Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Lo.
Hi Darren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up as a chubby kid. I was always athletic, and I participated in several athletic extracurricular activities like little league baseball, soccer, football, and a variety of martial arts. After a knee injury as an early teenager, I stopped doing physical activity and gained a quick 40 pounds. I didn’t recognize myself and was always out of breath walking between classes in high school. I wanted to make a change, so I got a gym membership and exercised regularly, trying anything and everything, as well as testing several diets to see which worked best. I fell in love with bodybuilding and building strength, because my physical appearance visibly changed, and my strength increased drastically. I always wanted to help people, so I became a personal trainer at a nearby commercial gym, but I eventually started my own business as a personal trainer. It took me a long time, but I eventually competed and placed in a men’s physique competition. I am now a personal trainer, actor, and model, and I owe it all to fitness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all. My professional career and personal fitness levels have changed a lot since I didn’t have clearly defined goals. I worked at a corporate desk job for a few years, and I somehow found my way back to fitness. I have been exercising and strength training for 20 years now, and I wish I had my current fitness knowledge when I was younger. Most of my personal fitness goals took a lot of trial and error, and I’m still learning more every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I don’t like to call myself a bodybuilder because there are so many more recognizable bodybuilders and fitness influencers out there. I am known for telling the truth in fitness. There is so much knowledge and marketing about fitness that it becomes convoluted for a newbie or even experienced athlete. Do I need to take supplements? Do I need a gym membership? Do I need to stick to a strict diet? These are just some of the questions that people may use to take advantage of someone. I personally believe that nearly all people can benefit from increased exercise and healthier eating, but that doesn’t always require huge spending on the latest workout trend, supplement, or facility. I believe in hard work, no shortcuts, and eating well. I am always disappointed in myself because I know that I could be at a higher fitness level if only I worked harder and ate better, but I’m always glad at the opportunities presented to me because of my work so far.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you’re looking for a mentor, always find someone who has a genuine love for whatever it is you’re looking to learn or achieve. It’s tough out there – lots of mentors are looking for a quick buck, and their interests only help themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: darrenlofitness.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/darrenlofitness
