Sgt. Steve is the owner of Prescott Adventure Boot Camp in Arizona, a fitness and nutrition coach, and also an author. I've read his book Operation Motivation and it is one of the main reasons I wanted to interview him.
The other reason is that he is very passionate about helping people and his advice is straight forward and effective. Here is his interview:
Q: What did you do before you were a fitness professional?
A: I spent 20 years in the Army. I did anything from rocket artillery to human resources to marketing. I had a very diverse career.
Q: Why did you choose the fitness business?
A: I wanted a career where I could have fun, make a difference....doing something I am passionate about.
Q: In your book you talk a lot about the Excuse Monster. Talk a little about the Excuse Monster and how you beat it.
A: I deal with the Excuse Monster daily. I struggle the most with doing my workouts. The Excuse Monster LOVES the phrase: ‘Just do it.....tomorrow’. My best way to defeat him is to take away the word ‘tomorrow’ and just do it. I also remind myself of how good it feels to knock out a tough workout. A sense of accomplishment defeats the Excuse Monster every time!
Q: What has been an “A Ha!” moment for you that changed your life?
A: Realizing that people will like and respect me even if I don’t have a perfect body. Freedom from the scale and needing to be ultra ripped has been liberating.
Q: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever smelled?
A: Goat’s Milk cheese in Zurich, Switzerland. It smelled worse than ostrich vomit!
Q: What is your simplest, but most effective nutrition tip?
A: Quality over quantity. Put good stuff in and the results will take care of themselves.
Q: What is your favorite healthy recipe?
A: My wife makes homemade pasta sauce with grass fed beef meatballs. It is incredible!!!
Q: What are your top 3 favorite exercises and why?
Kettlebell Clean and Press - I just feel a strong when I do them. I love getting my whole upper body involved in a move.
Pistol Squats - I am FAR from nailing these. I am doing them with TRX straps. I love the challenge of them....and the ability to show off a bit once I master them!
Pushups - I am good at them, so I am working on doing ones that really challenge me. My goal is to do a planche pushup this year (legs in the air while balancing on my hands)
Q: What are some things you do to make sure your wife and 2 sons stay healthy as well?
A: My wife buys healthy snacks and prepares nutritious meals. I also give them frozen and freeze dried fruits for snacks.
Q: Lover or a fighter?
A: I fight for love!
Q: What is something you are working on now that you are the most excited about?
Three things: A new book, an online fitness program, and workplace wellness in my community. I have a busy couple of years ahead of me.
To learn more about Sgt Steve and learn more about his book Operation Motivation go to:
