It's not very often a 100% vegan and all-natural athlete wins a bodybuilding contest. In a sport that is dominated by carnivores and often times steroids, it's hard for someone who is vegan to compete, yet alone win competitions.  The following videos highlight Torre Washington and his recent Musclemania contest win. He's definitely  an exception to the aformentioned typical "bodybuilding athlete".  Torre is sponsored by Clean Machine, an all-natural fitness supplement line.  Visit Torre's fan page.

Changing Notions of Masculinity
by Peter Renault

Not so long ago a buddy and I went to see the classic Hitchcock thriller "Rear Window" at a revival movie house. There up on the screen, bigger than life, was the film's leading man, James Stewart, being massaged by his tough-as-nails maid. At one point Stewart, who is shirtless, flips over, revealing a scrawny chest and the hint of a spare tire around his waist. My friend poked me in the ribs and chuckled that Stewart should have hit the gym more often. But back in 1954 when the movie was released, few would have noticed Stewart's lack of a six-pack. He was a man's man, whom women mooned over, and guys looked up to, regardless of his build. Same with other stars of the era: John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Robert Mitchum, even James Dean. The exception was Marlon Brando, whose sweat-drenched, sinewy muscles gleaming under a slinky wife-beater left audiences drooling in "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Notions of what constitutes masculine beauty have constantly evolved over the centuries. The Greeks and Romans idealized the male figure. Body hair was out. Showing skin was in. The word "gymnasium," let's not forget, is from the Greek gymnasion meaning "school for naked exercise." Athletes flaunted their lithe physiques without shame, but the focus was on youth and agility more than muscle mass. In the Middle Ages, bulk triumphed since strength was vital for macho knights decked out in heavy metal. The Renaissance revived ancient standards, but male beauty was still a Platonic ideal, relegated to galleries and museums, not something the average Joe aspired to. Masculinity was a natural asset. You either had it or you didn't. Muscles were something poor people gained because they had to work hard for a living. The rich preferred having pale skin and soft shapes. In 19th-century England, Beau Brummels catered more to their dapper clothes than to their frames, although the popularity of boxing later on in Victorian circles encouraged the occasional manly physique. 

For the population at large, however, exercise was still an exotic pastime, something to ogle, but not to emulate. Eugene Sandow, arguably the world's first professional fitness model, was treated as a kind of novelty act, appearing on stage and at fairs. Likewise Houdini who was as much a draw for his muscle tone as for his magic tricks. Hollywood had its share of hunks, most notably Johnny Weissmuller, who won gold in swimming at the Olympics, then starred in a dozen or more Tarzan films but could never land serious roles. So too Olympian Buster Crabbe who showed off his gold-winning swimmer's build to advantage as Flash Gordon. Later, Steve Reeves lorded over sword-and-sandal flicks as Hercules, but never made it big in regular films. It really wasn't until the late 20th-century that having a buff physique finally came into vogue in the mainstream. Now it's almost mandatory.

When did our attitudes change? One could argue it happened when Schwarzenegger, Stallone and Van Damme became enormous box-office stars. Gradually the focus in films shifted from meaty character roles to action-packed beefcake. A leading man today must appear toned to get the juicy parts and lure the crowds. Henry Cavill in the latest Superman picture looks amazing in his "Man of Steel" uniform, but it's almost superfluous. He's already superhuman looking, a far cry from the rather portly George Reeves of the early TV series. Then there's Daniel Craig as the "aesthetic" James Bond, rising from the surf like a demigod in a form-fitting speedo. He definitely upped the ante for secret agents and the like. Even Matt Damon, best known for the Bourne series, won praise recently in the Emmy-nominated Liberace biopic on HBO, "Behind the Candelabra," when he bared his buff torso and glutes for the camera. 

The trickle-down effect of all this hyper-masculinity on film and in television is that the male population today is increasingly keen on having a killer bod, and prepared to work overtime and spend major bucks to achieve it. It's not enough anymore to "just be another pretty face." Male fitness is now big business. Men are spending upwards of $5 billion a year on grooming products. Billions more are spent on gyms and health clubs and exercise equipment. Factor in dough spent on vitamins, supplements, tanning salons, and spa treatments, as well as cosmetic surgery, and the numbers are simply staggering. Achieving a masculine look these days may be expensive, but it's become just another part of a man's standard of living.

It's no coincidence that when they cast "Disturbia," a hip retelling of "Rear Window," they didn't hire an average-looking guy in his mid-40s for the lead. They chose 20-something Shia LaBoeuf who may not have been everyone's idea of the stud next door, but who definitely did not have to worry about sporting a spare tire.  

Interview with Kirill "Cheerio" Chayka
by Peter Renault

Born in the Ukraine 22 years ago, and standing at 5' 11", Kirill Chayka has one of the most striking looks in the modeling field. His stunning physique, chiseled features and riveting eyes have won him a flurry of attention from fans and the media in an incredibly fast amount of time. But it has not all gone to his head. He's focused entirely on his training, his career and his schooling. Growing up in South Carolina after moving to the States as a kid, Chayka started out small for his age and skinny, but he made up for it after high school by lifting weights and improving his size. Since launching himself on the fitness scene through social media, he has been sought-after by the top photographers in the business. At times it seemed as if everyone wanted a piece of him, but he has not let all the adulation and flattery go to his head. His story is one of perseverance and determination, but also one of setting boundaries, choosing goals, and always maintaining a sense of humor. Our interview with this up-and-coming sensation follows below.

Masculine Mag: You have one of the most impressive physiques in the fitness modeling scene. How long have you been working out?

Kirill Chayka: Thank you. I have been working out for four years now.

M: I read somewhere that you got into bodybuilding and exercise because you were picked on as a kid in PE class. Were you much smaller then? How did you overcome that?

KC: Actually I got into bodybuilding because I failed to make my university's soccer team. I just used the gym as something to take my mind off my failure. And I ate a lot in the school cafeteria before and after gym sessions. I had a fast metabolism and since I stopped playing soccer, all the food I ate went into building muscles since I was training at the gym two times a day. I did get picked on a lot in high school. I was very little and skinny. People pick on the weakest to feel superior, I guess. After graduating high school, I hit the gym, and I put on 20-30 pounds my freshman year.

M: What motivates you to persevere? To push the limits? Is it an intrinsic part of you? Or did you have to learn it?

KC: It is, I think, an intrinsic part of me. I was always competitive as a kid. I would want to win at everything that was presented in front of me, both physical and mental. Whether it be soccer, running the furthest, the fastest, doing the most push-ups, pull-ups, etc. I never wanted to be adequate, or just good enough. I wanted to be the best whenever I took up a challenge.

M: How old were you when you first came to the United States? And if you can recall, what was your reaction to it? Was it hard to adjust?

KC: I was 5 years old when I moved to the States. Can't really recall what my reaction was. But I adapt really fast and I learned to speak English fluently in five months. I also speak Russian.

M: Who were your role models growing up? Did you look up to any well-known figures? 

KC: My role model when I was a kid was Batman. Haha. I liked how he achieved something from nothing. He doesn't have super powers like every other superhero. He worked at his skill and mastered it. I know that Batman is fictional, but if I can set my sights beyond what is real and what society thinks is attainable, then I can go beyond all limits and expectations of everyone. If not, then I will just be like everyone else. And like Arnold Schwarzenegger says: "The worst thing is to be like everyone else." Arnold was also a huge role model when I started lifting weights!

M: How did you first get into modeling? How were you discovered? 

KC: Once I developed a muscular lean body, I put up a picture on the website Bodybuilding.com and from there it just sort of happened. I come from a very small town, so I don't think I would be where I am today if it weren't for social media.

M: You made quite a splash early on with your pictures by Luis Rafael and Rick Day. How did all that initial attention affect you? Did you enjoy being in the spotlight?

KC: At first it was good. Awesome. But then I got too many people and creepers on my social media accounts. I just needed a break, so I shut all my accounts down. I made new ones and I started fresh -- this time with a clear mind and better prepared for what is to come. I do enjoy being in the spotlight, since I worked hard enough to deserve it. :)

M: What advice would you offer others just coming onto the fitness modeling scene? 

KC: Be yourself. Be original. And have fun.

M: What part of your body do you think is your best asset? And why?

KC: I would have to say my eyes, or so I have been told. My body could be built-up and slimmed down, but you can not change something that was given to you genetically. God made me how I am and I am happy with that. :)

M: Do you think Americans have a different attitude about men's bodies than Russians do? The emphasis today seems to be more on adding muscle mass rather than developing strong classic lines. 

KC: I don't know. I prefer symmetry over being huge and muscular. Being lean, muscular and symmetrical is what "I" prefer.

M: How do you maintain your physique when not in full training mode? What are your toughest challenges to keep healthy and fit?

KC: I train all the time, all year-round since I started. There really is no off-season for me. I am always trying to better myself. The biggest challenge to staying fit and lean is the diet. It's more of a lifestyle than a diet, since diet is temporary and lifestyle is year- round. I don't have any trouble training year-round, I love it! The food choices is what comes harder to me since I love to eat good food. I have to control my cravings and overcome them by always thinking of my goals.

 M: What do you do to relax? Your favorite hobbies? Secret passions?

KC: I watch my favorite TV shows, which are "MasterChef," "Hell's Kitchen" (I know, right!), and comedies. I actually love to cook. It is like a hobby, but also a lifestyle since food is a BIG part in a healthy lifestyle. As for secret passions -- I want to be an awesome cook! Haha. I also want to travel the world and be a part of all the different cultures. 

M: What is there about Kirill Chayka that people don't expect and are surprised by when they finally meet you in person?

KC: What surprises people when they meet me in person is that I am very straightforward. I say what is on my mind. I don't BS things. Also that I am not as serious as I look. I am sarcastic. 

M: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

KC: Who knows? I want it to be a surprise. :)

M: So how did you get the nickname Cheerio?

KC: I got it my freshman year in high school. People could not pronounce my first name well, and they thought it sounded like Cheerio. Plus I do love Cheerios cereal and eat it all the time! I just roll with it. It stuck, and I like it. Haha.

One half of the noted Abercrombie Clippinger twins, Allen exudes sex appeal, masculinity and a sense of style and refinement.  Allen got his start in modeling while in the U.S. Navy stationed at Pearl Harbor. He's done a number of fashion campaigns and editorials and has modeled overseas in Japan.

Check out this image of  Matt Lustig, a newcomer on the fitness scene in the UK.

Blake "The Steak" Mouyassar
by Peter Renault

It's rare that a new player enters the fitness world ready for primetime just as he's kicking off his career. But in just a few short months, 18-year-old newcomer Blake Mouyassar has exploded on the scene. His handsome dark looks, killer physique and obvious flair in front of the camera have catapulted him to a level of attention that takes some new faces years to attain. Paired opposite Canadian fitness sensation Justin DeRoy in high-profile photo shoots in Miami this summer with Michael Anthony Downs and Luis Rafael, Mouyassar held his own in the double spotlight and became good friends with DeRoy. At 5',10" and 182 pounds, Mouyassar currently has 17" arms, a 30" waist and 26" legs. He's holding his body fat at 6%. It all makes for an eye-catching debut.

Recently dubbed "Blake the Steak" by Justin DeRoy -- a tag that might stick due to his beefcake appeal -- Mouyassar is determined to take his newfound success to the next level. A Missouri native, Mouyassar already has a global following thanks to social media. Like many young models, he's utilized YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, and sites like Bodybuilding.com, to promote himself, gaining friends and fans from around the world. Perhaps it's his easy-going charm that sets him apart or his surprising lack of attitude. Mouyassar doesn't need to bowl over others with chest-thumping theatrics. His intense focus is what gains attention and respect. As he prepares for a medical education, Mouyassar intends to continue training and to make further inroads in the bodybuilding and modeling world. He clearly has no trouble juggling several interests at once and knows how to build on his success. Recently Masculine caught up with the rising star and dug a bit deeper into the Mouyassar mystique. 

M: Blake, your physique is mighty impressive for someone so young. How did you first get into exercise and training? 

BM: Thank you. I started exercising at age 12 when I joined the football team and played for three years, as well as basketball, wrestling and later lacrosse. I was strong and fast my whole life, but never had the anchor weight that I really wanted. With that in mind I decided to begin lifting weights and to make an effort to eat right in order to grow. That was the summer of my sophomore year in high school, going into my junior year, when I was 16 years old, and weighed 125 pounds. It all just escalated from that point.

M: 125 pounds? Amazing. Well, when you were younger who were your role models? On TV or in film or in everyday life?

BM: My biggest role model at a younger age was my cousin Justin Shea who began working out and I saw how much he grew, and decided I wanted to do the same. In the movie world, my biggest role models were Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, the two guys who I thought could take anyone on because of their size and strength. I still admire these people to this day.

M: Do you see yourself more as a fitness model or as a bodybuilder? And how do you balance the two? Do you need to train differently for a photo shoot? 

BM: I see myself more as a bodybuilder. I love that it is just me against myself when it comes to the work that has to be put in. I push myself as hard as I can everyday and with that my body grows and forms into a physique that is admired or wanted by some, and that is where the photo shoot aspect comes into play. It gives me a chance to properly show everyone how the hard work eventually pays off and gives people something to shoot towards. It is quite an easy balance as everything I do to prepare for a bodybuilding competition is what is necessary for a photo shoot. I keep everything the same, training wise, when it comes down to doing a shoot.

M: When you shot with Luis Rafael and Michael Downs you were paired with new AAG model Justin DeRoy. How did that come about and are you guys friends? What's he like to work with?

BM: Justin DeRoy and I met through a social media site called Instagram where we were both big into fitness and just getting our feet wet in this huge industry. I can't speak for Justin, but I feel he would agree that we both wanted to show our hard work to everyone and gather a bigger audience by working with two of the top fitness photographers around. Since both of us have the same interests and likes we got along great! It was just like being reunited with a friend when we met. Both of us are not shy when it comes down to business in the photo shoots so it was easy for both of us working together.

M: You mentioned Instagram. How has social media helped or hindered you in your development as a fitness model? I see you also have some really fun videos on YouTube. 

BM: Social media helps me reach out to a bigger audience and gives me the chance to help and inspire more people, which at this point is what I really am setting out to do. It keeps people interested in the fitness aspect of life when they see a post or video by me. I hope that inspires them to make the decision to better their lives through fitness.

M: You seem to have it all. Dark good looks, smooth skin, great smile. What do you feel is unique about your own look? Makes you stand out from the pack? What is your best asset and why? Any weaknesses you'd like to improve?

BM: I do everything to the fullest, always giving my 100%. When I workout I give it my all.  When I get up on stage, I am giving it my all, and when I am posing for the camera I am giving it my all. Maybe what sets me apart from everyone else is that I am always giving my 100%. When I train I envision myself as being stronger, faster, and bigger. With this comes the trait I have of never being satisfied, which has its positives and negatives. I will never see my body being exactly where I want it; so in my eyes, I can always be improving.

M: Okay. Your focus is truly admirable. But what do you for fun? Models are always keeping an eye on how they exercise, what they eat and how much their body fat is etc, but how do you personally unwind from all that, kick back and just enjoy life?

BM: Being as health-conscious as I am, I try to stick to activities that won't sacrifice my diet or health. I always put my diet first, but when I go out I enjoy seeing movies with friends and family. Nature intrigues me too, so hiking is something I really enjoy. Those are just a few things I do to unwind.

M: Got any special hobbies you'd like to share with us?

BM: Cooking is something I do as a special hobby. I enjoy finding different ways to prepare meals, creating new recipes that are healthy.

M: So you are now the cover boy for Masculine magazine. What does "masculinity" or "being masculine" mean to you personally in this day and age?

BM: For me, "masculine" means power. You are a leader, not a follower.

M: Cool. So what spurs you on to excel? To dedicate yourself to your goals? 

BM: Bettering myself and creating the best possible Blake is what I imagine when I push myself each day.

M: People think of bodybuilders as having big egos, but you strike me as pretty down-to-earth. Still, you can't help getting attention. Any funny stories about people misreading you, or rubbing you the wrong way? 

BM: Something that is funny is my muscles will always, and I mean always, get brought up into a conversation every day with friends, family, or people I have just met. My buddy Jake, whom I have known since I was young, will be around me sometimes when people are commenting about my muscles and he will always say, "He is a nice person too, you know." It's kind of like stating the fact that I have a personality and am not just the visual traits that most people only see.

M: Ha. That's pretty funny. Where do you see yourself going with modeling and fitness? Do you have a particular plan in mind for the future?

BM: I am going to college for the next 6-8 years of my life, as I plan to become a doctor since I am well-educated and can focus myself. But my life has forever changed to being a fitness freak. I want to take modeling and fitness as far as I can, but without it overwhelming my life and it becoming my life.

M: No doubt you will, Blake. You've got a good head on your shoulders as well as that awesome physique. Best of luck to you! 

You can visit and like Blake's Facebook fan page:  Blake Mouyassar Fitness

In his early teens he photographed with the iconic Bruce Weber, for the coveted Hollister campaign. He is now returning to the world of modeling, but in a more "aesthetic" way.

First of several images from a cool Vegas gas-station mini-shoot.

The 2014 calendar is now on sale.  Please VISIT CALENDAR SALE PAGE

 Payments for purchase is handled by Paypal (which includes options for major credit cards).  Our cover model for this year is Colin Wayne.  Click Here to Buy.

Dylan will appear in the 2014 Masculine Calendar.  Keep a look out for him.

Matt appears in the 2014 Masculine Calendar

DREAMING BIG... DYLAN VANSTEENBERG
by Peter Renault

 
"The total package!" You hear that expression bandied about so much these days that it's lost its impact. But up-and-coming fitness model, Dylan VanSteenberg, puts a new twist on that tired catchphrase. Looks, brains, brawn and charm -- he's got them all in spades. A strapping 5' 10", 185 pounds of muscle, with imposing 18-inch guns, Dylan exudes self-confidence and sex appeal, but without any of the grating cockiness of some of his better-known contemporaries. His allure is more subtle, subdued, even somewhat elusive. Maybe it's those mercurial hazel eyes that mirror the colors and light around him in a kaleidoscope of alternating hues. "I've been told I have weird eyes," Dylan says with a laugh. "My girlfriend calls them chameleon eyes. I guess they change a lot." 

 Dylan better get used to change these days. Big changes. Even though he is a fresh face in the world of modeling, he's already got three shoots under his belt including a recent shoot in Los Angeles for a celebrity book project, in which he was paired with fitness model phenom Jeff Seid. He was scouted by a photographer in Minneapolis at a recent physique competition. A quick shoot was lined up, but the scout realized that Dylan had exceptional potential so he hooked him up with seasoned photographer Michael Anthony Downs, based out of Florida. "I'd never done any modeling before," Dylan admits, with a laugh. "The last pictures taken of me were for my senior prom. I always thought it would be cool. Who wouldn't want to give it a try?" But Dylan quickly learned that modeling is more than just smiling for the camera. It requires intense dieting, focus, long hours -- and very often travel. "I always knew I was… well…, a good-looking guy, I guess," he says with typical humility. "But never in a million years did I think I'd be doing what I'm doing now."

 The attention he's garnering is playing well back home in Sioux Falls. "There are a lot of guys there getting into bodybuilding," he says. "But I don't know any other male models in the area." So far the reaction from friends and family has been very positive. "It's cool. I'm living my dreams. No negatives. Maybe a few chuckles." The key is to keep it all in perspective -- not let it get to your head. "I'm basically just a nice guy," he says. "People are all the same. We're all just here to be happy, to get where we're trying to go. Just living life. I'm no better than the next person."

Currently studying nursing at South Dakota State University, Dylan has lived in the area his whole life. Before his recent shoot in Florida, the furthest he'd ever been from home, he says, was Minneapolis. Suddenly he found himself on the white sandy beaches of Florida's golden Gulf Coast: Sarasota and Tampa Bay. "It was a whole new level for me," Dylan says. "I'd never even been to a real natural beach or the ocean before."

Was he nervous for his first professional shoot? "Nah. I look at it this way. I always give my best. It's all good. Just do what you can." Dylan proved his willingness to put it all out there when Downs suggested he pose in nothing more than a pair of briefs in the middle of a busy boulevard, holding a sign next to his chiseled eight-pack stating: "Will Work for Food." It's a classic, off-the-cuff Downs capture, provocative and edgy. Dylan nailed it without any trouble, although "stopping traffic" and "rubber necking" hardly suffice as phrases for the stunned reactions of the drivers passing by in their cars during rush-hour. 

Pushing the envelope is no sweat for Dylan, who competed as a wrestler for years. Fitness is his lifestyle. "I've been training since I was a kid," he says. "My Dad was a high school wrestling and football coach. So I picked it up early. I've been doing push-ups and sit-ups since kindergarten!" At twelve, he lifted his first weights. "I was small when I was young, but by the time I was fourteen I was training seriously." He quickly put on muscle and ballooned in size. A slight 103 pounds in seventh grade, Dylan had to drink water to make weight in his wrestling meets. By senior year he was a heavyweight, tipping the scale at 220. Wrestling appealed to him because it's a personal challenge. "There's no one else to blame," Dylan says. It's an individual sport with a team behind you. But they can't help you out on the mat. I liked that. In football you can point the finger for a loss. But in wrestling, if I lost it was because of me." 

While hitting the gym regularly to build mass, Dylan soon met a mentor who changed his life: NGA pro bodybuilder Austin Kjergaard. "I was blessed," Dylan recalls, impressed by the athlete's build and rigorous routine. "Austin was a few years older than me and I thought 'Holy Cow! I could be like him.' He had such a good work ethic. So when he asked me, 'Hey, do you want to work out with me?' I couldn't believe it. I was ready to go. In the end he was the biggest influence on me. I couldn't have done any of this without him."

Kjergaard has proved a role model outside the gym as well. "He taught me what hard work really is -- sacrifice," Dylan says. "His best advice was to always stay motivated. You can't look up to others, he told me. You can't be like anyone else. You must envision your own self. Don't compare. Be different. Sculpt it in your own way." But most of all, keep things in perspective. "You must stay humble," he says. "I am not one of those guys who brags a lot or posts pictures of himself all the time." But considering his growing circle of fans, Dylan admits that will have to change. "You have to market yourself. Maybe I will have to lose some of my humility."

With future shoots in Miami slated, perhaps that time has come. "I'm on cloud nine," Dylan says. "Don't even know what to think. I've never been to Miami." He laughs. "I've only seen Miami on TV." And since he recently was in Hollywood, the questions begs…what about acting? Can he see himself following in the footsteps of other bodybuilders who got into movies? "I am open-minded," Dylan says, choosing his words carefully. "Acting would be cool.  But the sky is the limit."

NOTE:  Dylan appears as Mr. April 2014.  
Order your copy of the calendar here

You can also Visit and LIKE Dylan's fan page: http://www.facebook.com/vansteenberg21

Franco Klein will appear in the forthcoming 2015 Masculine Calendar, which is planned for release in the late Summer of 2014.  What do you think of Franco?  You can see tons more of Franco at www.masculineplatinum.com

Sean Bieschke will appear in the forthcoming 2015 Masculine Calendar, which is planned for release in the late Summer of 2014. 

From Blake's South Beach, Miami shoot

Tyler Gattuso.

Test shots of newcomer fitness model Brian Lewis.  Visit his fan page: facebook.com/BrianLewis89