Future Freaks #Fitspires of the Week: Inspiration Through Fitness- Interview With: Devin Zimmerman, Shredz’ Social Media Superstar!
#Fitspires of the Week: Inspiration Through Fitness
Devin Zimmerman, Shredz’ Social Media Superstar!
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 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!
Devin Zimmerman a.k.a. Devin Physique, 23 years old and hailing from Chino Hills, 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 got started on my fitness journey about 3 years ago; I was always really thin growing up. I ran cross country and track in high school and got a scholarship to San Jose State for Cross Country. I was probably 120-130 pounds; it feels like so long ago. One day one of my friends told me I looked sick because I was so thin, that really motivated me to get in the gym and start putting on some muscle. Her brutally honest opinion of my appearance really changed my direction and basically forced me to get in the gym. Three years later and I'm here living the fit lifestyle, I wouldn't go back for anything.
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: Honestly it's all about perception, so many people come to me for shout outs and sponsorship advice and I go to their page and they have pictures of them partying, doing drugs, setting bad examples for younger kids. People these days notice everything, I take my social media and my Instagram very seriously, it's almost like my fitness résumé.
My advice to other people is to just put in the work, everyone wants to b
e noticed, but be noticed for the right reasons because you NEVER know who's watching you. Before I got sponsored by Shredz I just kept putting in work in the gym, I was so dedicated, and you could tell that by my social media. The right people noticed me, and now I'm living my dream and inspiring people across the world.
Q: Do you consider this as your part/full time job or a hobby?
A: This is definitely a full time job. Being part of Shredz is awesome; there are so many moving parts to this company. A lot of people on social media think that Shredz is just athletes and graphics, but we actually have around 60 employees now and we’re expanding rapidly.
I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of my CEO, CTO, graphic designers, everyone! It's definitely a team effort. When you have the right people in the right spots or "Aces in their Places" then things get done, and goals get accomplished. I just do what's best for the team every day, and part of that is representing the brand with the highest integrity and never letting my image get tarnished. A lot of people out there want to see me fail but I have an amazing support system around me that I wouldn't trade for the world.
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 love it, I mean we all start somewhere. I love giving hope to the skinny kids that are just getting out of high school. Whenever I post my transformation picture for people to see, people still don't believe that's me three years ago. I don't even remember being that little; I've put on about 60-70 pounds since I started my fitness journey. I love showing people that if you just put in the work, and stay dedicated, and wake up every day with a clear mindset, you can achieve the body you want.
I like showing people that if you just block out the negativity around you, you can do anything. Be good to those who are good to you, and forget the ones that aren't. I guess the main thing I like my followers to notice about me is my positivity and dedication to my craft, once you win the battle with yourself and make the decision in your mind to be great, you will be.
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: That's the greatest feeling in the world, I can't tell you how many times I get an email from some kid around the world saying that I inspired him to change his life and go after his dreams. I really think the greatest gift you can give to others is to just give back anything at all, whether that’s inspiring someone, giving them advice in the gym, or giving them advice on how to prep meals, I'm all about giving back to those who support me, because without my supporters I would be nothing.
I just really appreciate everything that's happened to me and everyone in my life. Life is short, you never know who's not gonna be here tomorrow. I could die next week but at least I'm doing things today that have made a lasting impact on those that have been following me on my social media platforms. It's an amazing feeling when someone contacts me and says, "Devin, because of you I didn't give up." Things like that really continue to push me to the next level.
Q: Is there anyo
ne who has motivated or inspired you to become the person you are today?
A: Oh, a ton of people have motivated me and inspired me – my mom for one. She pretty much raised me on her own; she's back in Chino Hills, California taking care of my two younger sisters. Seeing her put in the work just to put food on the table and a roof over our heads was inspiring. When I was younger I really didn't appreciate it as much. I mean, I love my mom, I always have and will, but now that I'm older I really see how hard it is to keep an entire family and house together.
It's the little things in life that go a long way; she came to every sporting event and has continued to support me since day one. She's just a tremendous woman and I get a lot of my inspiration and motivation from her because I want to give back to her for all of the work she put in raising me over the years.
Also people that I'm around today with Shredz, no one works harder than our team here in New York. My CEO, Arvin Lal, doesn't sleep. That guy is an absolute machine. He's all about the team, too. Everyone is equal, and we all bring value to the table. I wouldn't be where I am today without Arvin and his work ethic, and his belief in me. I could go on and on about so many people, there are just too many to name. I keep a really tight circle though. When you surround yourself with other motivated individuals, it just elevates you to a completely different level.
Q: How does your family feel about your lifestyle? What would you say to someone whose family does not support their lifestyle?
A: My family loves my lifestyle, because not only am I healthy and fit, and making good decisions for my future health, but I'm also inspiring others. My mom is about to do her first NPC show on Saturday and I'm so proud of her. She saw that a solid work ethic and discipline can change your body completely. My little sisters are always telling me they are proud of me, and it's just an amazing feeling waking up every day knowing that I'm doing something productive and good for myself and those around me. I'm not really a big talker. You'll never see me gloat or say something negative to another athlete or competitor. I just continue to work hard. I zone out, I blast my music and just crush my workouts. I let my results speak for themselves.
There are always going to be people out there hating and doubting you, you just have to prove them wrong. That in itself is enough motivation for me. I would tell someone that doesn't have support around them to just do what's best for them. Some family members may not agree with the fit lifestyle and the dedication, but in my opinion it’s because those people don't have the drive and dedication to do it, so their opinion doesn't matter. Sometimes the ones you love don't support you. That’s fine. At the end of the day if you can go to bed at night happy and satisfied with the direction you're headed, that's all that 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: Instagram for sure, I like Twitter and Facebook, don't get me wrong! Those are two very cool media outlets, but Instagram is all about pictures and engaging with people instantly. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I try to make my pictures the best possible and show people that if you just work hard, stay focused and disciplined, you can do anything you want.
So many people out there following me on Instagram from all parts of the world, parts that I've never even heard of, actually, and that just blows my mind. Having people in Egypt, the UK, Australia all following me and engaging with me on a daily basis just blows me away and gives me that extra motivation.
I don't think people realize just how powerful social media is, I mean I was flipping burgers 3 years ago and serving cocktails at a bar a year ago, my social media is what took my life to a completely different level and now I'm living my dream. Like I said before, you never know who is watching you on social media, so be proud of who you are, and make sure you never sacrifice your integrity for anything. Perception is everything.
Q: What is your diet like? Do you eat clean all year round?
A: I eat clean consistently, yeah; I'm always cooking in my kitchen, always. I get sick if I don't eat clean, don't get me wrong I LOVE my pizza and sushi but I keep it all in moderation. You'll never see me cheat an entire day; I'll eat clean 5-6 days a week and have two to three cheat meals a week! I don't believe in bulking or being out of shape, I believe that I should ALWAYS be shredded and look photo-shoot ready. It’s all about preparation too, when someone wants to eat clean but
they don't want to put in the work in the kitchen it just won't happen. Bodies are built in the gym, but they are run on what goes on in your kitchen.
Q: What is your favorite cheat meal? How do you control yourself from going overboard when you decide to treat yourself?
A: I love In-N-Out Burger and Pizza. Being from the West Coast, I'm all about my 4x4 with cheese and a bunch of ketchup. Also I just love pizza and sushi. I'll probably have sushi and pizza once a week with my roommate. I know my body really well, and I've watched it grow the last three years so I know the impact food will have on my body.
If I'm feeling up to it, I can eat an entire cheese pizza. Is that good for me? No, it isn't, but I know that in the long run I need that pizza mentally so I don't go crazy on all this ground chicken and turkey I eat 24/7. A big thing is what you have in your kitchen, if you have cookies, candy, and pizza in your kitchen you're gonna eat it, so I just don't buy it. I hit the market every 4-5 days and restock on lean meats, veggies, and good carbs. Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.
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 do take a few, I definitely take my Shredz. What Arvin and the whole team has designed is incredible. The Shredz products are great; they really give me the energy, focus, and results I want. I also take some fish oils, BCAA's and some other daily vitamins. I think the most important supplement a person can take is a vitamin and a solid protein.
It's so easy to get sick these days with so many germs and stuff, it's important to stay healthy and take the necessary precautions when building the body you want. The last thing you need is to get extremely sick and be out of the gym for 2-3 weeks and lose all of your progress. Health is the single most important thing on my priority list, because if I'm healthy, I know I'll continue to progress every day.
Q: What’s your social media/contact information?
A: You can follow me on Instagram @DevinPhysique, Twitter, and Facebook.
Special thanks to everyone that supports me every single day, from my Mom, Liz, to my best friend, Chad, to my CEO, Arvin, and everyone on the Shredz team. I wouldn't be where I am today without you guys. You all continue to push me and motivate me to be the best person I can be, and for that I am forever grateful.
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