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This post is part of a series of Queerty conversations with models, trainers, dancers, and, well, people who inspire us to stay in shape–or just sit on the couch ogling them instead.
Name: Steven Phan, 28
City: San Francisco, CA
Occupation: During the day, I actually work in tech at a cryptocurrency trading company and at night I am a fitness instructor at Barry’s. They both are so different and challenging in so many ways. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What is your favorite gym for working out?
Barry’s (I am biased). I am a big fan of sprints and being able to run on the treadmills at Barry’s really helps reduce the damage done to my joints versus on the pavement. The treadmills at Barry’s are Woodways, which have been specifically designed to absorb the shock of the impact from your strides.
Do you have a favorite exercise playlist?
Kaskade, that is all. Check out this Spotify playlist.
What’s the best food to eat prior to a workout?
When I do anything HIIT-related [High-Intensity Interval Training], I need something that is easily digestible, so that I am able to jump around freely without feeling like the food is coming back up. I have experimented with tons of different food combinations, but have found that just carbs work the best for me, such as a banana or an apple.
What’s the best outfit for working out?
The shorter the better ;). I have tattoos everywhere, so I like to show those off. Shorts have to be a minimum of 4″ and a simple tank top usually does my body justice.
How do you balance staying in shape and having fun?
These two go hand in hand. It is important to find ways to move your body that you truly enjoy. In the past, I pretty much dabbled in a whole bunch of different types of fitness classes to get my body moving to see which one was the best fit for me. I have done Spin, Barre, Pilates and Crossfit just to name a few. If you are new to exercise, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the different types of fitness activities that are available to you. Ever since finding group fitness, it has made moving so much more fun and positive for me. Also, being trapped in the house for the past year has really made me appreciate the human connection you get in a group fitness setting versus a solo gym session.
Related: Celebrity trainer Raneir Pollard on staying fit through virtual reality
What’s a basic, if useful, workout tip you can offer?
Set realistic goals. Your body does not look like mine and vice versa. As things start to open up, I have found that clients are going on crash diets and working out x2-3 times in a day in an attempt to lose weight in the “shortest amount of time”. This is not sustainable and they tend to fall into a never-ending cycle of failure because they are not setting themselves up for success. Be patient and understand that goals should be set with the understanding that it is going to take time. You need to be able to stick to them for the long term.
How do you keep your clients motivated?
My nickname is the “Energizer Bunny of the North.” I smother my clients with positivity no matter at what time of day it is. Yes, 6 AM clients get the same high-level energy as my 6 PM clients. I act as a cheerleader and make sure to provide movements that are scalable so that everyone can participate in the workout. I have found that providing movements that are scalable allows clients to choose their own path because everybody’s bodies are different
What do you keep on your nightstand?
My journal. Every night, I like to unwind by reflecting on the day. Sometimes, I doodle as a way to help me settle into bed. Honestly, it keeps me distracted from my phone, which I use way too often.
Bonus Pics:
C_Alan
The Tom of Finland tattoo is a bold choice.
That questionable praise said, I didn’t relate to a single word in this article (and I’m a vain gym guy).
I actually enjoyed reading it because it was kinda fun to see how completely different this LGBT guy is to that LGBT guy.
It’s all good.
TMBisAOK
So where in the story is he ACTUALLY talking about the “power” of wearing short shorts at the gym…let alone not one pic of him working out in these 4 inch minimum shorts? Smdh
nm4047
maybe the ‘short shorts’ covered the tattoos that are everywhere, not sure 4 tattoos would make it on to one of those ink shows
The real Bruce
I enjoyed reading his outlook on his life and fitness. Getting more ready for Summer with stretches and weights and daily variety of both. Steven has worked so hard and it shows! What are his chest, biceps and waist measurements at this time? Keeping toned at my age (73) is very important for my health. Cheers Steven!
PollyDarton
Something’s not quite right about him. Makes me sad.
RockyBlanc
Una loca with skinny abs.
PollyDarton
Also, butter face. (Look it up.)
dwick
pretty much
great body but not great face
Openminded
Beauty is obviously in the eye of the beholder. I think he has a very handsome face. Zero body fat makes me question if he is truly happy. Lots of work to have a body that lean and muscular.
winemaker
Really, like this wearing ‘short shorts’ thing is the new gym fashion trend? At my old gym, so many of the men wore these and many without a thong or jock strap underneath, leaving nothing to the imagination and some wore shorts so tight they almost looked spray on.
And the real joke, guys that wore this attire tended to be rude and stuck, up, had their faces in their cell phones, chatted with each other and monopolized the machines while others waited to use the equipment among other things and used the gym was their social hour instead of working out all to the tune of $1000 per year membership.. Stuff like this makes the gym less serious and more like a meat market and gay social club, i ‘ll pass thanks.
nm4047
appears the photo or whatever on the short shorts was left on the editing floor.
beer_n_donut
Some of you trolls on here are absolute trash. I liked this guy’s article and he sounds like he has a good outlook on life, unlike some of you a-holes. Steven- keep on shining, shorten those shorts, and keep lifting and lift those up around you. Whatever you’re doing, its lookin’ good on you.
frapachino
Yet here YOU are spewing hate.
frapachino
The only guys at my gym that wear those are certain gay guys.