If you've been a Heartthrob Hero follower for some time, you know that we're suckers for a man with a killer physique. What's even better is when that man also happens to be a sweetheart and incredibly ambitious and driven! We first became aware of Corey Swiergosz through his work as a model, but we quickly discovered that he is also physique competitor, diet coach, supplement expert and businessman. Corey has fully immersed himself into every facet of the fitness industry and strives to help others lead healthier lives. In this interview, we discuss how fitness became a part of his life, how he got into modeling, all of his many projects and so much more. Enjoy!
1) First things first, how did you ring in 2015?
Corey: Headed downtown Vancouver to a place called Black & Blue with some fellow fitness industry executives. Great atmosphere and a lot of entertaining things going on, included men & women dancing inside a glass box.
2) How did working out and fitness first become a part of your life?
Corey: Originally I began working out as a way to better my hockey career. After I finished playing hockey and went to school, working out became the primary focus of my spare time. Growing up and always being competitive, it was a natural transition for me to make it part of my everyday life.
Check out more of the interview (and more great pics) after the break!
3) How often do you train? What's your favorite body part to train?
Corey: I train 6 days a week and hit the gym multiple times a day for the majority of those days. It's truly a lifestyle and something that I just do as part of my day. I've never said that I don't want to train today - Never happens. My favorite body part to train would have to be shoulders at the moment because I love the feeling and connection that I get when working them out. It's a very difficult muscle group to build and one that I've identified as an area that I need to improve on so I really enjoy training those.
4) What keeps you motivated to go hard in the gym?
Corey: I'm a very good self-motivator and I really don't need a lot of outside motivation to get to the gym on a daily basis. The drive within me to go hard everyday comes from envisioning the life that I want to live and the goals I wish to accomplish. As soon as I think about those things nothing else matters and I go to work doing what needs to be done to make them reality.
5) When did you first get involved with modeling?
Corey: When I was 19 I started modeling in Toronto, Canada. Shortly after that within a couple of months I started booking jobs in New York and that's when it really all started to begin.
6) What would be your dream modeling gig?
Corey: I've always wanted to work for Calvin Klein. They've been a huge inspiration on my style and life ever since I started in the industry. That would be one of the biggest honors to model for them in a major campaign.
7) What's been the wildest and funniest things that have happened to you during a shoot?
Corey: The wildest thing that happened to me during a shoot was getting escorted out of a castle in Southern Ontario by police because we didn't have the proper permits to be shooting on the private residence. The photographer that I was working with at the time said that everything was in order and that we had permission to shoot at the location. Within about 6-8 minutes of us starting, 4 police cars pull out front of the gate, run in to the courtyard and start yelling at us. Of course it turned into a big scene and soon enough we had to leave.
8) You're seen as a sex symbol and heartthrob now to female and male fans around the world? Is that flattering for you? Did it take a while to get used to the attention?
Corey: I've always been extremely honored and appreciative of anyone that looks at my work. Every comment, like, retweet, favorite, ect.. Always means something to me and I do value every one of them. In a funny way, it's rewarding for me to know that others appreciate what I do and signals to me that I'm doing the right things on a daily basis.
9) We noticed that you launched your new website:
www.coreyswiergosz.com. It's got a great look! What do you hope people get from it?
Corey: Everything that I do in life is to help others and become a better person in society. My goal from launching the website is to motivate people and let them know that anything can be possible if they put their mind to it. You'll find a number of helpful tips and great articles that will explain and hopefully answer any questions that you might have about health & fitness. Everyone is free to contact me via email or social networks at anytime if they have any questions that I can help them out with.
10) In addition to being a trainer and a fitness model, you are also quite the entrepreneur! What can you tell us about Sweat Collection?
Corey: Sweat Collection is my clothing company that I've had for almost a year now. Before that, I was involved on a number of levels for 3 years prior as an athlete, in sales, and marketing. The opportunity came up to purchase the company and I did so! It's truly a brand that represents what it means to put your heart & soul into your workouts and to be proud of what you do. We offer a great selection of gymwear and street gear so that you can show off your hard earned physique in the street! Please take a look at
www.sweatcollection.com if you have a moment.
11) What's next for you and your brand?
Corey: 2015 is going to be a very busy year for me, as I’ll be getting back on stage at the Canadian Nationals in July. This will be my first show on the national stage and I can't be anymore excited for it. Leading into that I have a number of magazine features that will be coming out in a variety of fitness magazine throughout North America. Sweat Collection will also be more active in the fitness industry attending a number of shows and events across Canada. We are planning to launch a new spring line as well that I think people will be really excited about. A lot of travel in the works for me this year and I hope to be able to meet as many Heartthrob Hero followers as I can.
Random rapid fire questions.
1) What's your sexiest feature? Abs
2) Describe yourself in 3 words. Driven, Enthusiastic, Passionate
3) Boxers or briefs? Boxers
4) Favorite quote? “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~ Gandhi
5) Favorite cheat meal? Pizza & Ice Cream
6) Item you can't live without? Protein Shakes & weights
7) Best thing about being Corey Swiergosz? I get to live my dreams everyday
A huge thank you to Corey for providing us with our first interview of 2015 and for being a pleasure to deal with! Be sure to follow him via these platforms to keep up to date on what he's doing next and to interact with him.