration to loosen up tight muscles and knots. It is perfect for warming up before a work out or a cool down after your work out!

What does you typical day of eating look like? What about cheat days/meals?
My mornings always start with a large cup of water followed by either an english muffin, egg whites, spinach, and fat free cheese or a protein smoothie. The english muffin is low in fat and enough carbs and protein to get the day started. If I’m in a rush, I’ll whip up a protein smoothie (chia seeds, almond milk, fat free greek yogurt, protein & frozen berries). Throughout the day, I snack on rice cakes, protein bar, fruits, and the occasional sour patch kids. My lunch and dinner are interchangeable. I love meal prepping! My meal preps are filled with complex carbs (rice, spaghetti, bread), protein (ground beef, chicken), and healthy fats (eggs, avocado, salmon). I like to end the day with some ice cold ice cream from either Halotop or Enlightened! Since I track my macros, it allows me to be more flexible with what I eat. For cheat meals, I always resort to all you can eat sushi… It’s my guilty pleasure.

What do you love about SweatNET?
The community SweatNET creates and its mission. Fitness in general is quite daunting, but having that community there for you every step of the way makes it much more easier. SweatNET breaks down the societal perception of fitness and allows people to connect and grow through fitness. I also love that it is the hub of fitness. Whether you want to get into strength training, yoga, running, or anything fitness related, there is a place for it and a community to welcome you.

Where can everyone expect to see you? Gym / Studio / Park? How do they connect with you?
I train at Club Fitness as my home gym. However I do like to discover new gyms and experience the equipment, people and community they have fostered. I also enjoy cardio at Romare Bearden Park, Freedom Park and Crowder’s Mountain! I am always open to working out with others! Just send me a message on Instagram!

If you could change one thing about the fitness industry, what would it be?
The mindset of eating. One cheat meal isn’t going to make you fat. Flip the coin. One healthy meal isn’t going to make you lean. Create a healthy and flexible diet that is sustainable to obtaining your goal. It isn’t going to happen overnight, nor in two weeks. It takes time. Once you see the results, you’ll want to push yourself even more!

What pitfalls, mistakes, or fads would you advise to newbies starting out in fitness to avoid?
Know and listen to your body. We all come have different body structures, strengths and weaknesses. One workout may be better for you than someone else. Focus on your strengths and add on to it. Focus on your weaknesses and find out how you can improve on it.

Do you ever feel like quitting or lose your motivation? What do you do to fix it?
More than you think! There are some days where I wake up and say I’m not going to workout today; sometimes it drags on to the next day. I listen to my body and see how I feel. If I know I need the rest day, I’ll take it and enjoy it with no regrets (rest days and sleep are just as important as working out!). I would have to attribute my habit of working out to discipline. Motivation sparks the fire, but discipline is the fire that keeps you going.

What is ANYTHING that everyone should try at least once?
Powerlifting! Powerlifting is a strength sport that focuses on three lifts at your maximal weight. Powerlifting focuses on three lifts: squat, bench and deadlift. All three of these movements recruits more muscle activation than you think. For example, the barbell bench press primarily involves your chest and tricep, but it can also involve your legs. I describe powerlifting as aggression and patience fused as one. The aggression to move the weight optimally and the patience to prepare your physical and mental state of mind.

Anything else you would like to say?
Embrace the obstacles & enjoy the journey. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.