For men, physical fitness is not only a confidence booster but the first line of defense in the protection of ourselves and loved ones. Health is certainly wealth, but with so many choices in this 16 billion dollar industry, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily for us, there is Alex Ho.
Mutual interest in self-development connected us, but what really caught my eye was his dedication to practicality. Not everyone has time to dedicate 10 hours a day, and $1,000 a month on fancy new equipment, memberships, and diets, but we do want real results without gimmicks and shortcuts.
Alex delivers that and more with a mix of personality and motivation in his content, to inspire his audience to finish that last rep. It was a pleasure speaking with him, as I spoke to many men about their challenges in staying in shape today. What he shared was nothing less than gold, so with that, I introduce you to Athletic Ascendence with the one and only Alex Ho.
- David Pailin Jr.
Thank you for joining us, Alex. When we speak to men about working out, many have no problem starting, but it’s the discipline to continue that they have trouble with. What do you do to stay consistent?
My guy! Love this Q., and thanks for having me on here. When it comes to being consistent, there are 2 things I’ve found that are game-changers for driven men:
1) LETTING GO of perfection… and Just Showing Up.
For guys with a lot going on, getting results isn’t about being the most perfect or hardcore. It’s about just showing up each day - no matter how messy it looks.
If you can let go of being perfect and just make it to the gym, just have some veggies with lunch, just do something each day… you’ll get results - but you’ll also build the mentality you need to live your mission, love your people, and enjoy the damn ride.
2) Finding what works for your life.
Here’s what no one wants you to know: It ALL works. Keto, high-carb, fasting, 6 meals per day - it all works. The key is finding what works for your schedule, food preferences, social life, etc.… then tailoring it to your life so you can stick to it even on your busiest days.
What’s gonna allow you to get results while actually enjoying your life? What’s gonna contribute to your physical AND mental health? If you can answer that question, you’re 75% there.
Can you talk about your fitness journey? What was that “aha” moment where you decided to get serious about your health?
Absolutely. I was always decently fit in high school and college, but at 24, I crashed and burned, lol. I was working in advertising, getting 3-4 hours of sleep per night, eating chips and a protein shake for most meals. I lost muscle and gained weight, I was burnt out and overwhelmed, and my mental wealth was at an all-time low.
I realized I couldn’t eat + train the way I did when I had tons of free time. So I decided I’d find a way to become physically AND mentally fit while having time and energy to crush it at work and actually enjoy my life, you know?
Nowadays, I get to help guys do the same - get lean + toned without giving up their lives to fitness… so they can have more confidence, energy, and capacity to do what they want with more ease.
What are some dangerous, creepy, unproductive gym behaviors that you’ve noticed? Why should men avoid them?
DANGEROUS: Not warming up correctly, trying to lift more than the guy next to them, training through injuries… basically, not listening to your body. If you wanna get results and feel like you’re 20 in your 40s, train like you’re 40 in your 20s.
CREEPY: This is from my female clients: STARING (that’s the big one), offering tips on exercises, stretching/working out right next to them when there are other spaces.
UNPRODUCTIVE: Some technical ones are trying to do cardio every single day and working out more than 5x/week. There’s a point of diminishing returns when it comes to output + results.
In terms of actual gym behaviors, a lot of my “young professional male” clients find that it’s really helpful to just put your phone on airplane mode at the gym. Just focus on getting into your body and zoning out, and you’ll find that your workouts help your mental game too.
You should avoid these because they’re dangerous, creepy, and UNPRODUCTIVE.
Who are your favorite types of people to train? Who’s uncoachable?
My favorite types of people to train are guys who are working to be better men - not just more ripped bros. I’m a firm believer that our physical, mental, emotional, even spiritual health are all connected. So when we both have that understanding, it makes for some pretty insane results.
People who are uncoachable are people who generally think they know it all, or are too proud to consider other points of view.
How would you define fitness?
To me, fitness is about BALANCE with your physical, mental, emotional, even spiritual, sexual, and financial health. Like, how many guys do you know who are ripped, but there are other parts of their lives they’re totally neglecting?
Fitness to me is about optimizing your whole life so you can enjoy your life more, be a better influence on the people around you, and just have that good energy. When you do it this way, the results become sort of an automatic perk.
If a guy is looking to start working out with his girlfriend, what are some good couple exercises that would you recommend?
Love this Q. If you’re looking to train your girl or guy - keep it fun, light, encouraging, and PRESSURE FREE. Acro yoga is a really fun one a lot of couples enjoy, and it’s a great way to dip your foot in the pool as a couple.
If you’re hitting the gym together? Mannn, also keep it FUN. I can’t tell you how many couples unsuccessfully work out together because someone’s being too much of a hard ass - everyone enjoys different stuff, so try a bunch of different things and go with what y’all both enjoy.
In your opinion, what part of the body is the hardest to train? Which is the easiest?
So I’m gonna break this down. The hardest parts - especially for guys - are the parts that aren’t sexy. The movements we suck at. The mobility work. The work on your posterior chain (butt, back, calves, rear delts, etc.) which is so important for staying injury-free.
The easiest ones are the ones we’re good at. In short? Work out your whole backside more, and spend SOME time on your mobility.
You’ve been invited to lead a celebrity workout with Kit Dale, Eric Leija, and Randall Pich for Charity. What’s the first song you play to kick the session off?
No question, it’s No Problem by Chance The Rapper. I’m pretty sure Randall Pich listens exclusively to metal, so he’s just gonna have to suffer through it.
What do you look for when selecting a gym to join?
For me personally, I just look for a place with a good mix of barbells, dumbbells, and machines.
If it’s a group class or if I’m looking for personal training: I’m looking for instructors who are taking the time to really LISTEN to me, my goals, my injuries, etc.… And who aren’t coach “hard ass” (this is usually a sign they’re only good with certain types of people)
What are the pros and cons of traditional gyms versus home trainers like Peloton, Tonal, and NordicTrack?
Pros: it’s SO accessible, and most people find it pretty fun. You also get instruction, which is a great way to stay motivated and make sure you’re doing things properly.
Cons: Pelotons are great, but if you want that toned or muscular look AND long-term health, strength work is absolutely necessary.
If you can hit the Peloton and go lift 2-3x/week, that’s an awesome starting place.
What is a cause that we should join you in supporting?
The greatest cause anyone could join me in is the cause of helping yourself. Healing your wounds. Developing your body. Doing the inner work and putting time towards your mental health. As men, we have a responsibility to embody masculinity in its healthiest form. If we can all do that - we’ll be able to influence the people directly around us in a way that no one else can.
Where can we contact you to learn more about you and your services?
I’m most active on my Instagram! I have a free ebook right now for y’all with workouts, nutrition, and productivity tips - you can grab it at the link in my bio @therealalexho :)