Introducing two dynamic fitness models: Obi Obadike and Basheerah Ahmad Here’s how they stay in shape and how they got to where are today 
I’ve been in and round the fitness industry a long time. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many people from many different walks of life. Some have had great bodies with not-so-great personalities, while others have had excellent attitudes but weren’t really fitness model material  
Recently I was introduced to two of the most amazing, beautiful and driven people I've had the luxury of meeting in quite a long time. And they both embody everything it takes to be consistently working fitness models. They happen to be our cover models this month and I'm excited to introduce them, officially, to Max Sports & Fitness readers. 
Obi Obadike and Basheerah Ahmad are basically a hidden treasure in the world of fitness and it's no fault of their own. Both have enjoyed tremendous success outside the fitness modeling industry and both are working very hard to take the business by storm. 
Obi, a former star track athlete at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), held the school record in the 100 and 200 meters during his time at the school. He was Athlete of the Year in 1996, All Big West Conference two years in a row and is still considered one of the greatest sprinters ever at CSUF. He also held the title as the fastest man in CSUF history for a 5-year period.

Obi has been making his mark as a "sports model" and has been featured in some of the biggest commercial ad campaigns of all times such as NBA Sega Genesis, McDonalds, Gatorade, Miller Lite, GMC, Buick, Reebok and Nike - just to name a few. He dreams of someday becoming the Jackie Robinson of fitness models. And his goal is to see more diversified ethnicities on fitness magazine covers, he says, because to him, "more diversity on covers means more diversified customers buying the magazine." Basheerah, a classically trained dancer for more than 25 years, has been dancing professionally for the past 12. "Dancing is one the most athletic sports known to man," she says. Through her dancing, she has acquired numerous awards and accolades, the most notable being Miss Black America. 
Basheerah never really thought of becoming a fitness model. In fact, she didn't even see herself as one until Gary Warren, my business partner, and I convinced her she could do it. Today, she says she is honored to be able to represent the health and fitness industry as well as a minority that has often received a negative "rap" in the industry. She is proud to be a positive example to other African Americans and hopes to be an inspiration to people of all races. 
On staying in shape 
Obi is motivated to stay in ripped condition year round because he loves the feeling of being fit and healthy. He's also motivated because it gives him the ability to inspire people daily. "You can't put a price tag on that," he says. Basheerah stays motivated because she loves being and looking healthy. "The human body is an amazing machine and to have the opportunity to shape it and sculpt it to the best of my ability is an honor and a blessing.”
Basheerah, who is a personal trainer, says she also stays motivated to remain fit and at the top of her game because of her clients. “People trust me to get them in shape,” she says. “I am a role model. And if don’t project an image of health and happiness, then how can I convince them that they can accomplish the same?”
Training Days 
A typical training schedule for Obi looks something like this: working out 4-5 times training with weights and doing cardio about 3-4 times a week. His cardio consists of running on a track for 3-4 miles a day and on his last day of cardio he runs sprints. “I also work my abs every other day.” 
Obi has some of the best abs in the business. When asked how a guy could get abs like that, he said, “Every day people ask me that or they ask how can look as lean as me. My first advice is to do a body-fat test because that will determine how lean you are and how much you have to diet or train to start to see your abs.” The less body fat you have, he said, the more your abs will pop out (provided you are training your abs regularly). 
Basheerah’s training schedule goes something like this: training anaerobically 3-4 days per week and doing cardio 3-4 times per week. The anaerobic workouts vary between weight training, modern dance classes, Bikram Yoga and boxing. She admits that she has to keep her cardio sessions interesting because “I can’t say that I love cardio.”She is also training for the Long Beach (Calif.) Marathon in October, so she runs 18 to 20 miles per week. 
About her stunning physique, Basheerah says, “First, I have to say that anyone who has willpower and discipline can have a physique similar to mine. I am not genetically gifted nor can I eat whatever I want. I work hard every day to remain fit because I love it.” 
Solid Nutrition 
Obi‘s advice to others and the diet plan he follows is to eat four to six small meals a day. “This acts as a catalyst in speeding up your metabolism,” he said “These meals should consist of high quality protein such as chicken, turkey and fish. Also you need to eat complex carbs, such as vegetable, whole grain breads, oatmeal, legumes, brown rice or whole wheat pasta.”
Basheerah said her philosophy on eating is to always to things in moderation. “I don’t believe in fad diets and quick fixes,” she said. An example of her typical diet plan is as follows: whole grain oatmeal, four egg whites and half grapefruit for breakfast; a protein bar and small apple for snack one; grilled chicken or lean fish with green veggies for lunch; a small apple and small salad for snack two; and lean meat (chicken or fish) and green veggies for dinner. She will occasionally splurge on something sweet, she said. 
Both Basheerah and Obi know the value of supplementation in conjunction with a healthy diet. “I shop at Max Muscle all the time,” say Obi. His favorite protein is the Big Max Protein, which he takes twice a day. He also loves Max Muscle’s Kre-Alkaline. Basheerah said before she does a shoot or appearance, she takes Max Muscle’s ThermXX and Diur-X, about two weeks out. “Both of these products have produced amazing results for me with no sides effects,” she said. 
Overcoming Boredom 
The obi, the best way to overcome boredom is to change workout routine. “I try to change my routine once a month,” he says, “that way my blood never gets used to the same thing. Our bodies can become very efficient at doing the same routine over and over which is great for competing in sports, but it isn’t good for muscle building or losing weight,”
Basheerah constantly switches up her routine. “This is the way I train my clients,” she said “Regardless of our goal, we have to keep it interesting and different.” She suggests those looking to get in shape should start slowly and stay consistent. “If your goals are unrealistic, then you are more likely to fail,” she warned. Also, she added, “don’t forget to pat yourself on the back when you do accomplish a goal. So often people don’t give themselves credit when credit is due!”