Meet this month’s cover star Ubaldo “Skooter” Leon / @skooterleon
Photographer Pedro Torres / @pedrotorresphotography
Production/PR Burgerrock Media / @burgerrockmedia / Irma Penunuri / @burgerrock
Videographer Karla Gonzalez / @karlitaa21
Video Editing Film Lunatics / @filmlunatic.inc
Grooming Monserrat Meza / @monse_mua01
Production Assistant Melissa Delgadillo / @pauxlette
Such an absolute honor to have you on Men’s Fitness, what got you started on your fitness journey? My fitness journey began when I walked into my first YMCA in Tucson, Arizona, at 18 years old. At the time, my motivation was simple: I didn’t want to be the ‘scrawny’ kid anymore, standing 5’11” and weighing just 103 pounds. Over time, however, it evolved into something far more impactful. Fitness became a cornerstone of discipline in my life a critical skill that later translated into my professional career. It also served as a reliable outlet to manage work-related stress and maintain focus. Today, fitness isn’t just a habit; it’s a lifestyle that has shaped how I approach challenges, set goals, and prioritize mental and physical health in both personal and business settings.
How has your approach to fitness evolved over the years? In my 20s and 30s, my approach to fitness was focused on trying to become something I wasn’t. As someone with an ectomorphic body type, I eventually accepted that I wasn’t going to be the person benching ten plates or achieving a massive physique. This realization was a turning point, allowing me to ‘lean in’ both literally and figuratively to my natural strengths. I shifted my focus to enhancing endurance, optimizing lifting techniques, and improving my overall physique in ways that align with my unique build. This tailored approach taught me an important lesson about adaptability and self-awareness, principles I now apply in my business life as well. Much like fitness, professional growth is a constant work in progress, and recognizing that evolution is part of the process has been incredibly liberating.
What habits or routines have been key to your success? The key to my success, both in business and fitness, has been consistency and a structured routine. I wake up at the same time every day and prioritize the gym first thing in the morning. Starting my day with this disciplined habit sets the tone for everything that follows. By the time I begin my workday, I’ve already achieved a significant personal milestone, which creates a powerful sense of momentum and accomplishment. This proactive approach not only sharpens my focus but also reinforces the mindset needed to tackle business challenges with confidence and clarity. For me, the gym isn’t just about physical health it’s a foundational habit that fuels productivity and success across every area of my life.
What’s a common fitness myth you wish more people understood? A common fitness myth I wish more people understood is that real results take time. There’s no magic pill, protein powder, or ‘fairy gym mother’ that will hand you a great physique overnight. Fitness, much like building a successful business, requires consistent effort, patience, and dedication. I always advise people to focus on the process rather than obsessing over the daily fluctuations on the scale or in the mirror. The goal is to show up, work as hard as you can each day, and trust in the long-term payoff.
What are your go-to exercises for building strength and endurance? Strength and endurance are two distinct goals, and it’s important to approach each with a focused mindset. I always recommend dedicating specific days to one or the other, rather than trying to combine them in a single workout. For strength, I rely on exercises like the sumo squat and deep dumbbell bench press, both of which effectively target multiple muscle groups and build power. When it comes to endurance, I favor a methodical approach with long, slow-distance training. A great example is setting the treadmill to a 10% incline and walking at a 3.5 mph pace for 45 minutes. This workout boosts cardiovascular endurance without the high-impact strain on joints that comes with running a lesson I learned the hard way as a former distance runner. Just like in business, it’s about being strategic and playing to your strengths. You don’t need to overcomplicate your routine to see results.
Do you prefer working out solo or with a partner or group, and why? I prefer working out solo because I’m highly competitive, and I’ve found that in a group setting, I’m more likely to get distracted by others and lose focus on my own form and the specific muscle group I’m targeting. For me, the most important competition is with myself pushing my limits, and striving for continuous improvement. This mindset aligns with how I approach both fitness and business: it’s about setting personal standards, tracking progress, and never comparing my journey to others. I believe that true growth happens when you are laser-focused on your own goals and performance.
Do you have a trainer? Why or why not? Tell us about the experience. YES, I work with Steven Wallace, whose extensive list of credentials and experience has truly been a game changer for me. Initially, I thought I knew everything ‘I’ve been doing this for years, so I’ve got it covered.’ But working with Steven completely shifted that perspective. A great trainer opens up a whole new world of exercises, workout plans, and motivational strategies that you might never have considered on your own. I joke with Steven, saying ‘Body by Steven’ whenever I get a compliment at the gym, but it’s not just a joke it’s the truth. He’s a motivator, a teacher, and a source of fresh insights, even after all these years in the gym. I strongly believe that no matter your income or fitness level, having a trainer can accelerate your progress. Just like being a student in your professional field, you can and should be a student of your own body. A good trainer acts as your mentor in this area, and when you’re open to learning, the benefits are immense.
Do you follow a specific diet plan, or is it more intuitive for you? My diet is primarily intuitive. I prefer a high-protein, low-carb approach with minimal dairy, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and adjust as needed. I also allow myself the flexibility to indulge on Sundays balance is key. Much like any skill, developing a sustainable diet plan takes practice and consistency. Over time, I’ve become more aware of what works for me and what doesn’t. For me, every meal is a conscious choice. I ask myself: ‘Is this a good decision or not?’ Maintaining that mindset allows me to stay aligned with my fitness goals while still enjoying life. The discipline I’ve developed around food is similar to how I approach business decisions making mindful choices that support long-term success.
How do you balance indulgences with sticking to a healthy diet? CHEAT DAY!! I balance indulgences with a healthy diet by designating one ‘cheat day’ per week. On that day, I allow myself the freedom to enjoy whatever I’m craving, without guilt. This strategy not only keeps me mentally refreshed but also reinforces the idea that balance is key to long-term sustainability. Over time, I’ve found that the more I stick to a disciplined routine, the less I crave unhealthy foods. This approach mirrors my philosophy in business: staying focused and disciplined throughout the week allows for occasional flexibility without sacrificing long-term success.
How do you maintain a balance between fitness, work, and personal life? Maintaining a balance between family, especially with two young girls a spouse, a mom who I take care of, my career, and fitness is undoubtedly challenging. The key is time blocking and sticking to a well-structured schedule. By knowing exactly where I need to be and when I can fully focus on each task, whether it’s family time, work, or a workout, without feeling overwhelmed. When I approach my day with this level of intentionality, I’m able to prioritize effectively and trust that everything will fall into place when it’s time. Much like managing a business, it’s about strategic planning and execution, so I can give my best to each area of my life without compromise.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a Mortgage Loan Originator, and how did you get started? Nobody wakes up and says, ‘I want to be a mortgage loan originator when I grow up!’ I fell into this career by chance, but once I got started, I quickly recognized the opportunity to make a meaningful impact not just in the lives of my clients but also for my friends and family. Before entering the mortgage industry, I was a young singer in LA with strong sales experience, having worked at Intuit selling software and at AOL, convincing people not to cancel their services. One day, I attended a job fair near LAX and was hired on the spot by a mortgage company. Looking back, the minimal training I received before being thrown into the role seems almost laughable. However, over the past 23 years, I’ve come to value that experience immensely. It taught me resilience and helped me develop a range of skills that set me apart from others in the industry. Today, my focus is on mentoring the next generation of mortgage professionals, providing them with the opportunities and guidance I didn’t have when I started. I’m committed to paying it forward and helping them build the foundation for long-term success.
What’s the most rewarding part of helping clients secure their dream homes? The most rewarding part of helping clients secure their dream home is when I’m able to accomplish what others have told them was impossible whether it’s a bank that turned them down or even advice from family. Many times, clients come to me feeling discouraged, but when we close the deal and they look at me with gratitude, saying, ‘I will never forget you as long as I live, thank you,’ it’s incredibly fulfilling. Those moments are a true reminder of the profound impact I have on their lives. It’s a feeling that transcends words a sense of knowing that I’ve not only helped them achieve a goal but also provided them with a lasting sense of hope and security.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their fitness journey, what would it be? If I could give one piece of advice to someone starting their fitness journey, it would be to eliminate self-doubt and fear from your mindset. Don’t let those negative thoughts or the fear of judgment hold you back. Just get to the gym and focus on doing the work forget about how you look while doing an exercise. I always say, ‘I look the ugliest when I’m trying to look pretty!’ There’s no room for self-criticism or worrying about what others think. Fitness is a personal journey, and it’s about progress, not perfection. Take it day by day, knowing that it will take time, hard work, and consistency, but with those, you’ll get there.
Are you working on any new projects? If so, could you tell us about them? I’m currently working on several exciting new projects! First, I’m expanding my mortgage team into key markets as part of my initiative to ‘pay it forward.’ This allows me to share my brand, expertise, and knowledge with others in the industry, helping to elevate the standard of service we provide. Additionally, I’m in the process of writing a book that will offer valuable insights into the mortgage and real estate industries. On the real estate front, we’re about to launch an incredible development in Dallas, Texas, which I’m confident will be a game-changer. I’m partnering with the talented Piper Young, Principal at @ Properties Christies, and we’re positioning myself as their in-house lender for this project. It’s shaping up to be a tremendous success, and I’m excited to see the impact it will have in the market.
Where can our readers keep up with you? Readers can stay connected and get a more personal look into my life and journey through my Instagram @skooterleon. I’m also always happy to connect via email at u.leon@ccm.com or through my website at ubaldoleon.com for more information and updates.
