Health and fitness is nothing new to Dr. Stephen Courtney, an orthopedic spine surgeon in Plano. While in high school, he was a member of the Louisiana All-State basketball team where training and staying in shape kept him at the top of his game. However, like many of us, long work hours and family life kept him busy and working out fell to the bottom of the priority list.

In his late 30’s, Dr. Courtney had what he calls a “wake-up call” and decided to get back into shape and rediscover his love of fitness. He found he really enjoyed mountain biking and began to enter events in Texas to keep himself motivated. He started taking hot yoga and spin classes to aid him in his training so he could practice breathing and staying focused during long races. In 2005, Dr. Courtney was in the top 10 of his age group in mountain biking in Texas. He also completed one of the largest cycling events in the country: the “Hotter’N Hell” race in Wichita Falls twice in 2005 and in 2015.

Although he loved biking, he decided to add in new challenges and began training to compete in triathlons where participants are required to bike, run and swim. And challenging it was – especially the swimming.

“Swimming added a whole new challenge for me and really pushed me,” said Dr. Courtney. “I like to set goals as it gives me more incentive to stay focused and helps me determine what I want to accomplish and work toward. Accomplishing my goal and finishing something I didn’t think I could do helps me push through.”

To accomplish these goals with the demanding schedule of a surgeon, he’s had to learn how to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Courtney wakes up at 4:00 a.m. six days per week to work out in his home gym. He spends most of his time on his spin bicycle but also enjoys boxing for his cardio workout.

Dr. Courtney completed his first triathlon in May and accomplished his first goal – simply finishing the race. Throughout the summer, he completed three additional triathlons in Cedar Hill, McKinney and Waco where he had to swim across the Brazos River.

Dr. Courtney encourages his patients to include working out and eating right as part of their overall plan for health and wellness.

“People don’t have to be a tri-athlete to be healthy. I like to tell people you need to start small. Do something to be active. It can even be yard work – that’s a great workout too. As you get older especially, you need to be in tune with your body, monitor your calorie intake and be active. I encourage people to change slowly, start small and find what you like to do.”

Dr. Courtney will keep doing what he truly enjoys – training for his next triathlons. He enjoys living a healthy life as it keeps his stress down and keeps him focused.

About Dr. Stephen Courtney with the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX

Dr. Stephen Courtney is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who focuses on disorders of the neck and back. In recent years, he has expanded his reach and has improved the quality of life for patients across the country. Dr. Courtney has developed nine product lines and has obtained nine patents and 14 trademarks on spine related products. His work ethic, outstanding outcomes, and personable approach to patient care have earned him a reputation as one of the best spine surgeons in Texas.

Dr. Courtney has opened his own spine center right here in Plano, TX. Conveniently located at 1705 Ohio Drive, Advanced Spine Center is dedicated to developing superior operative techniques to treat neck and back disorders. To learn more about the Advanced Spine Center, visit www.advancedspinecenters.com. For appointments, contact the clinic at 972-499-5447.