TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED INTO FITNESS MODELING AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME FIT AND HEALTHY IN THE FIRST PLACE?

I have only been fitness modelling for the past few months after being approached by Simon Barnes (Hotsnapz) at a fitness model competition. I entered the competition to give myself a goal to push myself harder than ever before. That’s when Simon approached me and I have been happily modelling ever since. The reason I like to keep myself fit and healthy is because I feel there are no disadvantages. I get to relieve stress, socialise and feel good about myself every day on the inside and out.

WHAT WAS THE ONE THING THAT TRANSFORMED YOUR BODY AND MADE IT FITNESS MODELESQUE, IN TERMS OF LOOK AND PROPORTION?

The main thing for me was setting myself a goal. I found I was so much more focussed and worked 10 times harder. By having something to aim for I trained harder and ate smarter and reaped the rewards at the end. It’s not easy but if you put the hard work in you can see great success.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN AS? WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO THINK WHEN THEY HEAR THE NAME HARRY RANSON?

I’d love to be known as one of the world’s top fitness models. Although this may sound egotistic, any fitness model that tells you otherwise is lying! With everything I do I want to strive to be the best. I’d like to be known for my drive, commitment and dedication day in and day out to get to the top. I also want to be known as the guy who tells it how it is. I don’t want to sell out and do things that I don’t believe in.

As you go on stage, on the gym or on the road – what comes to your head when you realize that indeed, people applaud and look up to you for your awesome physique and look? How has being a male fitness model affected you and made you the man you are today?

AS YOU GO ON STAGE, ON THE GYM OR ON THE ROAD – WHAT COMES TO YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU REALIZE THAT INDEED, PEOPLE APPLAUD AND LOOK UP TO YOU FOR YOUR AWESOME PHYSIQUE AND OVERALL LOOK? HOW HAS BEING A MALE FITNESS MODEL AFFECTED YOU AND MADE YOU THE MAN YOU ARE TODAY?

It’s such a slow process getting a physique like this so it doesn’t seem like anything has changed. I get a little more attention now and questions about my training and nutrition, which I am more than happy to answer. I have had people tell me they are inspired by me and have gone on to enter fitness model competitions or set up a photo shoot. It still seems a bit surreal as I am so new to the industry but I am more than happy for people to come to me for advice, especially if it is to lead a better and healthier lifestyle.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT SEPARATES A JUST ANOTHER MUSCLE HEAD TO A REAL AND INSPIRING FITNESS MODEL?

To be a real and inspiring fitness model you need to connect with the people that you are inspiring. These people are looking to you for advice and guidance; if you are not willing to give that then I would consider you “just another” selfish muscle head. I like to share everything on my Facebook page @ http://www.facebook.com/HarryRansonFitness

WHAT MAKES HARRY RANSON DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE OTHER MALE FITNESS MODELS OUT THERE?

I’d like to think I am quite open to new ideas in life,. I’m a big believer in “don’t knock it till you’ve tried it” so I will always be on the lookout for new ideas, not only for my training but for my career. I feel a lot of established fitness models can get quite arrogant and set in their ways once they become successful, potentially missing some great opportunities.

HAVE YOU EVER COMPETED ON STAGE, IF SO WHERE AND FOR WHAT ASSOCIATION? ALSO, HOW DID YOU END UP BECOMING A SPONSORED ATHLETE? ANY TIPS FOR OTHER MALE FITNESS MODELS OUT THERE LOOKING FOR ONE?

I competed on April 1st 2012 at the Miami Pro UK Championships in the fitness model category. It was my first ever competition and I managed to walk away with 2nd place. It was a massive shock for me, but my hard work and dedication paid off. It was an amazing experience and definitely won’t be my last competition. I had a fantastic time on stage but also met some great people.

Shortly before I competed I managed to get sponsorship from LA Muscle. My big goal for 2012 was to get sponsored so a friend of mine suggested I should contact them, he told me “if you don’t ask you don’t get”. So that’s exactly what I did. A few weeks later I received a letter telling me they had accepted me and I was now a part of their team!

If I was to give aspiring fitness models some advice it would be to get yourself out there. It is very rare that someone is going to come to you as there are so many great physique’s out there. It is your personality and passion that attract people the most. If you can get this across to as many people as you can then you will find it easier to become a successful fitness model.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE VALUE THAT HARRY RANSON CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE FITNESS INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE? AND AS A MALE MODEL (NOT JUST A MALE FITNESS MODEL), WHAT OTHER INDUSTRY DO YOU HOPE TO GAIN EXPOSURE FROM?

I’d like to think I can be part of the next generation of fitness models that inspire, educate and motivate. The likes of Rob Riches, Greg Plitt and Scott Herman all inspire me and I’d love to be on their level one day. They not only have great physiques but they are willing to share their knowledge and help others do the same, which is exactly what I’d love to do. I’d love to get more exposure as a trainer as well as a model. I feel it is a waste of knowledge if I keep it all to myself. I wasted a few years doing things wrong in regards to training and nutrition so I’d love to teach people from the beginning.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY A FULL-TIME FITNESS PROFESSIONAL? IF SO, IN WHAT CAPACITY (E.G., PERSONAL TRAINER, NUTRITION CONSULTANT, FULL-TIME FITNESS ATHLETE, GYM OWNER, ETC.)? IF NOT, WHAT DO YOU CURRENTLY DO AS A DAY JOB?

I currently have my fingers in lots of pies at the moment as I’m not entirely sure which direction to take my career. It’s quite exciting really. I currently work in a gym as a personal trainer and nutrition consultant as well as offering advice and programs online (www.harryranson.com). I love the flexibility of the job as it allows me to work with photographers such as Simon Barnes on a regular basis.

HOW DID FITNESS MODELING CHANGE YOU AS A PERSON?

It’s made me a lot grumpier as I have to be in shape all year round! I wish I could eat cake every day! But on a serious note I don’t think it has changed me and I’m glad it hasn’t. I get recognised more now but I’m still the same person as I was before all the exposure. My mum always likes to keep my grounded too!

ONE YEAR FROM NOW, WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE AS A MALE FITNESS MODEL OR AS A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL IN GENERAL?

I’d love to be recognised in the UK as a top male fitness model and trainer then eventually on to the world! But I realise that is probably a little far-fetched for now!

+ Official MFM Profile of Harry Ranson
+ See more work of Simon Barnes from Hotsnapz Photography here