In the fitness world, Paul Sklar has carved out a significant niche, embracing everything from personal training to strength coaching since 1993. His journey didn’t start with gym walls, though. It flourished on tracks, where he earned accolades as a scholarship athlete, a two-time All-ACC selection, and achieved a remarkable ranking as the second best duathlete in the nation. Today, Paul embodies a blend of experience, learning, and a relentless passion for health — shaping his training philosophy and winning over clients across the spectrum from busy business executives to professional athletes.

At 50, with the physique that many envy — full chest, powerful shoulders, and boxy abs — he insists on the importance of adapting to age. Unlike many of his peers, he forgoes steady-state cardio for a more efficient approach, cleverly using strength training to keep his heart rate elevated. Yet, for Paul, this isn’t just about keeping fit; it’s about understanding the nuances of one’s body. It’s a fine balance, recognizing that pushing too hard can lead to injuries, especially as the years stack up.

He talks candidly about how people, particularly men, often grow disillusioned with fitness as they age, losing motivation or adopting unsustainable practices. Paul emphasizes the mental side of fitness, urging that it’s crucial to envision goals before embarking on the journey. With a brimming desire to motivate, he challenges common assumptions that fitness declines with age and offers insights on mindful eating — moderation over restriction.

Ultimately, Paul Sklar approaches fitness like renting an apartment. You must pay your dues to keep it. His unwavering admiration for the process of fitness, coupled with the wisdom gained from decades of experience, fuels his dedication to remind others of their own strength and capability, helping them navigate their personal fitness mountains — one rep at a time.