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Interview
by Edo Q ©
2008 CoverMen
Mag!
August, 2008
-Hi
Ryan, I am flattered you accepted to be interviewed
for my web mag. To start this interview off, I would
like to know something about the first years of your
life.
I was born in LA and was raised
all over Southern California. My father worked construction,
so we lived where he worked: farm country, the mountains,
and the beach. My three brothers and sisters and I were
raised in an evangelical home where discipline ruled.
My older sister inspired me to join dance class, and
at six years old, I traveled around the state in an
elite jazz troupe. Then I watched the 1984 Olympics
and decided to get involved in gymnastics -- eventually
winning state, regional, and national titles. After
giving up gymnastics to several injuries and a growth
spurt, I focused solely on academics. TOTAL nerd. After
studying religion, philosophy, and psychology at UC
Irvine, I moved to England for a PhD in neuropsychology
at Cambridge University. My parents encouraged me to
do whatever I wanted and always supported my dreams,
so long as I was trying my best and giving glory to
God.
-How and when did you get into modeling?
What was your first photo shoot?
My modeling
career started at the Sears Portrait Studio when I was
5 years old! I enjoyed all the special attention, the
lights, the camera -- especially as a middle child.
At eight years old, I did a sportswear runway show that
completely embarrassed everyone. I got to the end of
the runway and decided to wow the crowd with a triple
turn. I fell off the stage, onto the ground. That was
the end of my runway career. With braces and glasses,
I went through a very gawky period of high school. I
was the real Ugly Betty! Our senior yearbook photographer
urged me to try modeling, but I thought he was crazy.
During college, I joined a gym, started working out
again, surfing, and getting more attention from photographers.
-What
prompted you to compete in the "National Armani
Exchange Modeling Contest"? Tell me more about
it: did you hope to win it and what kind of experience
was that?
Last summer I was shopping in NY,
browsing the Armani Exchange store, trying clothes on,
and one of the clerks approached me for an upcoming
underwear contest. He told me all about it and urged
me to submit my photos for the online contest. I asked
my friend and photographer, Adam Bouska, to take some
test shots for submission. I didn't hear anything for
weeks, and then suddenly, I got an email saying I had
made it to the final three and won a trip to NY! I was
shocked. So, I went to NY, met the other finalists and
had a blast with photoshoots, interviews, and parties.
The winner was chosen by the highest number of online
votes and was announced by GQ Magazine. They announced
my name, and I was shocked again! Armani flew me back
a month later for a shopping spree and photoshoot, where
I modeled the entire line of Pima underwear that was
featured on their website.
-You were the
"cover model" of issue #96 of "DNA Magazine".
Do you consider that your greatest achievement as a
model so far?
I
think so. Today, a guy approached me at my gym and said
he recognized me from my poster in Sydney, Australia.
He told me that the magazine cover was blown up as a
popular advertisement in the city center. I thought
that was pretty cool.
-You mentioned that
you worked with Adam Bouska, one of the greatest fashion
photographers. What was it like working with that artist?
Did you feel comfortable in front of his camera?
Adam
is an artist, genius, and true professional. Not to
mention, an overall good guy with a wicked sense of
humor. Our photoshoots have always been very natural
and organic. Nothing planned. We both throw out ideas
and go with what seems fun and cool at the time. It's
a great way to work. Our first photoshoot was on top
of my apartment roof in Hollywood. The DNA shoot was
at random locations driving through the Hills, and the
Armani test shoots were in my apartment basement! He
and I are friends and we work well together. I feel
very comfortable in front of his camera. And the best
part: We always celebrate the end of a photoshoot by
drinking margaritas and eating chicken quesadillas at
a local cantina!
-What are some of your
professional goals as a model? What kind of campaigns
would you like to do?
Of course, anybody
would love to land a national campaign! But I'm realistic
and won't hold my breath for it... I'd die! I do perceive
my own modeling more as a hobby and keepsake than a
business or career. The industry is notoriously fickle,
so I don't take my corner of it too seriously. It's
great to be approached by a photographer or modeling
contest, but it's important for me to have other interests
and jobs lined up. Nevertheless, it's definitely fun
work if you can get it! I'm just a big fan of photography
in general, either in front of or behind the lens. I
love the awesome blend of art and science.
-I
know you are a Certified Personal Trainer too (www.ryanfitness.com). Why did you choose to pursue a career
in personal fitness training and what makes your training
style effective?
I spent most of my childhood
years training for gymnastics, so I developed a true
love and passion for health and fitness. As an athlete,
I understood the importance of nutrition as fuel, the
calorie-in versus calorie-out diet formula, visualization,
feel-good brain chemicals, and the preventative benefits
gained from working out. A career in personal training
was a no-brainer for me. As a results-driven trainer,
I'm constantly focused on proper technique, breathing,
balance, and safety -- without losing FUN! Being attentive
is vital. I'm the best example of how working out can
improve one's life, so I love sharing my passion. I
enjoy motivating others to reach their full potential
and be their absolute best -- physically, mentally,
spiritually. Also, my educational background in neuroscience,
psychology, and philosophy gives my training a unique
edge.
-Talking about supplements, what
role do you think they have in developing a great physique?
Which ones do you use, if any, and which ones do you
suggest to your clients?
Protein, protein,
protein! I can't encourage water and protein enough.
I know as a young gymnast, I didn't consume enough protein,
and I suffered as a result. As an adult who works out
3-4 times a week, I try and consume almost a gram of
protein per pound of body weight daily. Amino acids
are the building blocks of life, and protein is essential
for muscle development. I urge my clients to drink low-calorie
whey protein shakes, as well as eat plenty of fruits
and vegetables, to build nice, lean muscle. I'm a big
fan of those pint-sized blenders that whip up protein/fruit
shakes in no time. For as much as I workout, I try and
consume about three shakes daily.
-How
would you describe yourself as a person? Do you enjoy
meeting new people and your fans?
Wow, that
first question is tough. Well, I'm a hard-working, affectionate
Virgo who enjoys sunsets on the beach...! I'm someone
who wants the most out of life. I understand the importance
of keeping it all in perspective with a good sense of
humor. Enlightenment is the ultimate pursuit. I'm on
a constant search to figure it all out, make others
feel good about themselves, and appreciate all that
my life is -- which might be nothing more than a mere
blip on a giant radar screen! Family is extremely important
to me, as well as the loving relationships I've made
along the way. I want to live without fear and without
regrets. I want to keep living dreams, having fun, and
making the most of every day. Our time on earth is short,
so I'm trying to live it to the fullest. And of course,
I strive to give glory to God. As far as meeting new
people, I love people who can make me think and laugh!
-Thanks
Ryan for taking your time to reply to my questions,
how can people contact you and get trained by you?
You're
very welcome. Thank you for the great questions. Anyone
who is interested in my training can visit my website
mentioned above and email me there. I'm currently living
and training in Palm Springs, California.
All best
to you and your web mag visitors!
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