Interview with Mike Thurston-Fitness and Cover Model

TRC: Hi Mike and welcome to The Reading Cafe. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Mike : Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Aurora Athletic

Mike: Born in Leeds, UK. I lived there up until I was 18, then I moved to Newcastle Upon Tyne (Where I currently live) to study Economics and Business Management at University. I graduated, had no real idea what I wanted to do with my life so worked abroad for a summer in Peurto Banus, followed by nightclub work in Newcastle, then became a manager at Hollister. After working over a year in retail I knew it wasn’t for me. I quit my job, pursued a career in fitness, set up my own business with one of my friends and here I am today!

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Mike: I always wanted to be happy and successful, but I never knew what it was that I would be doing. I always saw myself being my own boss and running a company of some sort.

TRC: What or who was the catalyst that sparked your interest in body building?

Mike: I can’t pin point the exact moment, it was something that kind of just happened. It was as though i had an urge to start going to my school gym, by myself when I was 17, and start experimenting with all the equipment. I loved the pump, results quickly started to show and it became an addiction.

TRC: Was there a clear, defining moment that triggered your desire?

Mike: Not that I’m aware of. Although there was this one guy at my school who had huge arms and I was like, woah I want arms like that.

TRC: What have been some of the challenges you have faced in your body building career?

Photo by Broosk Saib

Mike: You have to make sacrifices. During my years at university going out, socialising and drinking was a big thing. I very much enjoying taking part in these activities, which meant i spent a lot of the time hungover and unable to train. When i started the company in 2013 i made a conscious effort to remove myself from the party scene and surround myself with people who have similar goals and aspirations. Nutrition is also a big challenge. I have no issue when it comes to working out regularly at an intense level. I love it and most likely will always love it. The problem comes when you have to pass on the foods you love to eat. I can still indulge every now and then, but there are definitely days which are tough.

TRC: Of what does your daily work out regimen consist?

Mike: Good question. It’s always different. When you get to advanced levels of training, particularly muscle hypertrophy you need to change the programme up every now and then. I might stick to the same routine where I work different body parts on a different day for a number of weeks, then alter it. It will also depend on whether i’m looking to cut or put on muscle. I won’t go into too much detail as I don’t think the readers will be that interested!

TRC: Have you ever had a work out or photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Mike: When it comes to the workouts i wouldn’t say they go wrong… I’ve had some shitty workouts where at the end of the session I reflect upon it and think, yeah that was a crap workout. They rarely happen much. I’ve had a few shoots where I’ve not got on with the photographer for a number of reasons. Either I don’t like their vibe or they are just completely inappropriate. They tended to be back in the early days when I had no idea what to expect or what was the norm. Now I’m very particular with whom I shoot with.

TRC: Many photo shoots take the model to exotic locations. What has been your favourite location to shoot? Least favourite location (and why)?

Mike: Marrakech was one of the best places. I shot in a number of different locations, hotels, pools, streets, grand buildings etc. Marrakech is just a very cool place in general and the architecture of some of the buildings is amazing. Least favourite has to be in a crappy apartment in Manchester. I didn’t like the vibe one bit. In general if I get on with the photographer and the location is perfect it’s got the recipe to be a great shoot. New experiences stick with me the most.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors /body builders just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Mike: Do whatever you feel comfortable doing and don’t let anyone make you do something you don’t want to. Some of these photos can end up circling the internet and therefore haunting you for life. Always be cautious with who you shoot with and what gets shot!

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surrounded by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Mike: I rarely ever get stressed. I’m a very chilled out guy. I wouldn’t say I was exposed to many people. I let the public see my pictures and that’s pretty much it. I am in control over my private life and what I choose to be public. You do get a lot of messages coming your way, some good, some bad. The downside to this is not having the time to be able to respond to everyone and coming across as being ignorant. I would love to be able to reply to everyone but I simply don’t have the time in the day to do it.

TRC: At times, there has been a stigma surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Mike: To be honest I’m not that well educated about the industry of the romance cover model, so I don’t have much to say on that topic! The fact that I’ve been fortunate enough to be on a the cover of a number of bestselling authors books is amazing. So whatever has or is happening in the industry, it gets a big fat thumbs up from me.

TRC: Will you please tell us about how you got started in the modelling business? How were you ‘discovered’?

Mike: It’s all about your own self belief and confidence. I observed other models in the industry and thought to myself, there’s no reason why I can’t do that. I continued to go to the gym, stick to my diet and maintaing living a healthy lifestyle. When you eat, sleep and train good, you look good. A few years ago the selfie hype was none existent. Holiday photos via social media started to get a bit of attention from photographers I was friends with. I started off shooting with them, then the word spread. Higher profile photographers wanted to shoot with me, so I shot with a few of them. As soon as I started building up my instagram that was it, tens of thousands of followers later and everything blew up.

TRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

Mike: I do. Some are yet to be announced so I’ll just keep that to myself for now!

TRC: Do you remember the first ‘romance cover’ on which you appeared?

Mike: TAINT by S.L. Jennings.

TRC: Do you have a favorite cover-romance or otherwise? (e.g. body building magazines etc)

Mike: TAINT! haha. I’m a big fan of audiobooks (self help, business, education) but no favourites.

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Mike: Most of the time it involves not moving very much. I spend most of my week moving around, working out, training clients, so it’s nice to take my feet off the ground. I like to surround myself with good people, go out to eat and have a good time. I’ve definitely got the travel bug, especially after visiting so many locations last year, so whenever I get time off I’ll be exploring the world. There’s so much to see and so little time, so I want to make it my mission to see as much of it as possible.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Mike:
1. Become world famous and highly respected in my work (my physique, my
coaching and my training)
2. Own a number of successful businesses.
3. Own a gym abroad.

Photo by Broosk Saib

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Mike: I eat a hell of a lot more food than most people think. I’m also pretty weird.

TRC: On what on your currently working?

Mike: Lots of different projects. All to be announced soon!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Mike: Thanks for reading and thank you for all of your support! If you would like to know more about health and fitness and the services that I offer check out :  Aurora Athletic

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

A high quality burger

Favorite Dessert

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Favorite Movie

In 2014 – Edge of Tomorrow

Favorite TV Show

Of all time – Lost

Last Movie that you Saw

The Drop

Secret Celebrity Crush

Madalina Ghenea

Dark or Milk Chocolate

Milk

Last Book that you Read

50th Law

Pet Peeve

Slow internet, rain, queuing for anything.

TRC: Thank you Mike for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success. We wish you all the best.