INTERVIEW: NIGERIAN BORN FITNESS MODEL AND INSTRUCTOR, ALEX GEDE TALKS ABOUT HIS MASSIVE TRANSFORMATION, BODYPOWER NIGERIA, MISTER AFRICA, FITNESS DOS AND DON’TS AND MORE…

Meet Alex Gede, Mr Ideal Nigeria – Earth 2016. Born October 7th, 1983 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and later moved to the UK.

Alex wasn’t always this sexy! In fact, he was anything but, according to his own testimony. His transformation made him healthier and more confident and increased his love for fitness. With Alex’s new found love for fitness, he started physique competitions and studied to become a qualified personal trainer.

Alex continues to stay committing to a lifestyle of health and fitness. His desire to help others motivated him to start up his own company to make things easier for people.

Check out my exclusive and informative interview with Alex Gede below:

Hey Alex! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Alex Gede, born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria on the 7th of October 1983 but now based in London.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
It depends on the day really. I work a lot. So gets up at 6am every day, make my meal for the day as I am out and about all day. I have lots of things I can not eat because of my Irritable bowl syndrome. So must take my own food everywhere I go. I use to be fully self-employed but now went back to working full time as I did not want to feed off my company yet and give it time to grow. So I go to work 9-5 and straight to the gym after. I train myself and others so gets home for 9pm. Then is time to start preparing me meals for the next day.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?
I did my first degree in Accountancy in Nigeria at the Rivers state university. Then moved to the UK straight away for my masters in Management Finance.

Tell us more about Alex Gede Fitness (AGFitz)?
It was born from my transformation. I used to be very skinny and tell. Get teased and picked on a lot because of it. In 2013, I decided to change my looks and started bodybuilding. I was too shy to go to the gym so trained from home. I found it difficult getting all the support and information I need to get the body I want. That is why I now have AGFitz.com. The idea is to have a one stop website where everyone can find what they need to either transform their body or to remain fit. Agfitz provides, blogs, products and personal training. One of the few websites out there that does that. AGFitz.com only operates in the UK just now and the plan is to expand into Nigeria and all over Africa.

Why the interest in fitness and modelling?
I have always wanted to model, but lacked the confidence. After my transformation, I decided to go into fitness modelling to show the world what I have accomplished and motivate others along the way. If I can do it, any one can.

How would you describe the modelling and fitness industry in the the UK?
It is very competitive, lots of awesome guys and ladies. The industry is well developed too thanks to the amount of companies in the industry, from healthy food resultants, gyms, fitness cloths and accessories companies, and of course supplements companies. I wish Nigeria will be like this in the future, it will go a long way in youth empowerment.

You are very active in the fitness business, why do you feel need for this?
It is the best way to stay young. For most people including myself, it is also a good and healthy way to de-stress yourself after a long hard day.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?
It is difficult really, especially when it comes to the gym. I can spend hours in the gym giving advise, training clients and trying out new workouts. I sometimes find it hard to see it as part of my professional life. My dream is to make a living from what I enjoy doing, that way, I will not feel like I am working.

Looking at your photos from 2013 you weight 64kg to now in 2016 87kg. What will you say motivated/inspired you to go into fitness and stay dedicated in it?
I got fed up with my friends saying to me ‘eat!! You too skinny’ What has really kept me going is the results I see and how I have motivated a lot of people to change their lifestyle.

How often do you go to the gym and how many hours do you spend while you there?
I go the gym 5 days a week with 2 days off. My average time in the gym is 1 hour 30 minutes. I do not spend too long in the gym as I avoid going catabolic.

2016 seems to be a very busy year for you, you won Afro Model Awards 2016 and came up 1st runners up at Mr Ideal Nigeria. How’s did that make you feel and that working out for you?
It has been a busy year and can not ask for anything more. I literally do not have the time to keep with the opportunities that are coming my way. It just shows that hard work pays, all you need to do is to be hungry for success. The results keeps me motivated. Mr ideal Nigeria was a great experience and a wonderful way for youths that wants to get out there. Highly recommended.

You are represented Nigeria at this years Mister Africa International held in London and took second. How does it feel?
It’s the best feeling ever.Especially coming from winning Mr Ideal Nigeria Earth 2016 and getting to represent Nigeria.

You are a lover of the arts and also paint too. When did your passion for these start and How’s that going?
I think it is just natural instinct to be honest. I am currently doing very little in this regards but I think there are lots of talent in Nigeria that the world need to see.

What’s your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to fitness?
Dos:
1. Be yourself
2. Find ways to stay motivated
3. Be patient and do not give up or expect over night results.
4. Do know and appreciate your limits
5. Motivate others too.

Don’t:
1. Do not over train
2. Do not take anything that will harm your body
3. Don’t think you are the best
4. Do not eat anything just to put on the size
5. Do not drink too much alcohol if you want to reduce your belly.

What would you say is the main misconception the public have about fitness models?
That they are too vain, they love themselves too much or that they are obsessed. I do not think all of that is misconception on its own, I just think its misplaced. People forget that all great people today are great because they were obsessed with their art. To be the best of what you do, you need to be obsessed and hungry.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started as a model?
That I will get this far and actually be winging awards and representing Nigeria.

I heard you now venturing into acting, how’s that working out for you?
It is still work in progress at this stage but I am sure very soon I will be a reality.

Which brands, designers, clients and models have you worked with?
I worked with Unicome Mode, A French underwear brand, I was on the music video for The palace band – head over waters, I worked with @iceydirector in the music video for Kamaura – Like this (Bingo Staar Edit).

What has been one of the most memorable jobs to work on?
Music video for Kamaura – Like this (Bingo Staar Edit) was fun to shoot.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
Too many to mention. I am just going to pass this question.

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?
I am afraid of heights and I a shy when I am not on stage.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
Launching my website www.agfitz.com and winning Mr Ideal Nigeria Earth.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Breaking the Nigerian market. The economy is so different from the rest of the world.

You are very active on social media. Do you think its important to be online and if so why?
It is the best way to get your message heard. Everyone is on Facebook or Instagram nowadays. I think more Nigerians need to get online though, especially businesses. I noticed a lot of companies that do not have a website or social media presence when I visited Nigeria.

You are from originally from Nigeria, but live in the United Kingdom. How is that working out for you?
Well, I am used to Living here. It is now my country too.

What are your must visit travel destinations?
USA for sure and south Africa. Also want to finish my tour of Europe. But too busy for time off these days.

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?
1. Your Belief
2. What you eat
3. Exercises
4. Your future
5. Your family

How would you describe your style?
Most people say I have no style. As I am mostly in the gym or active, I just wear sports or fitness gear.

What style genre appeals to you the most?
Do not have any really. As long as I look good in it, I will wear it.

Name your five must have accessories/essentials?
My phone, my backpack, my water bottle, my sunglasses and my smart watch.

What are your favorite fashion trends?
Not sure.

What is your favorite dish?
Chicken stir-fry does it for me.

What songs are currently on your playlist?
I have a weird mixture of songs, from Nigerian artists to country music. I play music according to my mood.

Apart from fitness, modelling, what other projects are you currently working on?
Well, I am working on expanding my company AGFitz into Nigeria. But I guess that is fitness related. I have other projects but they are still in papers.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
It is hard to follow your dream, especially when people around you do not share the same dream or understand you. Just remember it is called a dream for a reason, no one else can really fully get it. Just remain true and focused and take it a step at a time.

Any specific plans for the future?
Fully launch my business in Nigeria and also launch the long awaited and announced Bodypower Nigeria.

Any final words?
Watch this space. Be patient with me, my dreams are big and so the funds needed to make it come true.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?
My Instagram, Facebook and Twitter page is @alexgedefitness. For AGFitz, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter is AGFitz_official