Crew Spence

Name: Crew Spence
Year of Birth: 1983
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 160 lb
Birthplace: Cleveland, OH
Current Residence: Austin, TX
Sports: professional wrestling



Introduce yourself!
I've got about a decade's experience in professional wrestling. I am a professional dating coach, and I am also a certified fitness trainer. I've dedicated my personal and professional life to helping other people live well. When I'm not working I like to spend time with my lovely girlfriend and the dog we adopted.

Why did you become vegan?
I initially considered vegetarianism because my cousin said it would improve my endurance. I decided to experiment with an ovo-lacto vegetarian diet, but two weeks into the trial I learned about the animal liberation movement. I was immediately convinced to give up animal products altogether. Luckily it's the healthiest way to live!

I first learned about the Animal Liberation movement by reading Peter Singer's book, Animal Liberation. The most powerful part of his argument was the equal consideration of interests. I realized that the line of reasoning I used to defend my use of animal products was the same used by racists, sexists, and other bigots. If I continued to discriminate based on species I was indirectly supporting other forms of prejudice.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I became interested in fitness when I turned 16. I wanted to be a professional wrestler, but I only weighed 125 pounds. I knew that I'd have to build a muscular physique. I managed to put an extra 60 pounds not my frame within a few years. I've since competed at various weights, but my interest in fitness has only become stronger.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
My nutritional program depends largely on my goal. If I'm trying to gain size I eat way more food. No matter what I'm looking to do I always try to get most of my calories from whole foods. I limit my supplementation to only a few essentials like an organic pea or rice protein powder, creatine, sublingual b12, and a few others. My diet has a lot of variety in it, but there are a couple of things that I do everyday. I start each morning with a blender full of fruits, vegetables, and water. It's delicious and gives me the vitamins and minerals I need to stay healthy and strong. I also eat an astronomical amount of beans, rice, and quinoa. I work to get most of my nutrition from whole foods as opposed to protein supplements and various pills.



How would you describe your training program?
I enjoy lifting weights, but I also try to do a lot of functional exercises. It's important that my program leaves me flexible so I can perform complicated and dangerous maneuvers in the ring. I'm a big fan of doing various exercises with a weight vest.

In my training I do a lot of the traditional things you'd expect from a wrestler. I'm no stranger to squats, deadlifts, and bench press. But some of the things that might surprise you are my love of running, bodyweight exercises, and my growing fascination with yoga. I believe in keeping yourself functional. It's great to look good naked, but what does it matter if you can't use your body?

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
There's always the question, "Where do you get your protein?" I think another common misunderstanding about veganism is that we have few food choices. This is simply untrue. My diet probably contains a larger variety of foods than most omnivores.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with veganism or training?
If you're becoming a vegan it's important to ignore the insecurities and ignorance of others. People are going to tell you that it isn't healthy. Science is not on their side. A healthy vegan diet can change your life and athletic performance for the better. Remember to stay focused, and create a solid structure for your program. That will help you to follow through with your goals. Too many people just go to the gym and hit a couple of machines with no results. You need to have a plan not only for the exercises that you will do, but also for your diet and recovery.