couple workouts

BlackDoctor.org recently sat down with Cassandra and Kevin Govan. A fitness couple who has a unique experience on how and why they workout together.

BDO: Was there a defining moment that made you and your husband want to get fit?

CMG: Though in the fitness industry, I never had a personal liking to working out. A good period of my younger life, I was very small. Once in my late 20s, after 3 children, I was overweight by about 15-20 lbs. Most of the time, I’d “hide” problem or uncomfortable areas of my body under clothing; therefore, noone really knew how I was shaped. As we aggrssively began growing our business in 2009, we added on more women clients and they complained about how long it was taking for them to lose 20-30 lbs and still their bodies didn’t look good after the weight loss. Personally, I couldnt understand why it would take so long especially if they were committed to the task. So, to answer that question for them and be the test dummy myself, I decided to challenge myself to get in great shape. To make sure I would stick to the challenge, I committed myself by signing-up for a bodybuilding/figure contest in Apr 2010. Sure enough, my goal setting paid off and I was looking fantastic compared to the average population. I took this same challenge again in Oct 2013 and am beach ready for this summer.

KDG: I’ve always loved basketball and working out since being in high school and I was a former bodybuilding competitor. I knew however Cassandra never liked working out so when she decided she wanted to challenge herself to get into shape, I decided to support her by doing it with her. By doing it together, she was at ease regarding eating and exercising because she knew we had the same goal and that made it much easier for both of us to stay focused. I competed with her in the Apr 2010 bodybuilding event.

BDO: How did you two meet and how did you know he was “the one”?

CMG: We met when I was a junior in high school, 16 yrs old, in Hazel Crest, IL. He was extremely handsome, and he still is, and very charming (need I say more).

KDG: It was Oct 1991 and I was out of high school, 18 yrs old, seldomly visiting my sister in Hazel Crest. Although I thought she was fine, I was super attracted to her tactfulness and bluntness, she said exactly what she thought and felt and that was new to me.

BOTH: Being so young at the time, I wouldn’t say we were “the one” necessarily but as our relationship grew and we matured into each other, it was obvious we would be stuck with each other for life and mutually be “the one” for each other. We balance one other due to our differences and that’s a good thing. Ironically, since we got together at such a young age and even started a family in our teens, the odds were definitely against us but that’s what has helped us become the power couple or swole’mates (per one client) we are today.

BDO: What did you do to start getting fit and how do you stay fit as a couple? 

CMG: To start getting fit, I had to set a goal for myself then figure out how time constraints would allow me to devote several hours a week and monthly to eating healthier, working out, drinking water, getting massages, and even resting. I had a long-term goal and broke it up into monthly goals that were SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely). Clarifying your goals and constantly evaluating them based on your current situation makes is less stressful and easier to meet them. To stay fit, I keep my goals in front of me plus I allow friends, family and clients to workout with me so we can motivate and be accountable to each other. If my scale goes up plus my clothes start getting tighter, I know I need to step up my workout before things get out if control again.

KDG: I change my look based on what I’m trying to achieve. If I want to get stronger, I keep weight on my body to support my pressing or pushing. Recently, we traveled to FL for Cassandra to compete and she was adamant about taking photos on the beach so I knew that meant she wanted me to tone up a little. A few weeks to a month before the trip, I added cardio and changed up my workout to lose some gut fat and sure enough, that gave me a fitter beach look for the trip, one that she loved and admired. I am a workout fanatic; it’s my stress reliever so for me it has to be a permanent routine at least a few times a week and there is no negotiating on that. Primarily I’m a weights man but I will add cardio to keep the wifey happy and not concerned about my health. I’ve learned I can’t do it all my way.

BDO: What would you tell a couple that is trying to get fit?

Both: First, we would say discuss goals & expected Results. Before going to the gym and buying all that food you’re not going to eat, sit down with each other to discuss what you both are looking for in terms of results plus share what obstacles you foresee getting in the way. I know women are so different than men because we will allow kids, dishes, work, family members, the neighbor or who and whatever, to interfere with our workout and eating schedule whereas men set their minds to something and even if the roof caves in, they’ll workout 1st then fix the problem when they return. In same manner, women need to agree to ‘be selfish with their health to be of benefit to someone else’. Your partner can help you learn and appreciate this vital slogan we often use.

Next, find an expert. Consult with a certified or experienced professional in the industry. Now is not the time to leave your outcome to your partner who all of a sudden has become the world’s best trainer. You need to devise a plan that will work for you, as an individual; however, it could entail the same workouts. This is especially important if your exercise experience is different or if one suffers from hypertension, diabetes or other ailments. Professionals are experienced, we take the guess work out the equation so use us to your benefit.

Lastly, display patience. Be patient with yourself and one another. It can be frustrating when you are struggling to find time to stay committed or when you are at a plateau or when you miss meals, etc but remember there’s no such thing as failure. Talk honestly with your partner and figure out how to be successful again. Regardless of how many times you fall, start back up where you left off and keep moving forward. Partners be patient by offering continuous support and commendation to each other not belittling or teasing the struggling partner. 4) Have Fun. Working out together is suppose to be fun and pleasureable to both parties. Don’t be a debbie downer or the militant as these will surely discourage your partner. Play during the session, connect with one another’s body by touching the muscles you are working out, be into one another and compliment each other on getting it in. A good workout means a good night so keep the peace at all costs.

BDO: What is your guilty pleasure food?

CMG: Turtles w/sea salt and cashews. I buy them individually wrapped to exhibit some self-control but before I know it, I’m sneaking to eat 3,4,5 more. Each pkg I tear open is 80 calories so easily I can be at 400 calories in one sitting; that’s a whole healthy meal!

KDG: I’m not guilty about eating anything honestly. I’ve trained my body to eat whatever I want in moderation so I don’t have to feel guilty and I think everyone can get to that point.

BDO: Whats next for Team Govan?

Expanding our business (2xtreme Fitness) and a life-changing event we promote (The Transformation Showcase). The aspect of our business we are focused on growing is our online international coaching program which is helping men and women across the globe transform their minds and bodies under our direction. This coaching program allows you to choose how you want to transform (ie, lifestyle change, vanity, or because you want to compete in a bodybuilding, bikini, or other type of competition). It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or advanced fitness individual, if you only workout at home, if you want to lose weight, build muscle, get stronger, improve your aerobic capacity, etc, the program can and will help you regardless of where you are located.

The event we promote annually, The Transformation Showcase, gives recognition to Any Size and Any Type (ASAT) of body that will work hard to achieve some level of getting fit or being healthier within 60 days to 6 months (will be 12 mths soon) of setting their goal. The event can be compared to The Biggest Loser (TM) or a Bodybuilding, Fitness, or Figure competition; however, most competitors are not in the showcase to compete against others – they compete to beat themselves. This is

a great way to reward all for setting a goal and working hard to see it accomplished.

We are truly passionate about helping people and that’s one of the primary reasons why we are still in business and successful at making a difference. If you want info on joining our coaching program or working on your own SMART goals, we’re here to help.

For info on the couple click here. For more on their annual event, visit here.