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Impassioned Bodybuilding Partnership

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There is an old adage that says, “Partnership is a leaky ship.” That’s probably true when all partners do not share equal passion. Leo Callwood and Don Carlos Hardaway, both bodybuilders, both with equal passion for bodybuilding joined forces and that’s a ship you can feel safe sailing in.

How did you both get into bodybuilding?

D&L: We got into bodybuilding the way most people get into bodybuilding, wanting to have a healthier lifestyle

Besides the fact that you both love bodybuilding, tell us how this partnership got started. What makes it work?

D&L: This partnership started in 2020 wanting to offer unrestricted access to a health facility. Making fitness easily accessible. The love for fitness and respecting each other’s strengths in the business

What are some challenges you both share as entrepreneurs and business partners?

D&L: Trying to make unrestricted gym access affordable while still remaining profitable.

In contrast, what are some joys/benefits you both share as entrepreneurs and business partners?

D&L: It’s a joy helping individuals to attain their personal goals as it relates to fitness and beyond also creating a space where companies (trainers, fitness therapist) can evolve and grow in a supportive environment

I realized that you all have started the first 24-hour gym in the Virgin Islands. Whose idea was this and what inspired it?

D&L: The first 24-hour gym started in 2019 at the West End Community Centre at Shape Your Life Gym which is solely owned by Leo. We both decided in 2020 to bring this business plan more central and on February 2023 we were able to open Fit 24.

Are you both personal trainers?

D&L: Don Carlos is a personal trainer and I’m getting into it.

Is it different training men versus women? If yes, how?

D&L: Yes, there is a difference between the sexes. Most men want to get big and strong, and most women prefer a slimmer more toned body. Women are a bit more health conscious, wanting a 360 approach. Women will follow a diet plan, workout plan that includes cardiovascular workouts and physical therapy (deep tissue massage). Men mostly would like to lift heavy.

Should men’s health be treated differently to women’s health? And what would be your advice in bringing more awareness to men’s health issues?

D&L: Obviously men and women are different in many ways, but the key difference from a fitness and diet perspective is the balance of hormones. As most may know, the two key hormones, testosterone and estrogen are present in everyone, with testosterone levels being higher in men and estrogen levels higher in women.

The aim for a man is to maintain an optimum testosterone level through exercise, diet and overall vitamin intake. Testosterone helps to build muscle and most importantly for many men is the force behind their sex drive. Research has shown that between 25 and 30 years, most men gradually experience a decline in testosterone. Resistance training specifically has been proven to maintain a healthy testosterone level. Specific and targeted campaigns bringing more awareness to men’s health is key to educating all men about the importance of the science behind maintaining good fitness levels. Every media opportunity, such as this magazine, is important in this effort.

What are some areas that need attention when it comes to men’s health?

D&L: As it relates to fitness men generally need to be more aware of their overall health. This includes getting regular checkups and doing their own research on fitness and health. Also, having a balanced fitness plan that includes both cardiovascular training and some type of resistance training in their weekly routine is important as well.

Any particular observances you’ve had since training individuals that you’d like to bring to the fore?

D&L: The purpose is for you to get better; it’s not about getting better than anyone else. If you focus on you and go at your pace, the results will come, and you will be able to sustain them.

This might sound rhetorical, but why should we take our health seriously?

D&L: When you take care of the body, you also take care of the mind. Research shows that resistance training increases focus and releases pleasurable hormones in the brain. To put it simply, a healthy body makes for a healthy mind, which makes for a happy life.

What would you tell our readers who want to begin their own health journey – how can they get started?

D&L: The first step is to consult a physician. After knowing where you’re at, start resistance training at that level. Consult a reputable personal trainer like me – Don Carlos. If a person would like to start on their own, I would recommend taking it slowly for the first two months. Let your body get familiar with your new routine to prevent serious injuries.

Fit 24 Gym opened on the 15th, February 2023 in the Pickering Warehouse at Baugher’s Bay, Tortola. We offer a 24hour gym access for $85.00 a month and we have a children’s waiting room with Television, two bathrooms, four showers, massage therapist, air conditioned, variety of cardio and strength equipment, infrared sauna, and lockers.

The gym carries a mix of specialty equipment like hip thruster, belt squat machine, rotary shoulder press, rotary lath pull-down, hammer incline press, hammer lath pull-down, dumbbells up to 154lbs (70kg), shoulder lateral machine, bumper plates and many more. Fit 24 is forever changing to offer the best fitness experience possible.

 

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