(FORT HOOD, Texas, June 29, 2018)- "You want to look good, but you have to be able to perform too," said Marcus Wallace. "A lot of people think fitness is about being strong. The thing that my program does is it's all around. You will be able to perform like you look and also be healthier."
Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Wallace with the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, has been in the Army for 19 years as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist. He has been with the 504th for ten months. He has been running his fitness program for four years, he said. He has also played college basketball, All-Army basketball, and has been to five bodybuilding competitions.
Wallace lives the Army Values by ensuring that not only he is fit for the mission, but by helping others, through duty and selfless service.
"I want to show you that you can use your body as a gym," he said.
In the Army, people go to the field and travel a lot, he said. The workouts he uses can last as little as 10-15 minutes but they achieve maximum results.
Wallace said he runs his fitness program for Soldiers and civilians. He does it to help others get in shape.
Pfc. Tyler Palfy and Spc. Wes Schroeder with the 504th MI Brigade attended one of Wallace's classes. They are working with Wallace on a pilot program, they said.
Schroeder said he hopes he can improve his physical abilities and self-confidence during his time with Wallace.
"I have a lot of knowledge as far as fitness and my athletic background," he said. "Some people do not like going to the gym or do not want to go alone."
Wallace said that the people in the groups motivate each other and creates a fun, positive vibe.
Change does not happen overnight, he said.
"If change were easy, everyone would be changing their bodies. Give it time. Be patient," he said
"Have a goal," said Marcus Wallace. "Come up with a plan. Then commit to it and see it all the way through. What do you want to do? Do you want to be stronger or faster? Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to be in overall better health?"
Wallace said that the most progress he has seen in a person was when he was deployed to Iraq. This person came to him 30 pounds overweight and failing the physical fitness test. Six months later he was able to score a 300 on his PT test, and he lost 40 pounds.
"That made me feel good," said Wallace. "I don't do it for the money; I do it to help other people. It does not matter the age, size, background, or where you are from. If you are willing to show up and put in the time, I'll meet you there."
Wallace often records his workouts, he said. He edits the recordings to create work out videos. He said his goal is to work with a large cooperation, who promote things like beach body and daily burn, to distribute his videos.
On top of his physical fitness program, Wallace is also preparing to compete in the Naturally Fit Federation, NFF, June 23rd, he said.
The NFF hosts the largest natural bodybuilding shows in the Texas area. The federation is a drug-free environment.
Wallace said he got into competing by accident.
"I was going to the gym," he said. "Then some personal trainer asked 'hey do you compete?'"
"I said no. The personal trainer said 'you should go,'" said Wallace. "So I gave it a try, not knowing how to prep and going into it blindly."
Wallace placed third at his first competition. After seeing how successful he was the first time, he continued.
Wallace said his goal this time is to place within the top four. If he does this, he said, he will obtain his pro card. A pro card means more sponsorship and recognition. He has received his first sponsor, so he does not need to worry about supplements or traveling to competitions.
Wallace is a well-rounded fitness trainer with civilian and military certifications, he said. His goal is to travel around and help people with their fitness goals and be a well-known trainer.
"I feel like I am going in the right direction," said Wallace.
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