Name:  Calvin Markus
Age: 19
Height: 5’11
Weight: 145
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona
Current Residence: Tempe, Arizona
Website: www..calvinmarkus.com

Why did you become vegan?

I initially became vegan for moral reasons. I have always had a deep compassion for animals and once I was exposed to the horrors of the meat/dairy industry, I practically went vegan overnight. I then went on to read books and watch documentaries that increased my belief in veganism. Health reasons, environmental reasons, and even spiritual reasons came into the picture..

When and why did you become interested in fitness?

As a result of early realizations, such as how we aren’t guaranteed another life or an after-life, that this life is most likely our only chance to have a positive impact on ourselves and the world around us. Existence and consciousness are such strange and fragile things, to be able to experience and create ourselves is astonishing. Not taking care of ourselves and neglecting our health, is to drop-kick thousands of years of evolution and hard work in the face. Weight-lifting and fitness happened simultaneously as I went vegan. Veganism and fitness really expanded my awareness and opened up doors that were previously locked, leading towards new ways of life. 

How would you describe your nutrition program?

As of right now my diet consists mostly of potatoes, beans, salads, fruit smoothies, oatmeal, nuts and a few soy products. I either take Vega or a rice protein shake after every workout.

How would you describe your training program?

Discipline and consistency.  I like to challenge myself and work towards heavier lifts but most importantly I just like to feel fit and healthy.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?

That it is a fad, that you are skinny, weak and unhealthy because of it. These are all clearly not true if you have an intelligent and conscious approach to veganism. A lot of people do not take into consideration that most vegans were once avid meat and dairy eaters. Not supporting the cruel exploitation of animals is truly remarkable and selfless and to mock someone for doing so is like making fun of someone who does not support sweatshops.... Not supporting backward-thinking industries is a step forward in the evolution of human compassion. Many people assume that vegans do not understand that humans are the most dominant animals on earth. I would like to think that we most definitely understand that this is true, but I believe that being at the highest level of dominance, a lot of responsibility inevitability comes along with it. When is it ever okay for the person with the most power to take advantage of the ones lower in rank? All humans have the compassion needed to care for our earth, it is just buried deep within most people, but it is there, and it has to be brought out soon.  Just as racism, sexism, and homophobia will be looked down upon as a disgusting stain on history, so will the exploitation of animals. This may sound unrealistic, and maybe it is, but spreading negative energy and whining about how nothing is ever going to change, only creates less change as a result. 

What do you like best about being vegan and being fit?

The vibrancy it added to my life. The energy, excitement, and inspiration that layered onto my perspective once I got into a good fitness and diet schedule. I feel better overall and am motivated to pursue what I want to pursue. Experiencing highs that are both natural and progressive has left all substance reliant highs completely out of the picture, as they are unnecessary and unappealing. 

What advice do you have for vegan athletes who are just starting out?

Don’t give up! Get into a routine and keep changing it up so you don’t get bored.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?

I highly encourage it. It may be scary and awkward at first but you can make it through the initial small struggles. From a personal experience, even if none of your friends are vegan or vegetarian, your dedication and determination is contagious. Plus there are great communities (like the one on veganbodybuilding.com) out there to support you.

How has the website www.veganbodybuilding.com helped or inspired you?

It has been crucial to my understanding of vegan fitness. I was a severely confused teenager when I first went vegan and this site seriously helped me with proper nutrition and fitness. If you are having a hard time with staying vegan or exercising properly, do not be afraid to ask people on the forums, they are fantastic people. Many people have gone through the same struggles or had the same questions as you, so just look around and you will most likely find what you are looking for.

Is there anything else you would like to add about your vegan fitness lifestyle?

I gained twenty pounds of muscle within a year after I went vegan.. Going vegan can dramatically affect your body, whether you want to lose or gain weight, you can do either if you play your cards right. Make sure you know what you are doing because it is easy to become a lazy vegan where you eat just to get by and do not thrive like you could. Also, I want to offer hope to anyone who has been in the situation where they feel like they are losing all their friends to drugs. If it feels wrong and you do not want to be a part of it, then don’t, there are better lifestyles. Substance (drugs and alcohol) has a huge presence in high school and college. It has infected our culture to the point where it is a norm to “experiment” and basically screw around with our bodies for a solid five to ten years. Just keep your head up and stick to what you are truly passionate about. You can always find new friends but in most cases, the initial excitement your friends have about drugs will wear off, and if it doesn’t, if they seem like they are still going be “getting wasted” or “blazed” or playing “beer pong” when they are forty years old, which would be very pathetic at that point, perhaps you should part ways and/or bring their problem to their attention.

Thank you so much!

Thank you more!