You've already met fitness trainer Jeremy Ryan Allen and most of his sexy parts. But how does this gay Atlanta guy get so pumped and fit? We asked and he told.

Fitness has been a big part of this 28-year-old's life for years. But as more and more friends considered him their favorite workout buddy, he started building up referrals. That grew into his own fitness studio. Not bad for a self-described "boring homebody."

"I've dealt with my own fitness struggles, so I can help lift the emotional weight that we non high school jocks tend to carry to the gym," Allen says.

What got you so focused on fitness?

I grew up in Texas and went to several different high schools. Sports weren't my forte, but while in school I discovered a proclivity for swimming. As a freshman I was not aware of the different strokes involved with competitive swimming, but as a senior I lead the entire swim team. Aside from swimming, I also enjoy other solitary sports like running and soccer. I was also fervent about gymnastics, but my mom forbid me form pursuing it because she considered it a “gay thing.”

The diet: Balance the Cosmo love

This is something that is always in the back of my mind. I am very mindful of every meal but I do not deprive myself. I love food, but for the most part meals are about balance and what is going to fuel and affect my workouts. When I cook, it's fresh and never processed, boxed or canned. I stick to the outside of the grocery store and avoid the inner isles. Lean proteins and vegetables are the majority of my diet with a Cosmo “not too sweet” added on occasion. When dining out I tend to frequent restaurants that are not part of a chain. They tend to prepare food from scratch and use local farmers and vendors providing the freshest food possible.

The workout: Keep an open mind

As a personal trainer I enjoy working out with my clients on a regular basis, including weight training, running or engaging in fitness classes. Recently yoga, core fusion and marathon running have become some of my favorite hobbies. I keep an open mind to anything new in the fitness world and I always look for new opportunities to broaden my expertise.

Biggest challenge: Small with splurges

I will be the first one to tell you the hardest part to staying fit is food. Being a fan of fried chicken and BBQ, I perceive my diet and exercise as a system of checks and balances and not a Hammurabi’s Code of food laws and workout routines. I like to eat throughout the day. Many small meals keep my metabolism going and help fuel my workouts. I am mindful but I also splurge on occasion.

Your motivation: Fitness success

The thought of waking up every day and being able to do what makes me happy is pure motivation. I wouldn’t change a thing in my life. I execute training based upon clients’ unique goals, needs and struggles. Hearing each client’s story and the fact that they picked me to help them succeed is one of my greatest joys as a trainer. Having dealt with my own fitness struggles, it is so rewarding to help people change their lives and be the best version of themselves. I believe that creating fitness habits at a young age is very important and that is why this summer I plan on teaching a children’s boot camp in Puerto Rico.

Final fitness thoughts: It's a lifestyle

There are many great workout facilities in Atlanta, but without the right trainer you can easily struggle to stay afloat amongst the equipment that looks like torturing devices, the giant health food industry, and the drowning feeling of not seeing instant results. I like to say, “Working out and being fit is like starting a new job – fitness doesn’t guarantee a promotion on the first day.”

Staying fit is a lifestyle change. It's not something you do occasionally; it's a lifetime commitment. I truly believe surrounding yourself with positive active people will help you obtain your fitness goals. Stay focused and motivated. You can do it.

Learn more about Jeremy Ryan Allen and his fitness training, find him on Facebook and Twitter.

[top photo by Dan Hall; others via]