#Fitspire of the Week: Tommy Reynolds’ advice: “Be yourself!”
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eone the right to consider themselves a successful fitness model or personality in the industry? Is it the amount of covers one can land because of their physique? Could it be how many sponsors they are able to grab to help support them? Or is it the amount of money one can make between different modeling/ fitness gigs?
Everyone will tell you something different, but if there is one thing that is hard to disagree with, it’s the ability to promote and market yourself to others. Social media has begun to play a huge role in self marketing as an athlete, competitor, fitness model or personality in the Industry. These days, you don't need a modeling agency to help promote you, or a company to take you on as a sponsored athlete in order for you to be seen in the industry.
Someone who once could have been just an average fit person, now has the ability to transform themselves into a “Social Media Fitness Star!” If you put in the time, the effort, and truly have a passion for fitness, you can change yourself from just a face with a body, to a bona fide personality – someone able to inspire and motivate others on their own fitness journey!
Tommy Reynolds, age 32, and hailing from San Diego, California, is proof that if you put in the time, effort, hard work in the gym AND the kitchen, and use social media as a tool to self-promote, you can turn your average health/fit lifestyle into a network that reaches out to endless amounts of people who want to take the time out to follow your journey.
Q: When did you get started on your fitness career/journey? What made you want become more than just the average person living a healthy and fit lifestyle?
A: I started working out in high school. Started taking it more serious in college. I went to a bodybuilding show and saw the guys up there and said to myself, "I can do this." I always thought I knew how to eat and was on top of my nutrition, but it wasn't until 5 years ago when I was introduced to Pete Ciccone as he prepped me for my first bodybuilding show did I realize I didn't really eat as well as I thought.
That first prep was 6 months and beyond hard but I was hooked on the lifestyle more than the actual competing. I loved being in great shape, I loved people asking me questions, I loved everything about this fit life.
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Q: Being that you have a loyal social media following, what is some advice that you would offer someone wanting to increase their popularity in the Fitness industry? What tip can you give someone to help them build their following as well?
A: I get asked this a lot and my answer is always the same. "Be yourself." If you are intriguing and have something that draws people to you then let it happen organically. I guess you can buy followers or beg people for shout outs but if you are a real person and people feel that they can relate to you it will all happen.
I see people going around at expos begging for sponsorships and I tell them the same things. Do you use the product? If so rep the product and act as if you are sponsored so the company will see your value. Just like social media you have to have some sort of value for others to look up to you or follow you and your journey. It happens faster for some but if you remain true to yourself it will happen for you as well.
Q: Do you consider this as your part/full time job or a hobby?
A: This is a career for me. I have a degree in Finance and after doing the real estate thing for a few years after college I decided to chase my passion. I now have had my personal training business for 5 years and opened my gym, Hardcore Fitness San Diego, last year. I also work for Muscle Egg as the Southwest Sales Manager.
Q: There are many people that motivate and are inspired by you. How does that make you feel knowing that there are people who take the time to see what you are doing day to day?
A: I think it's amazing. It's truly an honor. I really don't think that I'm any different. I'm seriously just a regular dude who loves what he does and shares it with everyone. When people ask for a picture or an autograph I still think it's so strange. It's definitely cool but I'm still just a regular dude. I try my hardest to keep it real and positive with all my social media. Every day isn't so glamorous and I have struggles just like anyone else. I think that's why people feel they can relate to me. I'm just being me.
Q: How does it feel knowing that somewhere, you are actually helping someone by motivating them to achieve their personal goals, just by posting your personal life and achievements on social media?
A: I think if I've motivated just one person my job is done. I don't sit around thinking about how I can inspire someone but I have learned allowing others to see my life has inspired many. I will continue to do me and share my experiences in hopes of inspiring more.
Q: Is there anyone who has motivated or inspired you to become the person you are today?
A: I think .jpeg)
I was fortunate to have two parents who always busted their own butts to support me and my brothers and they instilled a work ethic in me that I don't think everyone has. You can't be the best at everything but you can control not being outworked.
Since I have been involved in this industry, Gina Aliotti, Derik Farnsworth, Joey Rodrigues and Pete Ciccone have been my role models and people that have helped me along my own journey. All very well-known and respected in the industry and I have been blessed to have them in my corner.
Q: How does your family feel about your lifestyle? What would you say to someone whose family does not support their lifestyle?
A: F them! I'm kinda joking, but I'm not. It's your body, your health and your life. If they don't support you doing something positive then you need to stay focused on your goals and let them be negative and unsupportive on their own. My family understands it all now and they are actually motivated. They have been living a healthier lifestyle and eating better themselves.
Q: Of all the social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), what do you think is the most effective to use in order to market yourself in this industry?
A: I think we are visual as a society and that's why Instagram has been so popular. But Facebook will always have its networking place in our industry. Then Twitter. Seems like everyone has their own niche in the social media world.
Q: What is your diet like? Do you eat clean all year round?
A: I do eat clean year around. I actually enjoy eating clean foods. I eat the same basic foods as anyone else. I mix them up often to keep it fresh. I'm starting to mix in a little of IIFYM and traditional dieting into my life.
Q: What is your favorite cheat meal? How do you control yourself from going overboard when you decide to treat yourself?
A: Tough one. I'm Italian so pasta and pizza is what I crave. I also love hamburgers a lot and sushi. If it's just a cheat meal I will eat it as my last meal and go all out and then go to bed. Ends that chance of bingeing all day or weekend.
Q: Do you take any supplements? What do you think is one of the most important supplements someone should take who is training constantly?
A: I take all the basics, bcaa, glutamine, fish oil, multi vitamin, and I love my Cell Kem and Karbolyn.
Q: What’s your social media/contact information?
A: IG @t_reynolds22
Twitter MegaFitSD
Facebook https://m.facebook.com/MegaFitSD
Q: Special thanks to:
A: All my clients and followers who – without even knowing – motivate me daily. Special thanks to Rx Muscle for the opportunity to share my story.
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