INTERVIEW: Healthcare Professional & Fitness Model, Tevin Lennox Talks Mister Africa, Dasoul Underwear, Mental Health, Living in the UK, and More…

Born and raised in the city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on March 1st 1981. Tevin Lennox Lived and worked in South Africa until late 2007 when he emigrated to the United Kingdom.

Tevin is a healthcare professional employed by an institution that treat patients suffering mental retardation like bipolar disorder, depression, autistic spectrum syndrome etc. He also works as a fitness instructor and part-time freelance commercial model.

Check out my interview with him below:

Hey Tevin! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

Thank you for the honour, I look forward to answering your questions. I describe myself as soft as silk, I’m easy going, broadly minded, I’m like a book. If you read nicely you will love it. If you read with wrong intentions you will face it later, if you tear any page then you regret later. It upon a reader in context meaning you will have to get to know and approach me.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?  

My typical day commence around 4:30am when I leave my house to and go for training at the gym. I’ll start work at 8am which usually is a long 12 hours shift. Nothing exciting on my typical working day. All about hustling.

Why did you decide to become a fitness instructor?

I enjoy and I am passionate about training and living a healthy lifestyle. Because of the knowledge I have gained overtime and I felt it was high time I share my expertise hence why I decided to become a fitness instructor.

You are a health care professional employed by a health institution that treat patients suffering mental retardation like bipolar disorder, depression, autistic spectrum syndrome etc. What is it like working there?

It’s very challenging environment both mentally and physically. You often deal with abusive, aggressive patients. You get to know in-depth of patients we treat so we can create safe pathway to manage or treat conditions. It also gives a sense of satisfaction seeing positive results when they get better.

How will you rate the fitness industry in the U.K. and do you feel it’s doing well in keeping British people fit? 

The industry appears to be growing from strength to strength. New gyms are being built and multiplying as of late plus it is getting cheaper than it use to be with fees starting around £14 a month to access 24hr 7 days a week gym. Also social media has made impact in my opinion with most trying to improve self image. In that regard people get to know more about fitness and nutrition. The industry is on the right course.

Looking at your photos from 2011 till now, there as been massive transformation and improvements. What will you say motivated/inspired you to go into fitness and stay dedicated in it?

I came across a photographer who I started doing collaboration with. He suggested I should change lifestyle and habits and transform my body image to enhance chances of selection when applying for roles. That motivated me to take fitness seriously and that has boosted self-confidence, now able to take images with or without clothes it’s a win win situation. Not long I’ll be 40 because of fitness I’m still capable of giving guys in their twenties good run for their money.

As a fitness instructor, what will you say are your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to fitness and health?

Do’s:

1. Consistency
2. Healthily eating
3. Stay positive 
4. Set self goals and stick with it
5. Patience 

Don’ts: 

1. Bad meal choices
2. Excessive drinking 
3. Insufficient rest
4. Don’t forget to reward yourself 
5. Give up.

Do you think we are taking our health and wellbeing seriously? 

We making progress in terms of awareness however there is plenty room to improve. People need to be made aware about the importance their health and be given choices that are not too restrictive so they enjoy quality of life. People will take on-board the message and how it is presented makes a difference.

Talking about fitness, how many times do you go to the gym to workout?

On average 4-5 times a week twice a day. Cardio abs morning and resistance training later in the day.

For someone trying to start out eating healthy, what meal plans will you recommend?

I don’t impose specific meals, I’ll ask first what their current choices are and suggest alternative healthy choices, e.g someone may not like white fish but chicken can be option also protein rich, diet plan will be done according to the need of the client. It is for muscle building, fat loss etc Overall 90% clean eating and occasional cheat meals on my plan. Healthy fats, low carb, drink sufficient water, less salt and sugary foods.

You recently participated at Mister Africa International 2018, also you are Mr Africa Great Britain and Mr Beach Body Africa. How as the experience been like?

The whole experience was phenomenal, an eye opener for me. It was my first pageant on an international stage. Competing with guys that had experience, I knew I was the underdog but I gave it my best shot and was happy to have been in the top 5 for top model category, did well in the social media and beach body which I won. With self belief and hard work I now know anyone can defy the odds.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

I am very careful with language I use, image I present, as your modelling your life can be scrutinised. Make time for aspects that are paramount to my sphere.

What do you consider the most common public stereotype about the fitness trainers? 

That fitness trainers are superficial, they flirt with clients and are not always honest.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started? 

Pageantry as made me realise that it is much more than just good physique, looks and poses and it’s about intelligence and how you conduct yourself overall.

Looking back to when you started as also a model, will there be anything you would like to change? 

Don’t want to change anything. I believe what happened in the past helped a lot to shape up my present. I learn new things everyday and keep moving on.

Which brands, clients, photographers, models, etc, have you worked with? 

I have worked with UK photographer Kraize Kat, he specialise in fashion, outdoor and Alexbotic who is a fitness and indoor expert, also featured in Comedy Central for non-speaking role in front of a live audience and other freelance work.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far? 

2018 as a whole is the year I began to take modelling seriously than I had previously done. Had my first pageant participation, I won most promising Model award, Best Fitness and Mr Beach Body Africa.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?  

I admire alot and the list can go forever. Dasoul is on the 2019 confirmed list. 

What has been your biggest challenge? 

Trying to remain calm and composed in front of an audience.

Tell us two things people don’t know about you? 

1. I’m welcoming accommodating unbiased
2. I want to be an evangelist one day.

Do you think its important to be active on social media and if so why? 

I have made good friends, connections including this interview all this made possible by being actively on social media. I engage with people through it. It can be a useful tool for marketing as well.

You were born and raised in the city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe until late 2007 when you emigrated to the United Kingdom, how as the city been working out for you?

The United Kingdom I experienced to live and work with people from across the world. I have learned new cultures, way of life, grasped opportunities along the way, it’s now my permanent adopted home.

What are your must visit travel destinations? 

1. South Africa
2. Italy
3. Dubai 

How would you describe your style? 

Mostly trendy urban and casual.

What style genre appeals to you the most? 

Overall I’m a trendy simple urban guy, however depending on the occasion I do different styles from sport, classic to business.

Name your five must have accessories/essentials? 

1. Gym supplements
2. Camera
3. Phone
4. Cologne
5. Earrings/bracelets.

What is your favourite dish? 

Chicken and jollof rice

What songs are currently on your music playlist? 

I’m an old school guy, Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Swv, Tupac, etc. I play their tunes regularly.

Apart from fitness, modelling, what other projects are you currently working on? 

Charity projects in terms of donating money, volunteering when time permits

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams? 

Never quit and give up on your dreams, you have got to work hard and in the end you will reap the rewards for your efforts. One has to perceive in order to succeed, consistency is key.

Any specific plans for the future?  

To establish myself as a reputable brand in the fitness and modelling world.

Any final words? 

Thank you for the opportunity granted me by the amazing people at talkmediaafrica, for readers to have an insight about me. Keep up the good work of your professional journalism.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?

Facebook: Tevin J Lennox

Instagram: @tevin_muscledope