Center Stage Magazine August-September | Page 176

fitness Breakthroughs Eric has been in the modeling business just over a year now. His journey began when he decided to turn his life completely around and head in the opposite direction in which he was going. Eric was a functioning alcoholic/drug addict for 16 years and near the end he was drinking and using cocaine on a daily basis. He had a lot of fun but eventually crashed and burned. He finally hit rock bottom and checked himself into a mental institution on Oct 17th 2011. From that day on, he assumed a new identity and focused on living the rest of my life being completely sober. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and severe depression, he was put on meds to keep me normal. I started working out every day and eventually got off all my medication. It’s been over two and a half years since he has been on any medication and things are going great for him. Eric Claussen’s new drug of choice was working out and he loves getting his daily dose. He lost 50 pounds and got into the best shape of his life. Eric posted his transformation photos on Facebook and a photographer reached out to him and asked him to do a shoot. He went with it and instantly, he was hooked. The pictures came out really amazing! Eric is an avid reader and personal development enthusiast. Anthony Robbins has been his Ultimate Mentor/Idol through his transformation. Shaun T (from Beach body’s Insanity Program), Greg Plitt, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have been Eric’s inspiration through it all. When he was growing up, Eric wanted to be successful and travel the world but never really applied himself because he had so much fun getting wasted and chasing tail. That became his daily focus and nothing else mattered. Life was a party and all he ever wanted was to keep that party going!! Now he has cleared his head and changed his focus. Eric continues to improve himself by learning and growing ultimately becoming very successful so that he can travel the world and help people along the way. Honestly, Eric was excited and nervous at the same time when he did his first modeling gig. He had no job, he had no money, but that didn’t stop him because of this burning desire he had inside. Eric drove 12 hours away in his busted up 1997 Ford Escort with just enough money for gas to get there. “When you want something bad enough you’ll do just about anything to get it”, the fitness enthusiast shared. Eric have taken on a new business opportunity and juggle modeling and this business the best he can. This business opportunity is a stepping stone for him to use while he keeps on preparing for the life he truly wanted and desired. Eric hits the gym at least once a day sometimes going at 4 in the morning and then working a 12 – 14 hour day. Some days are tougher than others but he stays consistently hungry and knows that if he keeps it up; his big break will come. Weight training is his favorite; Eric absolutely loves working out his arms and back. He changes up my routine every two months to keep his muscles confused and constantly improving. Eric Claussen eats tons of egg whites, tuna, chicken, fish and veggies. He combines that with a bunch of protein shakes and his once a day Shakeology shakes. And he’s feeling like a million bucks. When he changed identities, Eric literally became a health and fitness nut. The first part of his transformation he got involved with Beach body’s Insanity program. His transformation was absolutely amazing. He was beyond hooked so he became a Team Beach body Coach so he could help guide other people to make positive lasting changes in their lives. The “high” he gets from working out is way better than any drug he ever did and there are no negative repercussions. That’s why he loves getting his daily dose. “It keeps me in a great mood; my energy levels are through the roof and look and feel amazing!! Shaun T was my first fit-spiration because he made my transformation possible which has opened new doors to my life”, Eric shared. He does have a serious sweet tooth and after “We all have gifts and talents and we need to share those talents with the world by continuing to work on them and bettering ourselves with each passing day. Believe in yourself and keep going...” moving to South Florida, Eric’s cousin introduced him to a little place called, Cold Stone. He was amazed. Eric loved the place and usually hits it up once a week or once every two weeks. What can Eric say, he loves ice cream. The Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip is his favorite! Right now, Eric sticks close to and supports the guys he has met out on gigs or has worked with photographers he has worked with. “We’re all in this journey together and the more we help each other out the better we will all be. We share common interests and lift each other up. That’s what it’s all about. Helping each other succeed. Jonathan Brownell, James Joseph Pulido, Adam Aye, Chase Ketron, Bailey Ink-sane Lee, Assad-Lawrence Hadi Shalhoub are a few friends I look up to”, Eric stated. Five characteristics that my fans don’t know about Eric Claussen are the following: “I love all food. I prefer blondes. I’m a Christian. I love to laugh and I’m pretty nuts, crazy, insane and just love letting go not worrying about what anyone thinks.” “Pet peeves in the gym… I’m totally focused when I’m at the gym. I like to get in, crush my work out and get out. I’ll say what’s up but don’t really want to chat for a while until I’m done working out.” He saves the conversations for after my workout unless it’s crazy important. “My final message to my fans and people who look up to me is never give up on your dreams. We all have gifts and talents and we need to share those talents with the world by continuing to work on them and bettering ourselves with each passing day. Believe in yourself and keep going. You can and will make your dreams become a reality if you keep taking massive action and neve