Matthew Alexander gained confidence and a passion for fitness as a camp counselor at the YMCA. He talked with us about how fitness made a dramatic difference in his life.

Matthew Alexander, a 34- year- old life-long Harlem resident, became involved with the YMCA when he was a camp counselor and computer instructor while in college. Through his experience with the YMCA community he found self-confidence and a lifetime passion for fitness.

Q: How did you become involved with the YMCA?

A: When I was in college I was a camp counselor and computer teacher at the YMCA. I worked out at the gym, but I never went up to the third floor where the serious weight room was because I was intimidated. It took one the trainers at the YMCA pushing me to give it try, and then power-lifting became a real passion.

Q: How has fitness made a positive impact on your life?

A: Before I started lifting my self confidence was really bad. I would disappear in a corner when I walked in a room, but achieving the goals I've set for fitness helped me build confidence in all areas of my life. It made me who I am today. I want to be the best at everything I do. I'm a kindergarten teacher, and confidence is an important skill to be successful at what I do.

Q: What challenges have you faced as you've worked toward your fitness goals?

A: About six years ago I was working out, but I wasn't eating as well I should have been. One day I had 4 Red Bull® energy drinks in a row. I didn't realize how much caffeine was in the drinks. I had to be rushed to the emergency room, because my heart was racing. The doctors said I almost went into cardiac arrest, and it was because my heart was strong from working out that something more serious didn't happen. That really woke me up to the importance of taking care of my whole body and eating healthy.

Q: What's the most important thing about maintaining positive healthy habits?

A: What I've learned is working out is only part of being healthy. I need to make sure I get enough sleep. Also, to get better results you have to eat right. At school they call me the "king of tupperware" because I bring most of my food with me. I know I need to have healthy food, and that's not always an option, so I plan ahead and bring it with me.

Profiles of Hope are health testimonials with Harlem community members written by HHPC and reviewed by our Health Advisory Board.