INTRODUCING

OUR COVER MODEL Jamaal Lewis

KB: Where are you from?

JL: I’m currently living in Los Angeles, California but I am originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

KB: What are you mostly passionate about?

JL: LIFE! I think it’s so important to focus and be passionate about the most important thing that most of us take for granted - and that is life itself and walking in my purpose.

KB: What makes you get up in the morning? What gets you excited?

JL: I’d have to say my lifestyle. I don’t work a typical 9 to 5 job and I love it. I chose to follow my dream and become everything that God wanted me to be, which honestly has been a very difficult journey but that is what makes it so exciting.

KB: You seem like a very determined person. Someone who goes after your goals and achieves them no matter what. What is your mission in life? Your purpose?

JL: My brand Stay Blessed. It’s my purpose. My passion. I believe it’s my unspoken ministry and my way to shine in this lifetime. It’s not only my light but God’s light onto people and situations in a very delicate manner.

JL: Honestly, it was never even a thought in my mind. In other words, I never aspired to become an actor or model to be honest. When my football career was over I really had no direction and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life because football was always my life. It’s all I did growing up in high school, at the collegiate level, and then a short stint in the NFL. The young lady that I was dating at the time is the one who actually suggested that I should try modeling. And, to be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life. But, I guess she was right. It’s what I do now for a living and I am loving it.

KB: What exciting projects are you currently working on?

JL: Well, let’s put it this way, 2023 is going to be a huge year for me! I’m super pumped about being cast in the new Warner Bros. Barbie movie and 80 for Brady, featuring Tom Brady and a ton of amazing female actresses that I was truly honored to meet. Both of these much-anticipated feature films will be released in theaters soon. It’s actually a dream come true that I am still thanking God every day for. I can’t believe it’s all happening the way it is, so believe me, I never take a single day for granted. I am grateful for every opportunity that comes my way.

KB: What are some of the hardest things you’ve dealt with in LA?

JL: There are some very evil people in the industry living in LA – we are living in a spiritual warfare. To be honest, I’m going through an important season in my life right now. I’m in a state of solitude. The devil will always try to get to you, but I keep on pressing. The way I stay grounded and stay inspired is through my faith and keeping positive people around me. But, the good news is that I just signed with a new manager and things are looking up that’s for sure. I feel like I’m already living my dream. I just want to be comfortable and have fun at what I do.

KB: Why did you decide to shoot for Epic Fit Magazine? How do you know Sarah Lyons Glabman?

JL: Sarah and I go waaaaaaay back. We’ve been good friends for years. In fact, Sarah was the first professional photographer that I shot with when I decided to further my career.

KB: How was the photo shoot? Describe the day.

JL: Whenever Sarah and I get together to shoot the best way that I can describe it is that we produce magic. Put it this way, it’s very hard when she sends the proofs and I have to go through them and select just a few for her to edit and display, because there are literally so many good pictures. She does such a fantastic job! She’s great to work with and I’m sure we will remain good friends for the rest of our lives.

KB: Do you have a message you’d like to share with our Epic Fit readers?

JL: Yes, sure! I reached a point in my career a while back where I was experiencing a little bit of heat – or jealousy - and even some envy from people around me. Over the past couple years, I have dealt with people lying about me, my name, and my motives that I used to be so close with. It was extremely disheartening and sad not to be able to trust people. This was really hurtful and I’m sure we all go through something similar to this. Not all people are who they seem. So, my advice in situations like this is to never stoop to their level and return evil with evil. Continue to glorify God and everything you do on the day-today and He will take you to a level where these lies will not only be exposed but you will become untouchable. In other words, they won’t be able to hurt you anymore. You have to learn to rise above it all.

KB: You’ve already achieved so much from your football career to your time now in LA. What are your future aspirations in life? Do you have any next steps?

JL: Personally, I think it’s really important to set new goals all the time, so you have something to strive for in your life. I used to do it all the time but I have achieved things that I couldn’t even imagine achieving when I started off in this industry, so my biggest goal right now is to continue just being a good person and follow God because the industry that I’m in is very dark and people can get lost in it. Believe me, it’s a challenge to stay motivated in this industry, so my primary goal is to stay level-headed amongst the chaos.

KB: What is something you truly believe in and why?

JL: Faith and family. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those two things in my life. They have been the most important staples in my life, and the most consistent things that I have to rely on.

KB: Tell us about your fitness regimen. How many times do you work out a week?

JL: Being a former football player, the importance of working out and remaining healthy was instilled in me at a young age. So was maintaining your body in order to be able to perform. The same applies today as I get booked for a lot of jobs where I have to be shirtless or even put the football pads back on which is pretty cool. So, my fitness is very important to me as a whole because it keeps me healthy and working.

KB: What about your nutrition plan? Do you have a trainer?

JL: I am grateful to have recently partnered with Meal Prep Kingz, which is a healthy meal prep company based here in Los Angeles. Meal Prep Kingz believe in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and BMI through wholesome eating routines. They take care of my nutrition so I don’t even have to think about it. My amazing girlfriend also keeps me super full since she loves to cook and feed me. I am super blessed.

KB: Is there anything else you'd like to share with readers about your health and wellness routine?

JL: Just that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I know it’s hard to believe but growing up I was a short, overweight, out-of-shape fat kid who got picked on. So, if I can do it, so can you! Anyone can with perseverance and a good attitude.

KB: What's your favorite body part to train? Looking at your photos, I think I can guess...

JL: Abs baby!

KB: Can you share a few tips for getting and staying in great shape?

JL: There’s no real secret to my success – I just know what works for me and my body. I am no fitness scientist either. I do know, however, that being consistent with your workouts and eating healthy is the way to go. I also like cardio as you can probably see from my social media videos. I like to look at my body as my temple. If you put your mind to it, your body can change in so many ways. You just have to stick with it and you can build or subtract what you want along the way. My #1 rule is consistency.

KB: Lastly, you are an inspiration to a lot of people. But, what inspires you?

JL: What people see is so surface. I realize now when I look back that I could have used my platform for good when I was playing football, but I didn’t and some bad habits caught up with me. I came to finally realize that I used my sport as protection from showing my vulnerability. So, I’d have to say that knowing everyone gets a second chance is what inspires me. It wasn’t until after I launched my clothing line Stay Blessed that I understood God has given me my platform back to do good things.

Jamaal’s favorite Quote:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ That simple quote has pulled me out of so many funks that I can’t even count that high.

Jamaal’s favorite song:

Right now it’s the song Baby Boo by Muni Long and Saweetie because I’m the lead in the video! Believe me, it’s definitely a surreal feeling watching yourself in a music video while you’re lifting weights at a 24 Hour Fitness.

Contact info

@officialjamaallewis