Talking With Exercise Star, Paul Eugene

Since I’ve been trying to take better care of my health, I’ve been focusing on fitness videos that I can do both at home and anywhere.  During my search for exercise opportunities, I started following Paul Eugene, who makes exercise fun!  Reaching out to my favorite fitness guru, I was excited that Mr. Eugene agreed to share his story and tips with us!

Paul’s Story

From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Paul Eugene, who has a dance background, shared his story of how he got started.  “I started training in 1989. I used to go to Jack LaLanne health clubs and take aerobics, and people thought I was an instructor.”

His dreams had always been to work with television and video, but when people started encouraging him to teach, he followed through and became a certified fitness instructor. “I started teaching at Corporate and University gyms, then one day, a lady from California reached out to me, talking about working in television,” Paul said. “I was talking to a stranger, but I listened to her. “Soon, he had his own Cable show in Pittsburgh, The Paul Eugene Exercise Show. “I just retired; it ran for 22 years, then YouTube surfaced.”

Changes

In 2012, Paul Eugene faced a prostate cancer scare, which meant changing how he worked out.  “I rebounded and switched to seated exercises.” “I’m 12 cancer years free.  It was tough.” Paul said.

Overcoming cancer and a spinal cord injury made Paul rely on his Faith, which he shares through inspirational videos. He shares that when recovering, it is gradual, not at a normal pace.” Anytime you are going through a recovery, you have to wait for the body.” “You can’t work with the same intensity; I saw this happen to me.” Thankfully, he was able to use the rebound to offer a few easier, less intense workouts for those with health issues or just getting started.

When COVID hit, Paul, who will be 70 this year decided to try streaming videos, and the rest is history. “My mission is still on fitness,” he added. 

This enthusiastic author, TV and YouTube star, and presenter wants to inspire others to enjoy exercise. “If it’s not fun, I’m not going to do it.”

Many producers have tried to put Paul into a box, giving him a script they wanted him to follow, but that isn’t how he works. “I’ve got to be me. I didn’t fit into their box.”

“When I started teaching exercise, it wasn’t to make people skinny but to be overall healthy. I’m not a fitness model image; there is more to you than a skinny body.”

New Opportunities

“I had the opportunity to teach fitness classes on cruise lines. It’s been so different teaching on a ship,” Paul said, “I have met people from around the world.”

At the age of 70, new opportunities and enjoyable experiences will open up. Paul said he is going to take his birthday year off and celebrate before doing his next workout cruise. He is an inspiration to stop and smell the roses.

Paul shared how we can be fit and exercise while on the road.

Tips for staying fit for travel

First off, he said, “To know your limitations, what you can do and cannot do.” When traveling, he advised, “The place where you are staying, find out what kind of accommodation they offer. Most hotels offer a fitness center, but it’s not your typical gym; it will most likely feature a treadmill, an elliptical machine, and dumbbells.  So don’t expect the bells and whistles.  Some do offer a swimming pool.”

What are Paul’s favorite ways to stay fit while traveling?

He looks ahead. “I always research to see if there is a trail nearby or city park where I can go walking.  Going out for a walk is a must for me.”

Paul added, “I research to see if there is a store nearby where I can buy bottles of water or some healthy snacks to eat.  If the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast, my first choice is to grab some fruit and then something light like oatmeal, grits, or even cereal.” 

Lastly, he said, “I still try to maintain my normal sleep schedule as at home.” 

The videos a person should choose depends on their unique situation.

I was asking about it, especially for Seniors, and Paul pointed it out. “The answer is tricky . The word senior is quite often misunderstood. What comes to mind first is age, not the person’s overall health.  Seniors come in with a wide range of fitness levels, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach.  I created Senior Gold for seniors who are healthy and enjoy being more challenged.  There are excellent senior programs available, such as Silver Sneakers, but they are primarily designed for mature adults with lower fitness levels. So, highly active seniors like me skip them because they will not challenge us.  I will use another example of misleading labels, “Low Impact.”  It does not mean slow; it simply means that at least one foot is always in contact with the ground.  So, when I get an email from someone referencing themselves as senior and saying the low impact was too much, I educate them on what Low Impact means.”

Again, as he mentioned earlier, “Know your limitations, what you can do and cannot do.”

How does Faith play into Paul’s exercise programs?

I had already experienced some of his spirit-filled exercise videos, which combine worship with exercise. Paul said, “Faith plays a major role in my exercise programs because the body is the temple of the God The Holy Spirit, so by exercising it, I am honoring God.  My goal is not to achieve six-pack abs or big muscles but to keep my body healthy enough to do everyday things without struggle and to carry out God’s purposes for me here on earth.   If one loses weight, it’s great! If one gains muscles, great!  However, the big picture must always be kept in mind: that you are body, soul, and spirit.  So, it is important to exercise the soul and spirit through mediation and reflections.”

The Wrap

Paul shared, “Staying fit is a choice you make for yourself.  I call it being in a love affair with yourself because no one can do that for you.  Only You. Self-care, Self Love all wrapped in your choice to exercise.”

Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to share your story and your tips with Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl. Happy Early Birthday to you!