Ngo (pronounced En-Go) is a modern-day renaissance man. He has built a thriving career in no fewer than four fields. He is a two-time Golden Gloves winning boxer, the most downloaded black male model of all time, a successful film and television actor, and the go-to personal trainer for some of the fashion and entertainment industries’ biggest stars.
Okafor spoke exclusively with the Von Boozier Twins about his fitness philosophy, tips for healthy living, and what’s next for the serial entrepreneur.
What are some attributes of your training style?
NGO: It’s a fact that 95% of people who walk into a gym, do so because they want to look better. Therefore, over the years of being in the fitness industry, I’ve created a style of training which focuses on just that. The focus is on building lean muscle and lowering body fat, which makes look better. I’ve found that the best and quickest way to get these results is with circuit training that consists of a mix of strength building exercises and a cardio burst.
What are your best exercise recommendations for someone who can’t (or doesn’t like to) do weight training?
NGO: My best exercise recommendations for some who doesn’t like to or can’t do weight training is to do exercises that utilize their body weight, also called calisthenics. For example, squats, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups etc.
How would you describe your philosophy about being fit and healthy?
NGO: My philosophy about being fit and healthy is that yes, life is short, but life can be long as well, so I would like for my body to be there for me in the long run. If I want my body to be there for me down the road, I have to take care of it right now.
How did you get started creating your passion into the profession you have today as a trainer?
NGO: Fitness has brought a lot of happiness into my life. I started working out to help me fight back when I was being bullied in my early teenage years. Also, due to the fact that I was fit, I was able to pick up boxing at the late age of 31, an age when most boxers begin to retire, and win two back-to-back Golden Gloves Championships. This made me so happy because due to illness, I was not able to play sports as a kid. I wanted to share this happiness with people. Becoming a trainer has given me the opportunity to share my love for fitness and my love for teaching with so many people.
Picture this; you’re living your perfect day what does this look like?
NGO: My perfect day starts with me waking up in the morning and spending time with my wife and 10 month old son. Then, I would go to work and train clients. Work is a lot of fun because in addition to doing my own workouts, I also get to workout with some of my clients because it pushes and motivates them to work harder. It’s like getting paid to play! After work, I would then come home, feed the baby, sip some good champagne and hang with my wife.
Fueling your body from workouts and living lean takes work, what’s your typical meal?
NGO: I love a big, huge steak. So, my typical meal is steak or chicken with vegetables and little bit of rice. I can eat this all day, everyday.
How does your technique and workouts differ from other workouts out there, what makes it so effective?
NGO: What makes my workouts so effective is the fact that I personalize every single workout. Every human being is built differently. Therefore, the workout must be built specifically to the person’s body type, in order to make the person get results and look the best that they can look.
Do you have any tips or tricks to living healthy, lean, and fit?
NGO: The most important tip or trick for someone trying to live a healthier life and become lean and fit is to start by making small changes. Rome was not built-in a day. People try to make drastic changes and then end up getting overwhelmed and giving up. It’s important that you are making these changes for the rest of your life. Take your time and make changes that will last a long time.
Where do you see yourself and your business next year, what’s next?
NGO: The next step for me is to recruit trainers to teach my method of training to people. This will be done either in my own training facility, or at other gym. I also see myself speaking to large groups of people about motivation in life and living a healthy life
IG @catchngo | Twitter @catchngo | Website: www.getingo.com
