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Mike Raso

Mike Raso is one of the first Canadian sponsored athletes with Optimum Nutrition/ABB. He is also part of the Monsta Clothing Athlete team as well as a published fitness model.

His journey started after graduating high school and was left like many others wondering “now what?” During this time away from school, Mike decided his life was in need of a change. He was encouraged to start training by his cousin. They trained continuously for a year with great passion and determination to transform their bodies. One day during a typical training session, Raso was approached by well-known industry photographer Jason Breeze. Breeze thought Raso had a fitness model look and suggested they do a photo-shoot to find out if there was any interest from the magazines Jason was connected to. After a few days of contemplating the situation, Mike decided to give it a go. One month later, Raso did his first photo-shoot. While the pictures were good, they were far from industry standards. After not being published, a young naive Mike became discouraged and contemplated if the fitness industry was for him. Thanks to persistence from his cousin and Jason Breeze, Mike was encouraged to add more size and get leaner for another opportunity. Mike took the advice and brought his efforts to a new level. After reassessing his first photo-shoot, Mike’s training evolved into working on his flaws for a better physique. He spent countless hours studying nutrition so he would have the knowledge of what works to add lean mass. One year to the date of their first photo-shoot, Mike and Jason shot again. This time, a publication for a Maximum Fitness article was at stake. The shoot was a success and a few months later, Mike landed his first publication in Maximum Fitness January 2011, along with an online article on their website.

Raso says, “Some say that being spotted out at the gym is pure luck, but I would suggest otherwise. If I was never in that sort of condition, that opportunity would have never presented itself. This is why you should always strive to do your best and bring your best everyday”.

After Mike got his foot in the door of the fitness industry, he realized there was more to magazine covers and publications. It became apparent that his goal was to help people. When asked about future goals, Raso expressed, “publications and covers would be great because they can provide an avenue to reach out to help more people. The further you become involved in this industry the more you start to realize that it is not about the glitz and glamour of the industry, but more so helping, inspiring, and motivating others”.

Since Mike’s publication in January 2011, he has quickly become a rising figure in the industry. He became one of the first Canadian sponsored athletes with major powerhouse supplement company Optimum Nutrition/ABB in May. A few months later he joined the Monsta Clothing Athlete team. He also competed at the WBFF World Championships in August 2011. His fitness modelling career has expanded; doing many more shoots, commercials, and fitness projects over the past year.

Raso’s goals for 2012 include competing with the IFBB in the Men’s Physique division. He also plans on shooting with more prominent magazines and expanding into commercial and acting roles. His main focus remains on continuing to provide help for others. When asked about his internal drive to succeed in an industry that seems far-fetched, Raso replies, “your dreams, your goals, your life.”