Massekik Cooke finds success with fitness

They say nothing will work unless you do, and one gym enthusiast putting that theory into practice is Massekik Cooke. After putting off his fitness goals for too long and witnessing the medical scares of those around him, Cooke decided it was time to make a change. Since then, he has lost nearly 30 pounds.

“My starting weight was 225 lb. I am currently [at] 196 lb. It is a good feeling. I wouldn’t say it changed my life, but it has enhanced it. Being fitter has given me more confidence. I’m more energetic and less prone to fatigue,” he told Lifestyle.

His inspiration to take this step is three-fold. As a family man, he wanted to be the best version of himself for his wife and child, and set a good example for his son.

Active for most of his life, Cooke noticed that he had been feeling more lethargic than usual. This caused even further delay in pursuing and achieving his wellness goals.

“As you get older, you realise that things are not as easy as they were when you were younger. I had wanted to start for some time now, however, I kept putting it off,” he admitted.

Then there was the unexpected medical scare he had witnessed at work, which gave him plenty to carefully consider. “My manager had a stroke. And that was a wake-up call to get into good shape and help in preventing or mitigating illness.”

So how was he able to transform his life? He credited nutrition as the cornerstone for his success. “Starting out, I had a diet change, which accounts for 70 per cent of the process.”

He shared details in his daily intake, “Usually, I start the day with smoothie fruits and oats, as well as some boiled eggs. About two to three hours later, I will have fish and vegetables with callaloo or cabbage. Lunch will include a combination of rice, vegetables, and chicken breast. And then I will have ground beef and vegetables with rice cakes, before working out in the evenings. If my schedule allows it, then I will have my protein shake.”

As it pertains to exercise, Cooke engages in a mix of cardio and weights, “I attend the gym four times per week. Fridays and Saturdays are dedicated to cardio. My workout varies from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the evening.”

But if he were to choose, he would work out in the evenings because he is able to relax after the fact, especially when the sessions get intense.

“Also, I prefer the gym because I have a lot of friends; that makes working out fun. We can roast each other over not being able to lift a particular weight and that may turn into a challenge,” he said. The variations are good, as long as it’s working the necessary body parts.

Working with his personal trainer, Shane Phillips, has been an excellent experience. “Shane will pick up on details you wouldn’t readily see, help in perfecting techniques and best practices to prevent injuries and give you better results. He has years of experience, the qualifications, and the results to show,” he said.

Gradually, through endurance and strength training, he was able to build his stamina. And now, things are easier. “There is less fatigue, and I have a better grasp of what to eat and moderation. With time and consistency, the results began to show,” he added.

Since losing close to 30 pounds, Cooke is happy with his look. Although he’s seeing more definition, the abdominal muscle or ‘abs’ are definitely an added benefit.

“I will definitely continue on this wellness journey. It has become a lifestyle, so there’s no turning back. I’m looking to gain a bit more muscle,” he revealed.

His advice to others looking to embark on a wellness journey is to stick to your workout and indulge in good nutrition. “Consistency and perseverance will pay off. Also seek a personal trainer to assist and support you on your journey, as well as keep you accountable. My trainer drafted a plan suited to my needs and I am grateful,” Cooke shared.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com