Lake Elsinore resident strives to motivate and inspire others on his fitness journey – Press Enterprise

Clark Phillips, a 50-year-old Lake Elsinore resident, is defying the odds and inspiring others with his incredible fitness journey. Despite a past filled with sports and weightlifting, Phillips found himself 50 pounds overweight with a body fat percentage of 25% after neglecting his fitness due to the demands of life and the COVID-19 pandemic.

His wake-up call came when he tore his knee while trying to get back in shape and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Determined to beat it without medication, Phillips embarked on a fitness journey that saw him drop 20 pounds and get his blood pressure back in range.

Now, Phillips is competing in Muscle and Fitness’s Mr. Health and Fitness competition, surprising himself with his qualification. His dedication to fitness is evident as he plans to run 5K and 10K events this year and participate in a powerlifting competition in early 2025.

In addition to his fitness pursuits, Phillips is a pastor at Unity Church in Los Angeles, a church founded by his grandfather 60 years ago. He and his wife, Lakeisha, moved to Lake Elsinore in search of a slower pace and more space, finding the perfect environment for Phillips to continue his fitness journey.

With two sons excelling in football and a daughter passionate about academics and dance, sports and fitness run in the family. Phillips aims to inspire others to live their best lives and prevent chronic diseases, drawing from his own experiences and losses due to health issues.

Phillips’s story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to prioritize health and fitness, no matter where life takes you.