INTERVIEW: Engineer, Model & Certified Trainer, Mohammed Sadiq Talks Merchandise, Gym Opening, Fitness & Health Tips, Meal Plans and More…

Meet Mohammed “Mo” Sadiq, a Nigerian native residing in Houston, Texas. Mo has a Bachelors Degree in Engineering followed by a certification in personal training and he’s a fitness model and fashion lover.

He spends nearly 50 hours a week in the gym and was able to turn his body into a picture of perfection in a little over a year. Mo believes that hard work, dedication and making the proper sacrifices will get you the desires of the heart. He plans to open a gym in the Houston, plus plans to refresh his training skills and teaching methods while also finding new unique meal plans for his clients.

Check out my exclusive interview with Mo below:

Hey Mo! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Mohammed Sadiq but I go by Mo.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
The average day in the life of Mo includes waking up to pray and meditates before I start my day. I have a 4 year old pit-bull, so I have to walk my dog. His name is Amaretto. Once he’s walked and fed I sit down for breakfast. This is where I plan my day and I spend about an hour managing my social media. Usually I have errands to run in the mornings so I get those out of the way first. Next I try to eat and nap before I go to the gym. Usually I end up grabbing a smoothie or protein shake and at least a 30-minute minimum power nap. I go to the gym 6-7 days a week at 4:30pm and then I’m there until about 9pm. Because gym is really my life. After my workouts I usually try to snap a quick photo with a clever caption to engage my followers. Once my picture is taken I leave the gym and see where my hunger guides me. Some of my favorite spots to grab foods are ModPizza, Freebirds, Chipotle or I’ll go down to subway. I’m still getting used to my meal prep schedule. Most times I stick to my diet but sometimes after a great workout I like to reward myself with a different taste. Once I arrive home I walk my dog and play with him for a bit. Then if I bring my food home I’ll eat and shower. After showering I spend about another hour replying emails, text, social media. I don’t watch much TV but I am a huge fan of YouTube. I look up different techniques to try at the gym, I watch a lot of competitions and usually I get lost in the endless amount of content. My day isn’t over until about 1am. I can admit that it’s hard for me to just unplug. So this is my schedule for 4-5 days out the week. Thursday’s are special; Thursday’s are when I get my haircut. Saturday’s vary because this is when I usually have boot camp or photo shoots or when I shop and lastly on Sunday’s I rest.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?
I graduated from the great Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering.

How were you discovered or what inspired you to go into fitness training?
Discovered, that’s funny. I’m still climbing the ladder of success. I wouldn’t consider myself as discovered yet simply because I have certain goals that I’d personally like to achieve first. I’m in no hurry to get where I’m going; I’m fine with the stages of progression. This journey is a glorious one.

Will you say the fitness industry in the United States is doing well?
I would say absolutely. It’s a growing fascination across the states. Normally a man dominated field but now there’s an increasing number of women who’s overtaking the fitness world also. Also a rising number in couples and family fitness. The states are gearing towards a more eco-friendly and healthier lifestyle so it’s becoming easier to eat healthier.

Looking at your photos from 2015 to now there, as been massive changes and improvements. What will you say motivated/inspired you to go into fitness and stay dedicated in it?
I wouldn’t say the changes were massive. I’ve always been a nice sized guy, I’m 6’3, while fluctuating between 215-220 and in 2015 I was 6’3 and fluctuated between 190-210lbs. I think all changes have been gradual, personally I feel like it took forever to get where I’m at. I have a fast metabolism and could possibly stand to eat more to truly see massive change. My motivation is myself. You only get one life to live and I want to be the best possible version of myself mentally and physically. I want to be around for a while so a healthier and fuller life is also motivating.

I hear you preparing for a fitness competition, is that true and if so what competition is that?
I broke my arm in February; I have a 6-8 week recovery time before I can even begin physical therapy. So right now I’ve pushed back competition until I’m completely healed. I need to make sure I’m healthy as possible before competing.

As a certified fitness trainer, what will you say are your 5 Dos and don’t when it comes to fitness and health?
1. It’s your journey. Don’t listen to people or their opinions.
2. Everybody’s body is different. Which means don’t compare youself to anyone else.
3. You have to want it more than anything. It’s not easy and you shouldn’t expect it to be anything less.
4. Discipline is key. This is mental just as much as physical.
5. Hold yourself to a standard. Be better than you were yesterday.

You spend nearly 50 hours a week in the gym, why so?
Simple, I love my body, I love the person I am becoming, it’s relaxing to me and primarily it’s where I have the most peace of mind. Gym is my life.

Do you think we humans take our health and fitness seriously?
That’s debatable but also I can’t speak for others. I know that I take my fitness and health seriously.

For someone trying to start out eating healthy, what meal plans will you recommend?
I would recommend starting out slowly. Don’t just go cold turkey or else you’ll relapse. Start with taking away sodas, fast food and snacks. Replace cookies and candy with fruits. Then start changing your bigger meals. I’d suggest looking for healthy foods you like and start incorporating them into your daily lifestyle. You’ll be surprised at what foods are actually healthy if eaten in proper portions.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?
Honestly, God. It gets hard at times, very overwhelming at times. Thankfully, I have a good team around me that help keep me on track. There are a handful of people that I count on to assist with keeping me grounded and focused. We’re all like family.

You once in a while post semi-nude photos online. What inspired those shoots?
Semi-nude makes it sound so wrong. I often post shirtless photos because I am proud of my body. I work hard for my body, I want to inspire and motivate people also. Plus people want to see me lol.

How would you describe the modeling scene in the United States, will you say the industry is encouraging new faces?
Most definitely. The states are slowly opening their Hollywood doors to more diverse people. The modeling scene is the United States is allowing more people who do not fit the European standard of beauty break through in a magnitude. You now see more darker complexion races. Also they are accepting muscular framed men in the fashion world and not just restricting them to sports and fitness.

What do you consider the most common stereotype about the fitness industry?
Most people think 3 things. Steroids, shrinking genitalia and that we can’t fit regular clothes or has a fashion sense.

What is your favorite dish?
I’m greedy, I eat a lot. I love food. My favorite African dish would be jollof. Favorite American dish would be Tacos.

What songs are currently on your playlist?
Right now I’m listening to Nipsey Hussle, Maleek Berry, Cardi B, and old school Dom Kennedy.

Apart from fitness, modeling, what other projects are you currently working on?
Right now I’m working on my fitness brand and eventually opening a gym.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
Push through, you have to make the sacrifices, believe and pray. And always remember you’ll need you before you need them.

Any specific plans for the future?
Right now I’m just looking forward to building and growing. My plans for the future are that God keeps blessing me. A few more things to look forward to from me will soon be my very own website where you can download meal plans, chat, watch workout videos and order merchandise.

Any final words?
Dream big, never give up.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?
Instagram: @_badmanmo
Facebook: M. Sadiq
Twitter: @_badmanmo