This post is part of a series of Queerty interviews with models, trainers, dancers, and, well, people who can inspire the rest of us to stay (or get into) shape.

Name: Peter Danzig, 34 (@danzigpeter)

Occupation: I’m an online wellness coach and consultant, and I also a model and perform in my spare time. I worked in theater for 15 years! Presently, I’m in my first semester towards becoming a psychologist, so keeping busy.

Home: Philadelphia, but I work out of New York and other places as well.

Favorite Gym: My favorite gym is always and will always be the great outdoors. I think nature, vitamin D and the open space are great for working out and therapeutic. I also really enjoy Blink fitness because it’s available in most places. My home studio that I work with clients out of is a special place for me too, it’s filled with their vibrant energy. It’s also a good place to remind myself to practice what I preach

Work Out Song: My all-time favorite playlist always has Britney on it. Songs like “Stronger,” “Work Bitch” and “Slave 4U” get me moving. Her work ethic is impeccable, so the music always reminds me to work hard, and hit those glute muscles.

Work-Out Foods: The best foods prior to a workout is always, for me, are protein, and small carbohydrates to get that glycogen built up. Also, bananas are a great source of vitamins and energy. They are just enough so I’m not starving during the push of a heavy workout.

Athletic outfit: Hands down: a stronger tank and workout tights. The tank is not restrictive, so I can move easily, and the tights help with keeping my joints warm since I do a lot of plyometric movements like burpees or dance. For me, it’s about comfort, not a look.

How do you balance staying in shape and having fun? That’s always a good question. For me, it’s about knowing yourself. I know when I like to workout and the kinds of regimens that are appropriate towards my goals. If I have goals of putting on lots of lean muscle, I know it takes a great deal of time and commitment, so my social calendar may not be as full. I also like to encourage friends and family to get together for a workout, it gets us spending time together and also moving. It’s really about balance. As a health professional, I can’t stress that enough. We spend a lot of time trying to do the ‘right’ thing, but often don’t think about what makes us happy. I accept that every workout won’t be perfect, but I show up and that for me is enough. Allowing for the balance of a healthy life, but also being human is important. I decided years ago to make my health, mind and body, a priority. That helps a lot.

Tip for staying in shape: Dynamic and static stretching, static stretches, which are 30-second holds, are so helpful. It’s painful sometimes to stretch those ligaments and muscles, and clients often don’t think of that as “training” but it is! It’s a crucial part of it. Pay special attention to your hip flexors and trapezius muscles.

Bonus pics:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsmHcDxDrlZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Brn1nKYDuSt/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrYDBY6Blzd/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrYjjE_Bnba/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqlG_AHjq1H/

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