Meet Ben Levine

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

I'm Ben Levine. I'm 23 years old from St Louis, MO. I used to be a soccer player, and I'm an analytical chemist a Pfizer.

What inspired you to begin your fitness journey?

I gained a profound passion for fitness and nutrition while obtaining my Biology degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia. I prioritize my health and well-being over other facets of life. For me, being healthy includes being in a good place physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In terms of my approach to fitness and nutrition, I choose to be scientifically evidence based. Furthermore, I always have followed and lived by the quote “look good, feel good.”

Has your motivation changed? If so, what continues to motivate you to move forward?

My current motivation is to get back to my best shape, prior to receiving hernia surgery six months ago which put a sudden halt on my training. I am also motivated to fuel my performance in the best way possible in the gym in terms of my muscle and cardiovascular endurance. In terms of my education, I am motivated to continue my education pursuing a PhD in Nutritional Sciences, focusing on how diet impacts the human microbiome.

"...look good, feel good"

What is the best thing that has happened to you as a result of prioritizing your health?
In terms of prioritizing my health, I have always been the happiest when I am staying busy and productive. Whether that be advancing in my career, learning a new skill or topic, working out, cooking or baking, or having fun and being social. A balanced but busy lifestyle is key for my overall health and success.

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
If you want something to get done, you are going to have to do it by yourself. Nobody is going to help you more than yourself. Also make sure to treat people that way you would like to be treated. Altruism and empathy are key to having and giving respect to and from others.

How do you fit exercise into your schedule?
I love to get a sweat on first thing in the morning. I get in a cardio session every morning before work (mostly moderate intensity). I train with weights 4 times a week in the afternoon; and walk in the evening to relax and end off my day on a good note. I am a sucker for a good sunset walk with music or a podcast. I do miss having training partners like I did at university. Although, exercise has never been a chore for me so I am hardly unmotivated to get the blood flowing on a quotidian basis.

"Nobody is going to help you more than yourself."

What is your favorite way to exercise?
In terms of cardio, nothing beats a steep hike in nature with beautiful scenery. In terms of weights, I really enjoy high volume bodybuilding style training. Calisthenics are always fun and keep me injury free.

If money was no object, what would your ideal day look like?
A full day hike with friends or family in beautiful scenery. I did many of these while studying abroad in Bergen, Norway. After, I would go out for a healthy, fresh and locally sourced meal. For the Norway example, some freshly caught seafood paired with seasonal fruits and veggies. Frozen Custard to end off the day.

What is your favorite meal, healthy or not so healthy?

Nothing beats by Mom’s Cincinnati style spicy cinnamon turkey chili. In terms of dessert, frozen custard from Kopps or my Grandma’s cowboy cookies never fail. I am also drawn towards anything peanut butter based.

What is on your fitness playlist?
This is my general playlist for any style of workout. Title: Float like butterfly, sting like a bee.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pl.u-AkAmVk3h2rRy88A

What is your favorite Purus Labs product, and how do you use it?
MyoFeed!

Follow Ben on Instagram!

Meet Ben Levine

"...look good, feel good"

"Nobody is going to help you more than yourself."

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