Deonte, also known as @valleyymuscle on Instagram, is a fitness influencer who has inspired many people to lead healthier lives through his social media presence. We recently had the opportunity to chat with him and get his insights on various aspects of fitness. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

When asked what inspired him to become a fitness influencer, Deonte shared that he’s always had a love for working out and being fit since high school football and through college. However, it wasn’t until he went through a divorce a few years ago that his passion for fitness was truly sparked. “Fitness became a way for me to cope with heartache,” he said.

When it comes to balancing fitness goals with other aspects of his life, such as spending time with friends and family, Deonte emphasized the importance of doing things that make him happy. “Fitness is number one for me, but spending time with friends and family gives me a chance to balance out more of the things that matter,” he explained.

For those who are just starting out on their fitness journey, Deonte’s advice is to focus on yourself, and not compare yourself to others. “Make fitness goals for yourself and reach them,” he said. “Once you do, set new ones to obtain. Remember, results don’t come overnight, they come overtime with hard work and dedication. See it through and stay true to yourself!”

Although Deonte doesn’t typically do quick workouts, when asked what his go-to exercise is when he wants a quick workout, he stated, “ I don’t really do quick workouts unless I’m kinda drained and have no energy; but it does happen. When it does, my usual go-to would be 10 sets of pull ups (switching hand variation), 10 sets of push ups (again switching up hand variation), 10 sets of dips and 10 sets of abs. Every exercise is 10 or 20 rep count!”

When it comes to staying motivated to exercise regularly, Deonte explained that he loves what he has become with fitness through a heartache. “There are days where I feel like taking a break, but I think back on how far I’ve come, and how much the gym saved me,” he said. “On days where I lack the extra energy to go to the gym, I make myself go anyway. Once I’m in the gym, everything else falls into place like I can’t explain it. Once I’m there, it’s go time!”

We hope Deonte’s insights have inspired you to pursue your fitness goals and make time for the things that matter most in your life. Remember to focus on yourself, stay dedicated, and most importantly, enjoy the journey towards a healthier and happier you.