Month: March 2020

Male Fitness Models, mens underwear, Photography

Male Fitness Model and Trainer: Kyle Hynick

by Andre M.4 Comments on Male Fitness Model and Trainer: Kyle Hynick
Male Fitness Model and Trainer: Kyle Hynick

Table of Contents

Introduction

I first saw Kyle Hynick, a mens physique competitor and fitness model from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, when he did a photoshoot for Box Menswear in New York. (Note: Fellow model Josh Riquelme was at the same photoshoot.)

According to his portfolio page at his modeling agency, City Models, Kyle is 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall with a 31 inch (78.7 cm) waist. Kyle is a Leo (birthday August 16). Kyle also has a page at Model Mayhem.

Along with fitness influencer physique and workout photos, Kyle also has an Instagram page where he models street wear, including the grunge style.

The grunge style includes flannel overshirts (including some with customized embroidery), graphic tees, and distressed jeans or cargo pants. It is a rugged, relaxed look, which looks great on him.

Follow Kyle on his social media channels:

Instagram | YouTube | Instagram (outfits)

Check out Kyle’s fitness-program website: kylehynickfitness.com.

Photo shoot with Photographer Mark Jenkins (2021).
Photo shoot with Photographer Mark Jenkins (2021).

Jade Young in Manhattan, New York City

When Kyle posted these photos on Instagram, I thought they were a photomontage. (No one in the crowds of people is looking at him.) Nevertheless, the 2019 photos are really in Times Square, New York City. Someone who saw him there wrote a comment. The photographer is Jade Young.

Check out a related blog post on Times Square, Calvin Klein billboard ads and today’s fitness influencers.

Author’s note: Some of Kyle’s photos with Jade were featured in DNA Magazine.

  • Fitness model Kyle Hynick from Canada poses in front of an electronic billboard in public for a photoshoot with Photographer Jade Young.

Photos

Workout Transformation; A One-Time YouTuber

In doing a search on YouTube, I found that Kyle had been a fitness YouTuber starting about 8 years ago. At the time, Kyle was focused more on bodybuilding. A transformation video received 2.3 million views in 2013, according to an interview of Kyle in a Canadian newspaper.

Kyle (Jan. 2021). Cargo pants, Represent

Mens Physique, Classic Physique, and Bodybuilding

Mens Physique

In mens physique, the contestants wear board shorts and do semi-flexed body poses. The emphasis is on overall physique not muscularity. The categories are determined by height only; there are no weight classes.

According to the Canadian Physique Alliance, contestants are rated on the following criteria:

  • Muscularity and body condition
  • On-stage presence and personality
  • Posing shorts (board shorts)

Classic Physique

In classic physique, the classes are based on height and weight.

There are five mandatory poses:

  • Front double biceps
  • Side chest
  • Back double biceps
  • Abdominal with one thigh
  • Favorite classic pose (not the most muscular)

Source: Canadian Physique Alliance.

Mauro Fialho and Jorge Tabet compare mens physique and classic physique.

Bodybuilding

In bodybuilding is based on muscularity. There are specific flexing poses, and the classes are based on weight. Competitors wear posing briefs.

  • Bantamweight — up to and including 65 kg / 143 lb.
  • Lightweight — up to and including 70 kg / 154 lb.
  • Middleweight — up to and including 80 kg / 176 lb.
  • Light-heavyweight — up to and including 90 kg / 198 lb.
  • Heavyweight — up to and including 100 kg / 220 lb.
  • Super heavyweight – over 100 kg / 220 lb.

Source: Canadian Bodybuilding Federation.

Bodybuilding poses are the following:

  • Front double biceps
  • Front lat spread
  • Side chest
  • Side tricep
  • Back double biceps
  • Back lat spread
  • Front ab / thigh
  • Most muscular

Source: Canadian Bodybuilding Federation.

Kyle Wins Mens Physique Show in 2019

While at the Texas Box Menswear photoshoot, Kyle was in pre-contest condition. In October 2019, after the Texas photoshoot, Kyle competed in and won the novice mens physique division at the 2019 St. John Fall Classic in Canada.

Photographer: Paul Girvan. Board shorts, Chula Wear.

Kyle had some photos from the contest period.

Kyle’s Photo Shoots

Box Menswear

New York

In early 2019, Kyle was in New York for a photo shoot for Box Menswear, with Photographer Jade Young. Also, at that photo shoot was New York-based model Josh Riquelme. In July 2020, DNA Magazine featured some of the images from Kyle’s photo shoot with Jade.

In November 2020, Kyle was featured in an advertorial in Attitude Magazine for Box.

Kyle Hynick at Photographer Jade Young’s studio for Box Menswear.

Texas

Later in 2019, Kyle was in Texas for the 2019 Box Menswear photo shoot. (Josh Riquelme was also at this photoshoot.)

Phantasma Photography

Kyle also had a photo shoot with Canadian photography studio, Phantasma Photography. Some photos from one photo shoot were featured in DNA Magazine.

Michael A. Downs

Puerto Rico

In July 2020, Kyle traveled to Puerto Rico for a photo shoot with Photographer Michael A. Downs.

Miami

In early 2020, before the outbreak of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, Kyle went to Miami, Florida for a photoshoot with Michael.

Kyle got some great images while he was in Florida.

Luis Rafael

While Kyle was in Miami, he also did a photoshoot with Photographer Luis Rafael. Again, Kyle created amazing images with his photographer.

  • Muscular fitness model from Canada, Kyle Hynick, stands in Atlantic Ocean in Miami in white t-shirt and briefs.

Mark Jenkins

While Kyle was in Miami, he also did a photoshoot with Photographer Mark Jenkins.

Steven Schmidt

While in Florida, Kyle did a photo shoot with Photographer Steven Schmidt. Photographer Schmidt mentioned that Seth Holbrook connected him with Kyle. I have noticed how the models from the Box Menswear photo shoot in Texas have supported each other.

Stevan Reyes

In addition, Kyle worked with Photographer Stevan Reyes in Florida.

Conclusion

Kyle has been involved in fitness and modeling for many years. He had a great physique foundation to build upon to achieve his current physique.

I look forward to continuing to seeing more of Kyle’s work.

Crossfit shorts, mens physique board shorts, Photography

Tom Seed: Mens Physique to Crossfit

by Andre M.1 Comment on Tom Seed: Mens Physique to Crossfit
Tom Seed: Mens Physique to Crossfit

Table of Contents

Introduction

Follow, subscribe, and comment on Tom’s social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | SoundCloud | Website | TikTok |

Tom Seed, a business owner (Stealth Nutrition), fitness model, physique competitor, and YouTuber, lives in the United Kingdom. I found out about Tom through his YouTube workout videos with Dan Tai.

Harrogate and York, United Kingdom

Tom’s hometown is Harrogate, which is in North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom. The local newspaper, Harrogate Informer, had a 2016 article about Tom when he participated in a charity boxing event to support cancer research.

Tom celebrated 3,000 YouTube subscribers by eating 3,000 calories during his time in York, UK (about 40 minutes from Harrogate). (I especially liked the part where he ordered gelato at the Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato shop.)

In 2020, many have suffered from the economic fallout from the global pandemic. Tom provided information about a Harrogate organization that assists the homeless–Harrogate Homeless Project. Tom donated food (that he bought for a 30,000 calorie challenge video) to the organization for Christmas Day meals.

Leeds

In 2021, Tom and friends, Will and Max, decided to challenge themselves to reach 1,000 pull-ups in 1 hour. Tom recruited passers-by at Roundhay Park to help reach the goal.

CrossFit; Oliver James, Owner of Metcon Leeds Gym

On Instagram, Tom explained his decision to focus on performance (CrossFit) rather than appearance (mens physique).

A six pack isn’t easy to maintain all year round. Ideal on holiday or at Vegas pool parties but not required on Christmas Day with grandma.

I’d much rather focus on performing better in a CrossFit box. Less time spent worrying about my diet / physique more time spent working on my movements & skills.

Tom Seed

Tom has been doing CrossFit through the 2020 Covid-related lockdowns and adjustments (discussed further in this article).

Tom met with his friend, Oliver James (who is an co-owner of Metcon Leeds, with Symon Sutherland (leading a gym class in photos)).

Tom and Oliver did the Joker Workout, consisting of the toe to the pullup bar movement and deadlifts. The person that did not finish first had to have a spoonful of cinnamon.

The result? Well, Oliver cannot be conquered in his own gym, lol. (Oliver, when done, did coach Tom on to finish.)

Podcast Interview and First Contest

Colin Campbell (host of CamBro Conversations, a podcast) interviewed Tom about his transition from bodybuilding to Crossfit and about the supplement industry.

Tom is the head of sales at Lifesource Supplements and owns a supplement company, Stealth Nutrition.

(The blog has posts on Crossfit-related gear–shorts and a water bottle.)

Tom competed in his first Crossfit contest in 2021.

UK Lockdown Late October 2020 to Early December 2020; Tom’s Dumbbell Only Workout

The year 2020 has been a challenging year. In order to prevent Covid-19 cases from overwhelming the medical system in the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, placed a four-week lock down for pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops.

After this announcement, Tom posted a YouTube video with a dumbbell-only workout that could help viewers continue their workout routine at home. The exercise demonstrator is Metcon Leeds owner Oliver James.

Birthday

Tom’s birthday is 29-March (Aries).

https://www.instagram.com/p/COH3YHUFnzn/

Question and Answers E-mail Interview

I had an opportunity to ask Tom about his fitness modeling and other interests by e-mail. He provided responses which are detailed below.

How did you become interested (a) in weight training and (b) in being a fitness model?

“I started training just to get in shape and over time my physique kept progressing and after 6 years of training I decided to step on stage and compete in the UKUP competition.”

Author’s note: Tom had written some blog posts on his 2017 training at his blog for back and for biceps.

Did you participate in athletics before or while weight training for physique contests? When did you become focused on your fitness model workouts for competition?

“I used to play rugby and swim until the aged of 19. Aged 19 I stopped all sport and took up weight training until I competed aged 25.”

How have you adjusted your training and nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic?

“Yes I have had to do more ‘CrossFit’ style workouts from home to keep my cardio and weights combined. I can’t wait for the gyms to re-open!!”

Tom is maintaining his physique during lock down (2020). Weight vest, BeyondRX Gear.

What advice would you give to guys looking to become a fitness model?

“Stay consistent with your diet and training but only pursue being a fitness model if you enjoy the process of getting lean and you enjoy being in front of a camera / the spotlight.” [Author’s note: Tom was the cover model for the Best Fit Magazine in 2019.]

How have you liked working in the fitness industry and with clothing companies? Any things you would want to see improved?

“I have liked working with brands over social media but I would like to see more fitness events that bring like minded people together. There seems to be a couple of big expos per year. I would like to see brands host events on a monthly basis! I enjoy socialising (if you can’t tell).”

Any hobbies or interests outside of your own training?

“My hobbies outside of training would be Crossfit, Content creating (Youtube & TikTok), Visiting nice beach clubs with good pool parties and I like playing online poker too.”

Cycling Enthusiast

In viewing Tom’s Instagram posts, a few showed Tom in cycling gear and with a bike made by Ribble Cycles, a hand-assembled bicycle maker based in the United Kingdom. (A Ribble bicycle can be customized to suit a buyer.)

  • UK business owner and CrossFit enthusiast, Tom Seed, stands, in a lycra cycling garment in front of his Ribble Cycle bike.

Stealth Nutrition, a Lifestyle Nutrition, Workout Supplement Brand

Tom owns Stealth Nutrition, a lifestyle nutrition brand. Stealth Nutrition focuses on providing designer workout supplements–from pre-workout to nootropic brain support. Check out Stealth Nutrition’s website for further information.

Mens Physique

Tom practicing his posing routine. Shorts: Mens Physique Show Shorts.

Tom competed in his first Mens Physique competition in 2019. Tom discussed his contest preparation story in a YouTube video.

Tom shows a transformation video showing how he transformed his physique while going from 160 pounds to 139 pounds.

In another video, Tom shows his contest shape as well as excerpts from his mens physique contest where he won third place.

Following the mens physique contest, Tom participated in a fitness model contest and won first place.

Photoshoots

Alex Wightman

During the COVID-19-related lock-down in 2020, Tom had a photo shoot with Photographer Alex Wightman that complied with the physical distancing needed during the period and still produced great images for Tom’s portfolio.

Alex Botic

Tom had a photoshoot with Photographer Alex Botic. Tom mostly was in workout clothing. Tom wore jeans and jeans and a leather jacket in some of the photos. The black and yellow swim brief is from Danny Miami. The denim jeans in one of the photos are from Carpe Omnia. (I do not have the brand for the shorts.)

Peter Fletcher, Muscle Mountain Photography

Tom also had a gym photoshoot with Photographer Peter Fletcher of Muscle Mountain Photography. (Peter Fletcher was a photographer at Box Menswear’s Texas photoshoot in 2019.)

Tom and Zac Aynsley

In 2018, Tom had a training session for arms with fitness influencer and mens physique competitor Zac Aynsley.

Tom with WBFF Pro Tom Coleman

Tom had the opportunity to have a training session with WBFF pro Tom Coleman.

Tom and Dan Tai

Garage gym workout session, June 2020

Tom collaborated with Dan Tai for a fitness model vs. CrossFit squat challenge. Tom got thirty reps on squats is a great result. (Dan, with amazing tree-trunk thighs, got 38.)

In a 2018 workout/lifestyle video log, Tom shared the activities of his day as well as a leg training session with Dan Tai.

Author’s note: This blog has more posts with fitness model Dan Tai.

As a side note, Tom and Dan hosted a fitness retreat in Ibiza, Spain, in June 2019.

Tom Models for Armani and Mens Health in Manchester

On another YouTube video, Tom provides information on how he and a friend walked on a fitness photoshoot with Armani and Mens Health UK in Manchester, UK.

Conclusion

Tom is getting a great started on his fitness modeling career as well as having great success in physique competitions. I appreciate his responses to my questions. I look forward to seeing more success from him in the future.