'Here's the thing: Men, especially in their 20s and 30s, are way too hard on themselves. We set impossible standards, chasing that perfect body like it’s the only thing that matters.'
Although by now we should really know better, so many of us still tend to stereotype, especially with models. It's lazy, but also easier to just assume everyone in a certain group are similar. With male models, the stereotype still stubbornly remains sort that of a nice, but rather self-absorbed guy. A dim-witted Zoolander wannabe with no real skill or talents beyond their ability to pout, pose and look good for the camera.
Over the many years of working on FH however, I've found the stereotype rarely true. Sure, I met a few 'Zoolanders', but for the most part, the male models I interview are incredibly goal oriented with modeling just a small step in their long journey. So many models that I feature never thought they were especially hot, and their incredibly bodies didn't just happen, they were created through hard work, determination, and a desire for success as they pursue their passions.
For
Alex Michael, who I first featured last year, (
HERE:) the initial passion was acting. As part of the process, in addition to honing their talent, they also need to be ready for auditions, and be comfortable in front of the camera. In order to be natural in front of the camera, it helps to feel good about how you look, and have confidence in both you talents, and your appearance. Alex began his fitness journey to benefit his passion for acting but in the process, fitness became a passion for the 28 year old actor, model and fitness content creator.
Alex's words about setting getting fit being 'the only thing that matters' really rang true for me. When I first began my fitness journey, it pretty much consumed me. I was working out, or thinking about exercise, and what I was, and wasn't going eat, almost 24/7. I was so absorbed, it took getting shin splints, and not being able to exercise at all for awhile, to have me realize I needed to slow down, enjoy the journey, and set goals that realistic over the long term.
We live in a world where there’s constant pressure on men to be in perfect shape. Social media, the media, and society at large bombard us with the idea that we need to look a certain way. I totally get it, I've felt that weight too. A lot of the acting and modeling gigs I've done are based on characters who are physically fit.
I enjoy the process of staying healthy, eating right, and staying in shape, but at times we feel a pressure to maintain our fitness and to continue growing muscle and definition. The truth is, while being in shape is important, it’s not the whole story. It shouldn’t consume your life to the point where you lose sight of who you really are. Eat right, lift weights, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
Alex understands that those muscles that we worked so hard to obtain, won't just vanish over night. He tries to remind everyone that he supports with their fitness journey,, to take a break occasionally. A few days or a week off, especially for something fun, like a beach vacation, won't erase all the work they've put in. If you're interest in more tips for balancing fitness with life, or just take a peek at his life as an actor in NYC or his images as a model, check him out on Instagram HERE:
There is nothing quite like a visual motivator, and Alex's modeling work has chronicled both his journey and the successful result. Two shots of Alex from this shoot from Roger N from TimeOutDigital were recently selected to appear in the February 'Beauty' themed issue of the Paris based Fashion Magazine MOEVIR.
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