ARMS WORKOUT

Curl Movements for Major Muscle

When sketching out this intro, I had no idea I’d end up staring at a blank computer screen for over an hour, eyes bleary, pulse barely registering.

It’s an odd scenario, considering that the subject of my newest Men’s Workout profile, super model Greg Plitt, is an exceptionally talented athlete. Describing his personality (energetic), physique (mind-blowing), attitude (determined) and potential (unlimited) should be a breeze, right?

Under such circumstances, the glowing superlatives should literally be flowing from my mind to the keyboard, without so much as a brain freeze or a syntax error.
Right?

Aaargh! So why isn’t this ‘under such circumstances?’

Maybe I could examine Greg’s life, the dreams, lofty wishes, his fervent prayers for universal love and peace. Yeah! Milk sentiment. Tear at your heartstrings until you reach for a hankie or a convenient box of tissues. A sniffle to please the crowd. And don’t we all love an underdog story?

Nah...too sticky, too sweet. Besides, Greg is an eternal optimist, and ‘underdog’ ain’t in his dictionary.

Tell you what—I’ll make this short and sweet: introducing Greg Plitt, that cover guy!

My freakin’ word, Greg, how can you possibly be so ripped? It’s damned near insane!

GREG: I’ve been an athlete my entire life, almost from day one. The benefits of exercise and clean living are obvious, wouldn’t you say (grins)?

Yeah, they are. I could scrub a load of laundry on those crazy abs.

GREG: Good abs sell a physique. When your shirt’s off, people automatically zoom in on the midsection. Any fat you’re carrying is gonna show there.

Modeling’s a relatively new venture for you, huh?

GREG: It is. Before that happened, I was in the military.

After a four-year stint at West Point.

GREG: Yeah. I graduated from the Academy in 2000 and finished up my service in 2005.

Have you been weight-training since your pre-teen years?

GREG: Pretty much. My lifting wasn’t for looks’ sake; I trained to make myself stronger and faster. I spent mucho time in the gym. Still do. It’s my proverbial home away from home.

What about finding the proper discipline?

GREG: I’ve always had that. If you love something as much as I love working out, you’ll make the necessary changes and find whatever discipline is required. Love can move mountains, and it can also get you into the gym! Ha!

And your goals were...?

GREG: Sports, sports, and more sports! I wanted to excel, which meant full steam ahead. I hit the gym and was deadly serious about it. That dedication has paid off in many different ways. Being younger, I learned from observing and then by doing. People took me under their wings and taught me the proper form, what worked, what didn’t, etc.

You pulled it all together for what sports?

GREG: Wrestling and football, but mostly wrestling. I’ve a 4 handicap in golf and love playing baseball, but wrestling’s my all-time favorite. The technique of it has continuously intrigued me. That’s why I was a multiple state champ.

Do you miss those wrestling days?

GREG: Of course! I don’t wrestle any more, except for fun. When you’re in the action, though—man, nothing can compare. It’s just you and your opponent. Strength and skill against strength and skill. I’d psyche myself up and really unleash during a tournament.

Eye of the tiger?

GREG: 110 percent. That’s the only way to win. What’s the point of playing a competitive sport if you don’t expect to come out on top?

This expectation—it does the trick?

GREG: Well, yeah! I don’t undermine myself with self-doubt. That’s a loser’s mentality. Believe wholeheartedly in your abilities and talents, have faith in their power. They’ll help you soar! Psyche yourself up, not out. How will you know what you’re capable of if you don’t try?

Dude, you strike me as an aware young man. Were you academically inclined as a kid?

GREG: No way, far from it. Studying and burying my nose in a book drew me away from what I wanted to do, which was playing sports. I ultimately understood the benefits of education, of learning—a rather harsh lesson.

I’d think it would be tough to be proficient at both athletics and academics.

GREG: It’s not tough. First, you need to prioritize and decide what you want: to be a dumb jock or a smart, well-informed jock. I chose the latter. With my dad’s encouragement and the assistance of incredible teachers, I got game.

You didn’t choose the traditional collegiate route.

GREG: Traditional, as in an Ivy League school or state university? No, I didn’t.

Was that part of your overall plan, to tackle West Point and its unique methods of building character?

GREG: My original goal was to wrestle on the college circuit. In fact, I received quite a few wrestling scholarships. But everything changed when my older sister Ginnie decided to attend the U.S. Navy Military Academy. She grew physically, emotionally, and spiritually in truly dramatic ways. I wanted to see how I’d respond under similar conditions.

So, you opted for the Point?

GREG: After a lot of internal struggle! It wasn’t an easy decision. A scout spoke to me, and it sounded like the perfect fit. I applied and went through the selection process and have never once looked back.
What has the military taught you?

GREG: The meaning of leadership. I also learned what made me tick. You’re faced with life and death challenges while in service to your country. The military sharpens your resolve.

You did five more years following graduation?

GREG: Right. And the experience was totally unbelievable. It took me all around the world.

Now you’re one of American’s top physique models. How’s it feel, boss?

GREG: Satisfying...and overwhelming! These past three years have been fierce. Being appreciated is a wonderful thing, and whenever I’m in front of a camera, I always go the distance.

Even though we’ve seen you on almost every fitness mag in creation, there’s been little written about Greg Plitt, the individual.

GREG: You know why? I don’t chase publicity; I’d much rather let my work speak for itself. When you let too many people in, it can lead to problems.

And this interview doesn’t count as publicity?

GREG: Yeah, but we’ve worked together before, and I like your approach. It’s easy-going, friendly. I feel as if I’ve known you for years! We’ve got a good thing goin’, bro. It’s a gift.

Same here. We connected on an essential level from the get-go.

GREG: Part of that is trust. If you don’t have trust, any project can rapidly go downhill.

What’s the deal with this professional modeling drama? Do most military men turn in their ammo for lip gloss and hair gel (grins)?

GREG: Ah, ha! Now, you’re funnin’ with me.

Well, don’t leave us hangin’ here, man! How were you discovered?

GREG: (taking a breath): Ok. I was with some of my buds at a DC motel, downing brews in the bar, and somebody from a modeling convention walked up and offered me his card. One trivial action led to an exciting new life as a model.

Was he a photographer?

GREG: No, an agent, and a darn good one. At first, I wasn’t gonna go for it, and the guys were giving me hell, razzing me and stuff. But I thought it over and called him. We did a test shoot, and everything just, uh—heh-heh—developed from there.

You’d never modeled before?

GREG: Nope! I was in shape because I liked being in shape. My old girlfriends certainly never told me I had a model’s face (laughs)! If I’m what they’re looking for, great!

You and StrengthNet did some cool stuff together back in the day.

GREG: StrengthNet is Adam Silver’s baby—they gave me my first big exposure on the Internet. I shot with Pat Lee, an exceptional photographer, and the end product blew my mind.

Those photos are still floating around—almost like ghosts from your past.

GREG: They’re a significant step in my career. Pat caught me when I didn’t know what the hell I was doing, so there’s an interesting energy to them.

I wonder, how much control do you have as a model? For instance, do you offer suggestions to the photographer?

GREG: Sometimes I do, sure. We both want the best shoot possible, and it’s a collaborative effort.

Establishing rapport with photographers has to be a major plus.

GREG: It doesn’t hurt! If everybody gets along, the work isn’t work at all. Remember, when I started, it was more or less a lark, so I went into it with a sense of fun. I’ve never lost that.

But it’s still work.

GREG: Definitely. Prepping for a photo session is involved. It’s almost like training for a marathon! Luckily, I’m in shape all the time, so there’s no freaking out or crash dieting involved. I just kick it up a notch.

Have all the cover appearances becomes blasé?

GREG: Rod, if I reach that point, I might as well pack it in. Covers are a blast, photo shoots are fun. And fun’s the bottom line for me.

Gee, what’s it like, walking into a bookstore and seeing your face smiling back from the racks?

GREG: Unreal. The first time was completely out there, like an episode of The Twilight Zone. It wears off after a while...and then you’re onto your next cover.

Must be weird doing a modeling shoot A tad artificial, even.

GREG: I treat it professionally. I’m on time, and I give the photographer what he or she expects from a model. That means getting enough sleep and looking healthy, fit and relaxed.

Not far removed from the real thing, is it?

GREG: In all aspects of my life, I’m aware, focused, determined. I wanted to be an athlete, so I busted my gut working toward that goal. I wanted to do well in the academic arena and put pedal to the metal. I found the secret of learning. At West Point, there was nothing and no one to lean on except myself. The entire time I spent there molded my character and changed me for the better.

Sheesh, I wish I had your work ethic!

GREG: Some people fall under the weight of life, while others prosper and blossom. Success and survival define the individual.

You moved to the west coast last year—to pursue more modeling interests?

GREG: Hey, now don’t get me wrong, I like modeling, but my next step is to become an actor. I’ve been studying and had a non-speaking part in The Good Shepherd, directed by Robert DeNiro, and I’ve done talk shows, a reality show, and I’ve landed a running gig on Days of Our Lives as a cop.

Your Bowflex commercial runs 24/7. Do you endorse that medieval-looking contraption?

GREG: Why not? For those people who can’t make the gym on a regular basis, Bowflex is an effective replacement.

Were you nervous talking directly into the camera?

GREG: I thought I would be, but no.

You looked great, extremely fit. What’s this I hear about your being sick prior to shooting?

GREG: Oh, dude! Did you notice how swollen my arm was? I’d been on a photo shoot in the rain forests of Costa Rica. Mountains, a gorgeous beach, sunshine, the whole deal. And as I ran toward the surf, I slipped and almost fell off a cliff! If it weren’t for a branch that I instinctively grabbed, I would’ve fallen 30 or so feet, and that wouldn’t have been cool.

Did you get hurt?

GREG: Hell, yeah! The vine had these nasty thorns on it, and one of them pierced my hand. Within hours, my fingers, hand and forearm were swollen, and I mean swollen. Like the Pillsbury Doughboy! I found out from one of the guides that Costa Rica is full of all kinds of dangerous shit, like poisonous frogs and jellyfish. I was scheduled to leave there and go to the commercial. My doctor said no, you’ve gotta wait for the swelling to go down. I had some kind of infection, and they couldn’t figure out from what.

But you went anyway.

GREG: No question—I had to! Whenever I commit myself to an assignment, I’m there. I flew out and did the commercial.

Had the swelling gone down?

GREG: Somewhat. But watch closely and you’ll see that my arm is usually held away from the camera.

You look fine now, so I assume you’ve recovered.

GREG: The swelling eventually went away, but from now on, I’m gonna think twice before crashing through unfamiliar jungles!

Are you actively pursuing television work?

GREG: I’m looking to break in wherever I can. Television is a viable option, and I’ve done quite a bit of it.

What do you think of all this outrageous magazine coverage you’ve been getting?

GREG: It boggles the mind!

 

 

 

 

 

By now, is the cover thing down to a science?

GREG: Each photo shoot presents another hill to climb. You’re dealing with different photographers, so moods vary considerably. But I go into them with my best foot forward. The plan is to give them all that they need in a model and then some.

Are you recognized when just hanging out?

GREG: Depends on where I am. Sometimes I get odd looks from strangers, like they’re thinking, hmm, I know that guy. I’ve been stopped before and asked for my autograph. I’m no celebrity, so it’s wild being treated like one.

Most people reading the mags can’t comprehend that you’re a real live human being. This chat will be an eye-opener!

GREG: It’s hard to see beyond the image, but I’m here to say that yes, I am an actual person and not a PR creation (laughs)! I sleep at night, get up in the morning, and have to make a living, just like the guy next door.

Did you dig the military regimen?

GREG: I realized the value in rigors and rewards; they helped me discover my own leadership skills. I also had to learn what worked and what didn’t. To me, a leader isn’t someone who berates and intimidates. When I became an officer, I had a much less abrasive approach.

What are your goals today, Greg? Where do you want modeling to spin you?

GREG: Who knows? For a while, I was flying blind! This newfound career has virtually overwhelmed my life. There’s an attractiveness to obscurity; it gives you the freedom to move about independently. Now that I’ve become a face, so to speak, freedom’s limited.

Yeah, ok, but where do you want it to lead?

GREG: Whoops, my bad—sorry for going on a tangent there (laughs)! My goal now is to chisel out a foothold in the acting industry. I’m taking classes, studying and utilizing whatever contacts I can make.

Being directed by the great DeNiro had to be a scrapbook moment.

GREG: It was awesome. To stand beside such a legendary professional, let alone be directed by him, was an out of body experience. He’s comfortable enough to find the fun in a project, while producing the goods. What a pro! I’ll never forget how very kind and helpful Mr. DeNiro was to me.

You’ve an energetic, upbeat personality. Doesn’t anything ever shake your cage?

GREG: Rarely. I navigate uncharted waters with total abandon, eager to find what waits beyond the horizon. Part of that is my competitive nature; I refuse to lose or give up hope. Optimism is important!

A gregarious personality naturally attracts people—do you have a wide circle of friends?

GREG: I make new and good friends wherever I go, but nothing can replace long-lasting relationships. I have many relationships from the old days, when I was in high school and especially at West Point. A military setting creates solid bonds. For one, you share so much, you’re testing yourselves together, and you emerge from the baptism of fire a different, more self-realized person.

You’ve relocated to the west coast to pursue your dreams, but what if they don’t pan out?

GREG: Uh-uh, hush your mouth, boy! If I’m going for a job interview, and there are dozens of applicants. I never think, ‘somebody’s better than me. Why bother?’ Instead, I think positively, keep a sharp eye, and tackle it like I’m gonna land whatever I’m after.

All part of that optimism thing?

GREG: Bingo! You got it, bro! It’s seen me from my childhood till now and will probably last the rest of my life. Don’t defeat yourself by thinking of all the hurdles. There’s a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow!

Holy confidence, Batman! But I do catch what you’re saying—we have a big tendency to over think, and that oftentimes results in the draining of much-needed confidence.

GREG: You’re describing human nature. But concentrate on what you bring to the table, and you’ll persevere. If things don’t turn out the way you’d liked—if you didn’t snag that job—it’s meant to be. Don’t worry, you’ll find someone who’ll appreciate your particular talents.

This is the attitude that’s helping you slug away in California?

z GREG: Exactly, man. I’m working like the devil to network, and I fully expect to succeed. Failure isn’t an option.
Buddy, we’ve spent another hour just shooting the breeze, can you believe it? Time flies when you’re chillin’ with a bud.
GREG: Yeah! Interviews can be dicey, but you keep it flowin’, man. Rock and roll!

Now leave us with some heavy Plitt philosophy.

GREG: Damn, that’s simple. It’s ‘Just do it!’ Go after what you want in life and make it happen.

Check out Greg’s website at: GregPlitt.com.