Being crowned the Fittest Man in East Texas is more than just a title for Kolton Porter. It is about a lifestyle and helping others get the most out of living a healthy life.
“Great feeling!” he said of his recent win. “Means a lot to me that I can say I am the Fittest in East Texas!”.
Porter had qualified for the games twice before, but due to other commitments wasn’t able to compete until this last competition.
The ETX Fittest is a local competition designed to highlight the hard work of athletes over five weeks. Athletes from all over Northeast Texas that qualify were invited to a one-day competition that was held on Feb. 1 at CrossFit Tyler.
Porter’s training for the recent ETX Game was also incorporated into the gym for others to join in if they wanted to.
Porter made the top ten in the Crossfit Games, which gave him the opening to compete in the ETX Game.
“Typically, my training stays the same for competitions, this last one I trained twice a day for six days a week,” he said.
“It’s awesome to reflect on all the hours and work put in to accomplish this goal of mine. It was extremely motivating seeing my family in the stands cheering me on and to hear all of the encouragement from our members,” he said. “Especially seeing my kiddos and them running up to me hugging my neck when I would finish each event.”
The 27-year old owner of Revival Fitness gym in Paris said that he’s been involved with fitness for around 10-years and says it’s truly a passion for him.
“When it comes to owning a gym, it’s much more than just ownership. I am passionate about helping others achieve their goals about fitness and living a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Porter said he always wanted to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and motivating to all — never wanting anyone to feel unnoticed, intimidated or question themself.
“We’re here to coach and teach people about fitness-and I want each individual to leave feeling accomplished and good about themselves. We’re a family, and our doors are open to everyone. Our gym is a place to work hard and have fun,” Porter explained.
Porter said that his gym is for everyone, no matter what your level of fitness is, or if you choose to compete or not. Their vision is to strive to build a community, and by extension, a family so each person can better themselves, and they can all conquer goals together.
“We are a faith-based gym, we are called by the Lord to honor him with our bodies, and that’s what our gym is about,” he said.
When it comes to their classes, they offer a full range to suit every person that walks through the door.
Their Functional Training classes are called Revive. It is based on strength and endurance work. They do a variety of movements, use barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and bodyweight movements. For endurance, they run, row, bike, and ski.
The Competitor class is for individuals looking to learn advanced movements and preparing for competitions. They incorporate Olympic lifts, strength work, gymnastics, metabolic conditioning, and skill/technique work.
For something a little more fast-paced, Porter said they offer Kickboxing classes that are a fast-paced cardio workout with punches, kicks, and bodyweight movements.
Also offered is their Interval classes, which is a 30 min class that consists of monostructural training – running/walking, biking, ski rig, rowing, and jumping rope.
“All classes are at the individual’s pace, and every movement can be modified,” said Porter.
Now with one competition down, Porter is looking forward to the upcoming Rose City Ruckus, which he will return as the reigning champ.
“I’m just really excited, and looking forward to the next competition,” he said.
And when it comes to everything both in the competitive world of Crossfit, as well as family and his gym, Porter says, “All the glory to the Lord! The competition, Revival Fitness, our members, all the doors he has opened for us and blessed us with. I don’t compete just for me; it’s for my wife, kids, family, Revival Fitness, and the city of Paris! God is good all the time. I’m just truly thankful.”
