I competed in Muscle Mania body building shows back in 2003 and placed 4^th in the Novice division and 4^th in the 24 and under division. At the Milwaukee show I met a photographer who introduced me to the parallel world of modeling. Since then I have not competed but I continue to train hard and stay in shape for fitness modeling.

 

My training varies quite often. I do not like to get stuck in just one routine. I try to change my work outs as often as possible as well as my diet until I find something that works well. I also try to implement new ideas that I come across to keep my body guessing. There is a lot of trial and error involved but that is the only way you can truly learn about your body. I typically train 5 days a week and try to hit each body part twice a week. Sometimes with my busy schedule I can only hit each body part once. My split for once a week is legs / chest / back / shoulder / arms. For twice a week I do legs / chest & back / shoulders & arms. Regardless of what I do during the week I make sure to do calves and abs at least three times a week. For cardio I typically rotate the equipment I use but still use the interval setting and go for 30 – 60 minutes 3 – 5 times a week. My diet is fairly typical with eating six smaller meals a day while getting my protein intake up to about 250g. I am a little carb sensitive so I tend to keep them low throughout the day, around 50g. If I feel myself being low on energy I will toss in an extra 20g of carbs. To keep sane I allow myself one cheat day a week, typically a Saturday or Sunday where I eat whatever it is I am craving. Even though I have a cheat day, I make sure I get in my regular dietary needs. If I have a shoot coming up, I will cut out my cheat day and stay clean.

 

When I am not at the gym you can find me at my job as a graphic designer for a national sign consulting and manufacturing company in the Chicagoland area. To earn extra income I do freelance work on the side through my side company, JN Grafix.

 

I enjoy staying active in athletics and play a variety of sports. I play softball from spring to fall in a few different leagues playing several nights a week. On top of softball I also play baseball for two different teams on the weekends and in a basketball league from fall to spring. If I have anytime left I enjoy getting out and enjoying a round of golf.

 

As for my modeling career, I have enjoyed working with many different people during photo shoots and commercial shoots. I intend to continue pursuing my modeling career to get the most out of it that I possibly can. My main focus is to be featured in a fitness magazine. I believe I can obtain that through continued hard work and dedication.

 

Working with John Mitchell of BBPics has been a great experience. John had seen some of my earlier work and expressed interest in working together. After viewing his work on BBPics.com, I was more than happy to work with him as well. While spending a weekend shooting with John, he proved to have a great understanding of photography with composition, lighting and getting the most from his models. He was also very respectful, thorough and good at communicating with his models to get his thoughts and opinions known to achieve the best possible results. John is also versatile in his ability to shoot fitness, athletic and fashion. If someone were looking to build their modeling portfolio, John Mitchell’s work would be a great asset.