After the recent FittestBody photoshoot Art took time out to answer some questions about his journey to becoming a Fitness Model.

MH: Tell us a little bit about your early years Art?

Art: My parents where born and raised in Texas as where my grandparents, so I guess that would make me TexMex.I grew up in a small town called Palmdale located in the Antelope Valley in California. There wasn't really much to do other then get in trouble.

Growing up I played baseball and received many honors through high school and college and I went on to play in Alaska. When returning from Alaska I had a injury that set me back and later ended my baseball career. School was never my thing the only reason I went was for baseball and girls! So I never had a plan B.

MH: When did you first get interested in Fitness and Modelling?

Art: I started my career in personal fitness training 7 years ago and have done some amazing things with my clients and myself. Recently I decided to have a little more fun and try and make some more money with my achievements and body. So I entered the world of acting and fitness modeling and have been doing that now for about 8 months and I love it!


MH: Does staying fit and healthy come naturally to you? and what are your
secrets for staying in shape?

Art: Having put in a lot of hard work and discipline, staying healthy and Fit now comes natural to me. I have learned about my body so well that I now know exactly what I need to do and how to prepare for shows or pictures.

I eat lots and lots and lots of chicken, fish, oat meal yams and no bread products at all. Another little trick of mine is to change my regular water for distilled water.

Cardio is really important, I like doing slow burning cardio for a long time such as Stair master elliptical. When getting near the big day lots of interval training and high intensity workouts are what I do, minimizing water and carb intake.

Thats just a few little tricks for ya!

MH: Have you managed to find others locally that are also following a similar career? what support have you found?

Art: I am now living outside Los Angeles where everyone is or is trying to be in phenomenal shape. I meet new or up and coming fitness models on a regular basis and it is very motivating for me. I get support from every where Home, Family, Friends, Clients and workout partners.

Each year I attend the Fit Expo in Los Angeles, it's a great place to see what you really want! Their are some amazing men and women their and it is very motivating I would encourage any one who lives in or near LA to check it out


MH: You are also interested in becoming an actor, which do you enjoy more acting or modeling?

Art: I love being on camera, whether I am being filmed or just being photographed I am having a blast! I am new to them both so I haven't picked a favorite yet.

MH: Is there anyone you look up to as a role model?

Art: Anthony Presciano from BSN and Stan Mcquay are my motivation. They are both in amazing shape. I think they are by far the two most impressive Fitness Models around and they keep me going!

MH: Have you had many professional assignments?

Art: I recently did a underwear add for a designer in Japan and one in Australia. I also have taken part in two reality shows.

Other then that just been in some short films and student projects and you can find me in a few photographers portfolios. I am hopping to really turn it up this year and get some big jobs.




MH: What do you think the future holds for you?

Art: The plan is to basically be a stunt-man, but also do whatever I can like, live shows, videos, film, tv and so on. I would also love to be in some live shows (music) as a movement artist or something. My bread and butter right now is teaching and the occasional free-lance paid gig.

I have a 8 month old daughter and she is the most beautiful/expensive thing ever, I love her to death. So while I am building up my modeling empire I also do private security and personal training.

I am going to give my self one year to make it, every one else says it takes at least two years but I am a go getter and it will be done in one year!

Since winning ModelsHealth FittestBody competition I've had 7 additional photo shoots and have got some great new pix. I also recently signed with one of the biggest sports agencies in the world. I can honestly say that I will be a full time fitness model in a year and it all started and was all because ModelsHealth!!!!

Thank you so much ModelsHealth for this awesome opportunity, you have opened many doors for me and have given me faith, hope, and a amazing head start in this fitness modeling world. I want to thank you also for the wonderful and unforgettable time in the UK! Good Luck fittestbody 2010!

MH: Well we really hope everything goes to plan in your future too Art You've been a great person to work with and thanks for taking the time to talk to us.

Anyone who is interested in getting to know Art can get in touch at his ModelsHealth profile. ArtOrtiz