INTERVIEW: Fitness/Lifestyle Coach & Author, Kevin Dwayne, Talks ‘When A Man Is Broken’, His Transformation, Importance of Social Media, Trip to Ghana, and More…

Meet Kevin Dwayne, Atlanta based fitness/lifestyle coach and author who specialises in personal fitness training, fitness group sessions, meal planning and life wellness coaching & development.

Kevin is also a Men’s Physique IFBB Pro Natural, has a M.Ed in Counseling/Psych, and a team of Physiques USA, plus he is an author with a self-published book in 2003 titled “When A Man Is Broken” with plans for more in the coming year.

Check out my interview with Kevin below:

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

Sure, my name is Kevin Mason, however most people call me Kevin Dwayne or Coach Kev! I am a Fitness & Lifestyle Coach based in Atlanta, GA.

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

Let’s see… An average day in my life starts off with my morning ritual and routines. This includes about 30 minutes of cardio exercises within 20 minutes after getting out of bed. During this time, I focus on reciting my daily affirmations, praying, and spending a few minutes in mediation afterwards. This sets the tone for my day and helps me to be productive and help others.

Thereafter, my day consist of meeting with my clients and working with them to improve their fitness and overall wellbeing. I usually see 6-10 clients per day, unless it’s a day I run my group class and that number doubles.

Outside of seeing clients I take care of back end work that keeps my company (Mind & Fitness Inc) running.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?

I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware in Sociology. I also earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling & Psychology and obtained my training Certification from the American Counsel of Exercise.

I hear you are an author, what books have you written?

Yes, my first book I wrote and self-Published back in 2003. It was titled: “When A Man Is Broken”. Since then I have completed an updated version of that story, and another book that I have not published yet.

Why did you decide to become a fitness trainer?

Well, I have always enjoyed working out. I recall growing up and seeing my mother work out and do aerobics when I was younger. I would join in with her at times and as I got older, I started doing it on my own. She even brought me my first weight bench that year for Christmas. I guess you can say it was instilled in me at an early age and just became part of my lifestyle.

I decided to train full time after serving many years in education. I figured I could help others do something that I loved to do. 

Are you a IFBB Pro? What other certifications do you hold?

Yes, I earned my Pro standing this year in July.

Tell us more about “Mind & Fitness Inc” and what it’s the main focus?

MFI is my Fitness & Wellness business I started in 2015. The goal of the company is to help others live in their best health in Mind, Body, & Sprit. This is done via fitness training, nutrition coaching, and personal development coaching.

How will you rate the fitness industry in the United States and do you feel it’s doing well in keeping American fit?

I would say that Fitness Industry is steadily growing in the United States and even aboard. People are becoming more health conscious and are working to look fit, and be in good health. Social Media in my opinion has expanded the reach of fitness as people are attracted to the looks and image portrayed Social Media.

Looking at your photos from 2010 till now, there has been a massive transformation and improvements. What will you say motivated/inspired you to go into fitness and stay dedicated in it?

I would say it was the knowledge that allowed me to be better at my Transformation. I was always active and did home workouts all the way until 2007, that is when I joined the gym. That was after I started to gain more knowledge of nutrition and other exercises as I had a trainer, who helped me to get to my next level before I decided to pick up the mantel of trainer.

As a certified fitness trainer, what will you say are your 5 Dos and Don’ts when it comes to fitness and health?

My 5 dos are;

1. Take ownership of your health and wellness.
2. One will not get fit and health with our action.
3. Get a certified professional to help.
4. Stay consistent
5. Create a way for starting a fitness program and use that on days you may not want to work out or eat well

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

Yes, as stated previously, I believe more people are doing just that, particularly more in the African American community where we have high rates of Diabetes and High Blood pressure.

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

I would recommend one take some time to read and research the basic of healthy eating, then use that knowledge to incorporate it into their life. One may not necessarily need a meal plan, just a better understanding of what to eat.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

I have always been one who tends to like a structure in my life and makes effort to balance both. I have time that I set aside for me to just relax, travel, spend time with people in my circle. I think it is very important and is also a part of health living to create a work life balance.

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

I think one of the most common may be that some people feel trainers are not highly skilled or educated. However, that is not the case. As a Fitness expert we have to have knowledge of the human body, nutrition, as well and psychology and behavior modification.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started?

I don’t think there was anything that surprised me when I started training. As stated I have always been active and health conscious therefore, I was aware of some foundational things early on and my certification training gave me a deeper understanding and knowledge base.

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

I don’t think there is anything I would like to change from that period in my life. It will be more of adding that into my work in health and wellness going forward.

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

At present I have not worked with any celebrity clients or brands.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?

Thus far I would say that my biggest professional success is being able to do what I love full-time and create a life that is as good if not better than the life I had when working for others.

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

I would like to work with a celebrity client or two to help them make significant changes to their health and physically fitness/appearance. There isn’t anyone in particular.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge I would say is me getting in my own way at times that hinders my productivity and performance. I am one who holds myself accountable, however I have times in my life where I allow myself to get off track with my goals and have to reset and get back in the game.

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

Two things people don’t know;

1. I am a very adventures person and I have Jump out of a plane before.
2. I used to have a pastry business when I was in my late teens. I would make cakes and decorate and sell them. At that time, I wanted to go to school to be a pastry chef, but ended up going the traditional route.

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

Yes, I do think it is important to be active on social media. Social media has made it possible for others to share their gifts, talents, and abilities with people all across the world in a way that wasn’t possible 6-10 years ago. It allows for people like myself to let others see what you offer and also to inspire others.

You are currently based in Atlanta, how as the city been working out for you?

Yes, I am based in Atlanta. I have been for almost 20 years, and the city has been good to and for my continued growth and evolution.

You recently just got back from Greece, so tell me what are your must visit travel destinations?

Well there are still so many places on my list to visit. However, some of my must upcoming is to continue to explore other countries in Africa. I recently returned from Ghana and had an amazing experience. South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt are just a few of the places I desire to make part of my future travels. 

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?

 The five things I think we should take seriously about our style are:

1. How does it make you feel? If you feel good and confident in something then show that off.
2. Color choices
3. Comfort of the material
4. The fit
5. The cost.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as casual chic. Majority of the time I am in athletic gym gear, however when I dress in clothing outside of gym attire it would be casual chic.

What style genre appeals to you the most?

I don’t have a style genre that appeals to me more than another. Its more about how I feel wearing something and how it looks on me.

Name your five must have accessories/essentials?

1. Bracelets
2. Apple watch with different bands
3. The right sneaker/shoes
4. Cologne
5. A skull cap.

What are your favourite fashion trends?

 I don’t have a favorite. I go for what I find appealing to my eye.

What is your favourite dish?

 Favorite is almost anything made with chicken as I don’t eat any red meat.

What songs are currently on your music playlist?

 Plenty of Afro-Beats, Soca, and R&B.

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

Currently, my fitness and writing are the main projects in the works for 2020.

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

My advice I would give to others would be to find that thing that inspires you and look at how you can use that to inspire others. When you do its part of your purpose and gives your life more meaning and Fullment on this journey through time.

Any specific plans for the future?

To continue to grow, evolve and become more aware of who I am and expanding my sense of purpose to live more authentically.

Any final words?

My final words would be to live your life through the lens of intention. When you do the path way lights up along your journey.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?

Instagram: Kevin.DwayneIFBBPro

Facebook: Mind & Fitness Inc