Future Freaks #FitSpire of the week: Brandon Michael, “First they will laugh, then they will follow."
What gives someone 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 o
nce 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!
Brandon Michael, age 28, and hailing from East Brunswick, New Jersey, 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: Tell me about your competitive history.
A: Bodybuilding: 2011 NJ Suburban Championships, 1st place, Novice light heavy weight and Novice Overall
Men’s Physique: 2013 NPC Atlantic State, Class C, 8th place
2013 NPC Garden State Championships, Class C, 4th place
2013 Team Universe Class C 4th place
2013 IFBB North American Championships Class D 15th place
2013 NPC NATIONALS Class C 4th place
Q: When did you get started on your fitness career/journey? What made you want to become more than just the average person living a healthy and fit lifestyle?
A: It all started when I was 16 years old. My friend’s father had Pumping Iron on VHS and I watched it. This was before Pumping Iron was on DVD and YouTube was around. At the time not as many people knew about it and it was hard to find.
I knew nothing about weightlifting. I just knew I wanted to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I started buying books, magazines and teaching myself everything. When I was 17 I joined the Muscle Mill. There were a lot of experience bodybuilders who took me under their wing and convinced me I should compete. So I prepped and brought my sweet potatoes with tuna fish to high school every day.
Everyone thought I was crazy, but then they started to do the same. My close friends started eating healthy and working out, so it helped having good support. I competed as a middleweight in the NPC Mid Atlantic Natural Classic and placed 3rd in the teen division.
After that I was hooked. Preparing meals ahead of time, and goi
ng to the gym gave me structure. I also enjoyed the challenge of getting into my best shape possible. I’ve always said to myself I was blessed with good genetics and it’s up to me to make the most of it. That’s really my motivation for not being average. I want no regrets when I grow older.
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: A tip to build your following… Be yourself! There is a reason people want to follow you. Find that reason and just go with it. Be genuine, be inspirational and network. If you go to a show or an expo, make friends and introduce yourself. Building a loyal following takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. Give your followers some inspiration and be genuine about it. Take good pictures that reflect who you are. Interact with your followers, too. If they ask questions try to respond.
Q: Do you consider this as your part/full time job or a hobby?
A: Working out and competing are hobbies that are a part of my fitness lifestyle. Training others started out as part time and now it’s full time. Every day I am responding to emails and training clients.
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: It’s amazing. Last year, I started to share my progress going from 230 lbs. to 185 as a motivation for others. I was really out of shape and was eating bad, barely going to the gym. The response I received was great and people appreciated the journey I went through. Everybody starts somewhere. Most of the people taking time to see what I’m doing day to day are looking for motivation.
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: It’s a great feeling knowing that I can be a positive influence on others’ lives. I’ve always said, “If I can do it so can you.”
Q: Is there any
one who has motivated or inspired you to become the person you are today?
A: My father and grandfather.
Q: How does your family feel about your lifestyle? What would you say to someone whose family does not support their lifestyle?
A: They completely support it. They’re used to it because I have been doing it for a while. If your family doesn’t support the lifestyle don’t sit there explaining for hours. Sometimes you just have to smile and accept the fact that not everyone is going to agree with the way you choose to live your life… and that’s okay. As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.
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: Right now, I feel like it’s Instagram. It’s easy to use and gets to the point.
Q: What is your diet like? Do you eat clean all year round?
A: Right now my diet is strict since I’m preparing for Jr. USA’s in May. I have at least five meals a day plus one shake. As I get closer to a show I cut protein shakes out and just stick to real food. I keep it very simple. Protein in every meal. I eat carbs and I eat healthy fats. Some staples in my diet are: chicken, turkey, cod, flounder, salmon, oatmeal, quinoa, long grain rice, apples, berries, almonds, avocado. I don’t eat clean year-round, but I also don’t let myself get too overweight. I know how hard it is to take off.
Q: What is your favorite cheat meal? How do you control yourself from going overboard when you decide to treat yourself?
A: Bacon cheeseburger, french fries, an Oreo milkshake, and those soft cookies from Dunkin Donuts. That’s my go to cheat meal, in that order, every time. I just set limits for myself and try to have self-control, after that cookie, I am done! Without self-control, a cheat mea
l can turn into a cheat day and pretty soon it’s a cheat week. Then, after the cheat week it’s back to bulking for the year. A little self-control goes a long way.
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: Currently I take a multivitamin, B complex, Vitamin C, BCAAs (Scivation Xtend or Modern BCAAs), Shredz (Alpha Male stack), L-Carnitine, and Metamucil. In my opinion the most important supplement for someone who is training would be BCAAs, they are a must.
Q: What’s your social media/contact information?
A: Instagram: @BrandonMichaelFit
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrandonMichaelFit
Email: [email protected]
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