Future Freaks #Fitspire of the Week: Michelle Alvez Mein: A True Physique starts with a True Person
#Fitspire of the Week: Michelle Alvez Mein: A True Physique starts with a True Person
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 t
ell 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!
Michelle Alvez Mein, 39, hailing from San Jose, California – by way of Manila, Philippines – 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've been into fitness for quite some time but I wasn't consistent and it was in the form of mixed martial arts. I did not actually start weight training until I met my boyfriend James Hurst, who encouraged me to get in the gym! He has always been into weight training and decided to compete and that is when I joined him. After our first competition together and actually starting to understand the lifestyle, I was hooked and haven't looked back since.
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: My advice is always be yourself no matter what. People want to follow you and look up to you for who you are and not who you portray to be. People want to be able to relate to YOU and if you are not being yourself then you are cheating yourself and your followers. Show the good and the bad, the funny and the sad. Share the truth. :-)
Q: Do you consider this as your part/full time job or a hobby?
A: I have a full time career as a Sr. Manager of Procurement for a Digital Entertainment Company in the Silicon Valley so I have to say that I definitely consider this as a part time job. But it's definitely more than a hobby for me.
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 honestly feel blessed. I never would have imagined that my story could impact so many people. I receive tons of emails on a daily basis from amazing people that follow me. They really do motivate and inspire me more.
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 an amazing feeling! I love helping people and seeing their enthusiasm and achieving their goals makes me so happy! Complete strangers strop me at the mall, grocery store, gym, etc. and even when I’m in a different city or state! It's surreal. I love it when they come and say hello and share their stories with me. It feels great knowing I have impacted someone's life positively as there are so many that have impacted me.
Q: Is there anyone who has motivated or inspired you to become the person you are today?
A: I would have to say my mom. Single mom raising two kids in a new country had to have been tough. She really instilled in us that you have to EARN what you have. Work hard and it will pay off. Don't ever take the easy way out. You want something… you go after it and earn it. No handouts! :-) It really made me an independent person and very goal driven. Not just in fitness but in life in general.
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 is very supportive. It is tough being in a Filipino family where everything is centered around food! I've definitely missed quite a few celebrations but definitely making up for it now. :-) If your family doesn’t support the lifestyle I definitely would work out a compromise. This lifestyle is important but I do believe your family should always come first. Most of the time when people do not support something it's because they do not understand it. Share your passion and I'm sure you will find a common ground.
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 find that for me, Instagram is the most effective. Instagram has a fitness community like no other social media network.
Q: What is your diet like? Do you eat clean all year round?
A: When I'm on contest prep I eat clean with my occasional cheats. Off prep… I stay eating clean with a few more added cheats. :-)
Q: What is your favorite cheat meal? How do you control yourself from going overboard when you decide to treat yourself?
A: I just really love burgers and sushi and anything sweet! I always plan my cheat before heading out. I pick a restaurant and look at the menu before leaving the house and have my selections ready. :-)
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: Yes, I do. I'd have to say multi vitamins if I had to choose just one.
Q: What’s your social media/contact information?
A: Instagram and Twitter: meeshellieee
Facebook: facebook.com/michelle.alvez.mein
Blog: michelledalvez.wordpress.com
Q: Special thanks to:
A: Thank you to my boyfriend and trainer James Hurst (@obeythebolt) for being my number one supporter! He kicks my butt in the gym to keep pushing beyond my limits.
To my coach Raymond Querido (@theonlinecoach) for really understanding my body and keeping my meals enjoyable! :-)
To my amazing sponsors…
Muscle Gauge Nutrition (@musclegauge / @gaugegirltraining) for providing me with the best supplements on and off prep
Jagware Suits (@jagware_suits) for always making sure I look my best on stage with their amazing suits
Rocktape (@rocktape1 and @chirosportdoc) for making sure I'm injury free
CaliMuscle (@calimuscle1) for all the fresh gym gear!
And last but not the least… to all my amazing followers! You ALL motivate and inspire me to keep pushing and be the absolute best me that I can be! Love you all!
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