Plymouth Pilot Finds Health Through ‘Real Lifestyle Change’

The life of an airline pilot has its pros and cons.

“It’s a very sedentary lifestyle – sitting, traveling all around the country at different hours of the day through different time zones,” said Chris Cape, a Plymouth resident who works as a pilot for a major airline.

Every six months, Cape is required to get a health check-up in order to continue flying.

“When you go to the doctor, there’s the potential they could say your heart isn’t in the right condition or your weight is, your BMI is too high or whatever,” said Cape.

In 2019, he realized he needed to change his fitness habits in order to pass that health exam, so he enlisted the help of Nehemiah Owusu, a personal trainer and nutrition coach at the Plymouth Life Time, to do something about it.

Chris Cape, before he started his weight-loss journey.

“We started out working on his mobility, improving his imbalances, teaching him basic movement patterns to build that foundation and base,” Owusu said.

Together, the two developed a workout routine that Cape could fit into his busy lifestyle.

And over the course of 18 months, Cape accomplished his goal.

“He ended up losing 30-plus pounds, decreasing his body fat percentage by 12 percent and passing all his yearly health check-ups with flying colors,” Owusu said.

A lifestyle change

Cape lost the weight and body fat in 2020, but four years later, he has kept the weight off.

He’s done it in large part because he keeps up with his training sessions at Life Time, and he hasn’t strayed from his nutrition plan.

“It’s a real lifestyle change,” said Cape. “I have an app that I track every calorie that I do every day.”

While this method may sound daunting, Owusu says it’s something anyone can do, even if you don’t have the money or time to pay for a trainer and nutrition coach.

“A walk around the neighborhood is free. You know, doing body weight exercise at home is free. Finding online workout routines is free,” Owusu said.

In other words, when there’s a will, there’s a way.

Just ask Chris Cape.

“I’m even shocked sometimes,” Cape said. “I’m in better shape and I feel better today at 46 than I did when I was 25.”

Of course, diet is a huge part of keeping the weight off. Owusu said one tip is to eat a high protein food at each meal. That can include things like lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and lentils.

Chris Cape works out with personal trainer Nehemiah Owusu twice a week at the Plymouth Life Time.

Related: Plymouth Fitness Coach Shares Advice To Keep New Year’s Resolutions

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