Hanging Out with Phil Collen

I got a chance to meet Phil Collen the lead guitarist for Def Leppard, his Muay Thai kickboxing trainer Jean Carrillo and their team at Physical Mechanix during the LA Fit Expo this past weekend. I can tell you this. Phil is in great shape but he’s also one of the most down to earth people I’ve met in a long time.

With all his success and fame, not only does he remain gracious and humble but, the guy is committed to spreading the word about health, fitness and nutrition. In fact, Phil has joined the campaign to kick childhood obesity to the curb.

The Orange County based 53-year old rock star has been clean and sober for 23 years and a vegetarian for 27 years. Collen holds a black belt in Kempo Karate and has been training in Muay Thai kickboxing for 6 years.

Phil walks the walk. He says you have to if you’re preaching fitness, healthy eating and exercise to the world; otherwise people are going to call you on it. Phil was never a steroid user, and thinks that message is the right one.

Phil says you have to lead by example. A lot of people are all up in arms about childhood obesity, rightfully so because it’s such an important fight. But, Phil is quick to point out it’s not rocket science. Our kids are being fed junk. How is it we’re surprised at their weight problems? It’s great that we can make people aware and mindful of what they’re putting in their bodies. Phil says he loves junk food, but he doesn’t eat it often.

Here’s some pictures of Phil myself and Jean Carrillo as well as pictures of Phil being put the paces by G Flex innovator Danny Hester a celebrity trainer at the Iron Man magazine booth.

Check out Ian L. Sitren’s interview with Phil in the January 2011, issue of Iron Man Magazine.