Fitness Coach, Evan Betts on What It Really Means To Be In Shape
WITH EVAN BETTS
Evan Betts is a model turned fitness industry professional living a busy life, analogous with the city of New York.
Photography, Charles Roussel
Words, Brett Staniland In Conversation with Evan Betts
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After moving to New York from Michigan in 2014, Evan worked as a model and then a founding trainer at three of the city's most notorious workout spots; Tonehouse (“the hardest workout in the world”), Performix and GRIT BXNG.
Being that Evan has a background of being a highly competitive college athlete, and has always had a focus on performance and competition, it felt natural that he wanted to utilise his expertise and experience of looking after himself, to help others do the same.
With so much noise in the online fitness industry, particularly with social media, Evan has used his creative expertise to foster his presence online, providing his clients with high-quality sessions in a virtual format, which still capture the energy he is renowned for bringing in-person.
Going on a walk or hike is exercise; it doesn’t always have to be a super strenuous workout.
THE LOOK
Denim Set, All Saints
Evan recognises that living a healthy life consists of much more than incorporating a vigorous workout regime and strict dieting. Even having developed some of the most challenging workouts throughout New York, and training high-level clientele, he acknowledges the importance of winding down, reflecting and resting, all for the overall improvement of one's health, and advises his clients to do the same.
With more diverse business ventures on the horizon for Evan, he seems extremely focused on driving himself onwards towards more challenges and expanding his own brand. He’s been posting his online workouts on Silo Fitness, an online platform and APP where you can “rent a workout” or purchase an annual subscription.
I caught up with Evan to talk about his relationship with the fitness industry while also incorporating self-care into his own busy schedule. Having worked within the fitness industry myself, I was interested in his ethos for a healthy life, seeing how he has adapted over the past year and what plans he has for the future.
BS: In addition to fitness, you seem to do a lot of other things. You were a lead on E!’s So Cosmo, and you’ve been able to engage in a variety of creative projects. How do you describe what you do when people ask?
EB: I kind of generalise and say I’m a fitness coach and content creator. I have a dual lifestyle; I was an art and design major in college so being creative is really fun for me. I love shooting and editing stuff. Having creative freedom is great for me. Alongside fitness coaching, training people in person and online.
THE LOOK
Denim Set, All Saints
People overwhelm themselves. We see crazy stuff on the internet these days so, I always tell them about KISS. The “keep it simple, stupid” method.
BS: Was fitness a big part of his childhood?
EB: I had a super athletic childhood, my dad was a pro football player and I played pretty much every sport including football and baseball growing up in Michigan. In college, I was on the swimming and diving team, and was ranked nationally.
BS: How were you able to specialise your skill to be able to turn it into a full time career?
EB: In 2014, I moved to New York to model and there was another model on the board at Wilhelmina who I went to college with. He was starting a gym and I started training there which then became my first training job. I thought I might make it pro at a sport, maybe I did too many and didn't specialise, but I thought this was the next best thing.
BS: What would you say are first step basics a fitness beginner can implement for a more fit lifestyle?
EB: People overwhelm themselves. We see crazy stuff on the internet these days so I always tell them about KISS, the “keep it simple, stupid” method. Go and watch educational videos, get a coach if you have a specific goal, or don’t have a friend who’s there to motivate you. I like to cook a lot too, so that eliminates other extra stuff, drinking more water is important, and knowing you don’t need to spend hours in the gym. Make small changes like reducing alcohol and cutting out excess sugar. More good than bad.
BS: Do you see that people work out for the wrong reasons especially being so active on social media?
EB: I know people have a lot of different reasons for working out, but I always just think, let that be the catalyst to get you moving. As long as it’s not making you unhealthy up here (mentally), then I think any reason is a good thing.
BS: What is your relationship with your clientele?
EB: Some people like a drill sergeant but some don’t. It varies client to client, you have to meet them where they’re at. Both physically and mentally. Some clients just want to talk for an hour so you do most of the listening but some people want their asses kicked so I’ll do that for them too. You have to assess it on the day and see what kind of day they’re having.
I’m all for trying things out but to make a long-term sustained change, I don’t see a strict diet as the answer.
BS: Does being so busy ever affect working fitness and wellness into your lifestyle?
EB: I try to work it in at some point and be flexible. I have these adjustable dumbbells from SMRTFT, and I love circuit training, so if I’m really pushed for time I’ll pick those up and choose a few exercises and get a workout done in the living room! Super time-efficient!
THE LOOK
Tank Top, 2(x)ist
BS: Do you deal with stress or have moments where you feel unhealthy? How do you deal with it?
EB: I use exercise as an outlet for stress. Getting those endorphins and improving mood is really important. The other thing I do is sleep. I’ll just go take a nap, be straight up, take a minute and see I’m not in a good mood, I’m irritable, I’ll just go and take a nap and reset.
BS: Does building muscle and doing hard workouts actually make one fit or healthy?
EB: No, you shouldn’t be doing those all the time either. Your body needs time to rest and recover. Going on a walk or hike is exercise; it doesn’t always have to be a super strenuous workout.
BS: What is your approach to eating and holistic fitness?
The biggest thing for me is, I don’t diet - I think sometimes they set you up for failure. They’re often not sustainable, I’m all for trying things out but to make a long-term sustained change, I don’t see a strict diet as the answer. I also believe in ‘everything in moderation’. People get crazy with some diets, I just believe in fueling your body for what you’re doing.
BS: Any essentials for cultivating a healthier life?
EB: One thing which I think is underrated is surrounding yourself with like-minded people. When you're trying to do anything to live a healthier life, your support system is huge.
There’s so much pressure and ‘noise’ everywhere, especially in New York, so going for a walk or just taking time out and stopping, reading or anything that will reduce your stress levels. The top tips I would recommend to people are; place a priority on sleep, everything in moderation, any movement is exercise it doesn’t need to be vigorous every time and let your body recover.
BS: What motivates you to stay in this industry? and do you see yourself transitioning into any other spaces influenced by your wellness ethos?
EB: The goal-oriented aspect of competition really kept me involved in the industry. If i'm not gonna be pro or in sports, this is the closest thing to it. I find training super fun and I'm obsessed with the body's ability to adapt. I find it really rewarding to help others too, and seeing them achieve their goals.
Whilst I never really imagined having my own gym, I think it’s probably on the horizon at some point. I like the idea of having our own home base, it makes sense after building my own brand here so the next step is probably that. Past the industry, I have a few ideas. I’m juggling a few things around right now; launching a coffee and doing some consultancy work.
