Javier AKA Rain

Name: Javier AKA “Rain”
Year of Birth: 1978
Height: 5'7”
Weight: 140
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Current Residence: Washington D.C.
Sports: Parkour, Breakdancing, Calisthen-X, Strength Workouts
Website: GorillaFit.wordpress.com
Youtube: youtube.com/user/TeamGorillaFit
My Gym: UrbanEvo.com

Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have?
Breakdancing is one of the most spiritual and best things I ever got into. It is a major stress reliever and clears the mind. Music can do amazing things. I teach classes at gym called Urban Evolution (www.urbanevo.com). Here I share all that I learn with students helping them build confidence in themselves through breakdancing.

I picked up Parkour a few years back and it has shown me a primitive form of movement that I feel is just what my body needs. I recommend people sign up for a parkour class or meet-up. If they get the chance to try it they will love it.

I was selected to break for the Washington Wizards (NBA) during the game timeouts. I did many shows breaking for Hip Hop artists, at major DJ festivals, and at other venues. I competed in breaking in Europe and here in the US in National Competitions. I was also featured in a Washington Post article about breaking. I consider myself a student of breaking and parkour, always happy to learn more.

I have started my own personal brand called “GORILLAFIT”, and formed a breaking crew called “ICEBREAKERS” at the gym Urban Evolution; I work there part time.

Why did you become vegan?
Nutrition got me to learn a lot about better eating and health but the animals sealed the deal. Just like Neo in the movie “The Matrix” it really allowed me for the first time to be aware of what really is going on in this world. I think more of us should be more awake and not caught behind mainstream routines and influences. We should all think a bit more.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I took to fitness as a child, playing on various sports teams.) I never was the best at vary many things. Just about average in most but since I became vegan my energy has exploded. And now I just feel the need to excel in what I do. My diet really helped that and change my awareness.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
90 Percent Whole foods, 10 percent processed (just a rough estimate). I am a work in progress J.

How would you describe your training program?
Hardcore. I try to get stronger every day. I don't like light workouts. Too much energy built up for that, I got to spend it somehow! I like a challenge and I like to be pushed. My training is made up entirely of bodyweight exercises.

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
I'll supplement B12 if I am not taking nutritional yeast. Occasionally but not often I'll use VEGA products or Amazing Grass (this is food to me not a supplement). I don't take protein powders.

How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
They are often defensive or amazed. I think a lot of people are out to justify their bad habits or justify why they need to keep eating animal foods. We all have excuses but veganism is really easy. I don't see what is so hard about it and I was a huge fast food eater prior to going vegan and never vegetarian. I hated vegetables for 29 years of my life so if I can make the change, anyone can.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
We are weak, unhealthy and hippie like. Many of us are not at all hippie-like. Also we are told that we are deficient in every nutrient known to man. I think this is probably the biggest misconception. We actually often rely on less supplementation and medications.

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others?
If so, how did you go about it? Yes, I've been extremely successful. I think more people are on their way to veganism because I showed them how great it was and how easy.

What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
Staying motivated and being consistent. It helps to break things down into small parts as well.

What do you like best about being vegan?
Being a part of the great and diverse community of people! The way my animal free diet makes me feel and how energized I am. It is also great knowing that animals will not be part of my meal, personal care products, and clothing. Veganism to me is not about diet but it is a plus.

What do you like best about being fit?
Motivating others to get fit and setting the example. I feel it is my responsibility to my friends and family to stay healthy.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
Stick to it, find what you love, and never give up even when things get tough.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
If you pay attention and do it right it is extremely rewarding and easy. Best thing you willever do.

What motivates you in life?
There are many people around me daily that motivate me from other vegans, people at my gym, Damien Walters (check him out on youtube), Rich Roll (ultra endurance athlete) and more. Learning by far is my biggest motivator. I love learnin new things. I love sharing knowledge with others and helping them be more aware.

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
I started my journey here. It let me see really fit athletes and strong people who motivated me to stick with it. It really kept me on the right track and allowed me to meet amazing people which I still see till today.

Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Find someone who is doing veganism right and follow their footsteps. I find too many people who say veganism did not work for them. In many cases this is because they never learned to do it right or because they had addictions to animal foods so they felt they need an excuse to return to their animal filled ways. If you follow a vegan lifestyle and read up on how to do it right there is no reason in the world I can see for being unhealthy and feeling like you need to go back. That to me is weakness. I actually believe the opposite is true. You feel so amazing you would be crazy to go back.

As for training, train with the best and you will keep improving. I just want to say thanks, to Veganbodybuilding and everyone in its community, and everyone along the way! You guys Rock!