The Supernature 02 ▪ Mr. Joe Rodonis, New York, NY

JOE RODONIS is a Fitness Artist (since fitness is an Art) and Model for IMG Models. Mr. Rodonis co-hosts a Fitness + Nutrition podcast and designs custom pro-athlete workouts for Tone House in New York City. He has also been known to break into song in the car, the kitchen and yes the shower. (Hot, not cold.)

What do you do when you get up in the morning?

I start most of my mornings by playing music and making coffee. I enjoy quiet mornings and time to ease into the day. I like to spend my morning in solitude and peace, to collect my thoughts and get my head right for the day ahead.

Of course life can cause some days to be more hectic than others. But I try to take the morning for myself in silence.

Do you sleep a lot? What time do you wake up?

My sleep schedule varies. With my training regime, sleep is incredibly important and I aim to get at least 8 hours a night. However, some days or weeks are more hectic than others. As a trainer, some mornings may start at 5am and sleep is a luxury on those days. When I do have a day that’s more flexible, I like to not set an alarm and just allow my body to get the rest it needs.

When I have a flexible day where I don’t have somewhere to be, I love to get eight to ten hours of rest.

Do you sing in the shower?

Absolutely. I sing in the shower, in the car, in the kitchen, anywhere I can.  

Hot or cold shower?

Hot shower. I am not a fan of the cold. No cold tubs, cold showers, or cold weather. I’ll take extreme heat over extreme cold any day.

What does your personal exercise regimen look like?

It’s been described to me as intense. I take my training very seriously and as a coach at Tone House we have to be in peak physical condition. I train six to seven days a week. A general week may look like three to four days of Athletic Conditioning and three to four days of strength training.  Each session I really try to push my own boundaries; I don’t like to waste time in my training. We lift and condition very differently at Tone House.

How long have you been modeling for? and how were you discovered?

I’ve been modeling for around 5 years now. I was found at a small runway show in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was actually working as a Sales Rep in healthcare at the time. I signed with a local agency, and one of my early breaks came from an open casting with Under Armour. My career began to grow from there and eventually led me to New York. This definitely wasn’t part of my career plans early on. I studied Finance in college and had a ten year corporate career before taking the leap into fitness and modeling. 

What’s next for Joe Rodonis?

Doing more of what I love with people and projects I’m passionate about. I want to help show people a healthy, fun and effective way to train. Tone House TV is allowing me to do just that. We also have exciting plans to grow the podcast and spread more actionable knowledge for people.

I’m also excited about building partnerships with brands I believe in. As well as branching out into film; it’s been a dream of mine to be casted in a Marvel movie and be the first American James Bond.

More than anything, I am loving this journey and the team I have around me at IMG and Tone House.

We understand you have a new podcast, tell us about it.

Yes! I have a podcast called “The Breakdown” that I co-host alongside Ryan Turner who is a Sports Dietitian. We dive deep into topics to help people on their fitness journey, by bringing a perspective from the training side and nutrition side.

We also touch on the mental aspect of training, which is incredibly important. Providing perspective on how to develop long term rituals and cultivate sustainable habits.

Do you get bored easily?

Yes and no. I have no problem being still and being with myself. In fact, I think it’s incredibly important to have that time of stillness and to sit in “boredom”.  I reflect on my thoughts and journal often.

I absolutely need variety and despise complacency, however. Progress is happiness and I need feel like I’m being challenged and growing as an individual. If I feel stuck or in too much of a routine, I just don’t feel at my best.

What do you do to relax?

A few things; Training has always been one of my favorite ways to clear my head. A long run or strength session can be therapeutic for me.

On nights where I just don’t want to think, I’ll play Call of Duty Warzone with my brother, Chris.

Or I like to enjoy a drink with close friends with a great view of Manhattan on a rooftop or lounge and have great conversation.

Are you interested in clothes and style?

Definitely; I love a good suit and classic attire.

Discuss your preferences in clothing?

Timeless and classic. I like simplicity. I’ve always been a fan of men like Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, and characters like James Bond and how they dress. For me, less is more.

Boxers or briefs?

Briefs.

What do you think are the most exciting people in the world today?

The Rock is someone I admire. Watching how he has grown his career and the way he has done it is inspiring. Branching into several different ventures as a businessman and entertainer. While collaborating with a brand like Under Armour and still prioritizing his training; I have a lot of respect for what he’s done and the way he’s been doing it.

What women do you think are exciting and interesting?

Emma Watson — I think she’s incredibly talented as an actress and it’s been amazing watching her use her platform in such a positive way.  Highlighting issues on gender equality and becoming a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations. for example. 

Do you think it’s important for a man to be sexy?

I think it’s important for a man to develop strong character and self-awareness. Learning how to carry himself with class and treating others with respect. In turn, I believe that would be considered sexy.

These days, it’s all too common to find sex appeal from a superficial perspective. I think it’s more rare and much more worthwhile to develop a strong sense of self and become a well-rounded gentlemen. The world needs more of that.

What qualities do you seek in your male friends?

Authenticity, Self-Awareness, and healthy ambition. I want to surround myself with people I’m inspired by, respect, and can learn from. I like surrounding myself with people that are better than I am in certain areas of life.

Do you have any fear about getting older?

Not a fear; I see it as a privilege to get older. My fear is wasting my time along the journey and looking back at my life with regret. That fear is what drives me forward.

What makes you very happy?

To break it down to the basics; an intense training session, good music, whiskey, a German Shepard, a good woman, and quality time with my brother, mother, family and close friends.

What makes a perfect man in 2020?

I personally think it’s a shift in what we value as important. Having the ability to push aside ego, taking the time to work on their character, understanding their personal values and aligning their actions accordingly. Seeking approval from a few select people they respect rather than the validation of the masses.

We know perfection is unrealistic, however the pursuit to constantly improve and impact your family and community in a positive way is noble and worthwhile.

Photography FRANK LOUIS, Model Joe Rodonis at IMG Models