You sound like you’ve learned a lot. Perhaps you can share with our readers a little more about your transformation from ex-soldier on the down and out to aspiring fitness model.
When I left the Marines I had pretty much a mental breakdown, I pretty much gave up on myself, I couldn’t be strong for anyone or anything. The first step I had to take, is taking ownership for myself. I had to really re-evaluate, where I was, where I had been, and where I was going. I had to own up to all of my mistakes, and decided that the best road to take, was up. I started dabbing a little into modeling when I was lost just to try to find my way. The two main shoots that I am so thankful for were with CockDiesel Photography & Vick Doultani Photography. I was not in shape when I first shot with them, but was still trying to find my way. My friend Aubrie who has been a fitness icon for me for years, was the one who first helped me pose, and gave me a boost of confidence that I so desperately needed. After that I shot with Vick, who is an amazing photographer, and really took the time to care and find out more of my story and work with me. He encouraged me to get in shape, and maybe he would work with me again in the future for some fitness shots. Over time, I kept watching fitness models be able to tell their story and be able to be an inspiration for many including my friend Aubrie. Over time, I chatted with her and she encouraged me to get into fitness modeling. She gave me the confidence needed to get back into the gym, and I took all the advice I could and just took off with it, and decided that this was going to be my way to do what I wanted to do, while being able to help others never feel the way that I ended up feeling.
Tell us a bit about your regimen. How often do you hit the gym? What are your workouts like?
I currently weight train five to six days a week with one day off, I have a mad passion for lifting weights, and love the burn I get from it. I incorporate about 30 to 40 minutes a day switching up treadmill, and elliptical. It is boring, but I have plans to incorporate some more High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and more plyometrics into my workouts. I shall let everyone know how that goes for me soon.
What about your diet? Any special supplements or foods?
Well, I obtain my food protein from egg whites, chicken, tuna, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese. For carbs, I stick to sweet potatoes, oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.
I currently take about four to five protein shakes a day. My current Protein I use is Solid Whey Isolate Chocolate – delicious! I take a multivitamin, glucosamine and also take some Ginkgo Biloba to aid in my bad memory.
I also mix in blueberries, raspberries, bananas, apples, and pineapple into my diet, and mix it a lot in with my Greek yogurt – delicious. When I get those cravings, I drink a cup of coffee with Splenda, and some sugar free creamer.
