Peter Maneos who has combined a very successful career as a model with other ventures, including the publication of two books of poetry gives us an update on his latest projects.

Michael: What's new Peter?

Peter:  Well, I've been busy working on my new project, http://www.RandyBlueRipped.com - It is an online fitness resource where I post videos, photos and answer all types of fitness questions in the Q & A. The site is also going to have interviews with fitness models and bodybuilders. In fact, I just interviewed and posted an interview recently with Kai Au.

The way the project developed was that Randy and Ray who own an internet-based company in LA called Belator were impressed with my company,  http://www.FitnessWorkoutsInc.com , so after several meetings we decided to fuse the projects into one.

The first meeting was here in Miami, and then the second was in LA where we finalized the project. Once that was done, I shot an entire series of workout videos in anticipation of the launch.

Another cool feature of the blog is that I will be doing cooking videos, so that people will understand how to prepare healthy meals. So far, I've done a buffalo chili, an egg white lunch, and just the other day, quinoa pasta. I've been really getting good feedback so far, and even got an inquiry from a TV producer from The Rachel Ray show, maybe you'll see me on FoodTV someday, lol! :-)

The site also has different workout videos and over the next few months, I'll be shooting videos with other fitness models, maybe even some Connex247 feature models. So, I welcome all of you to post comments and ask questions on the site.

Michael:  Give us some of your background.

Peter:  Well, I've had the privilege of being involved in all types of things. I've done a good deal of modeling, working with BodyBodyWear, Bruce Weber for Abercrombie and Fitch, Christopher Makos, David Vance - being featured in Exercise For Men Only, Men's Exercise, Exercise & Health magazines.

I've also been on MTV True Life as well as CNBC's 'The Big Idea' with Donny Deutsch. Besides this, I've also published 2 collection of poetry, one in Rome, Italy and one here in the States.

Michael:  Any new year's resolutions?

Peter:  My 2008 resolution is to save more $ instead of spending it - to get involved with a bit of investing. My plans for 2008 are to focus on my company http://www.FitnessWorkoutsInc.com and my new project, http://www.RandyBlueRipped.com . Besides this, I have a full book of personal training clients that keeps me very busy. I'll probably be going between S. Florida where I live, and LA shooting content for www.RandyBlueRipped.com .

Michael:  What is your secret to stay in such amazing shape?

Peter:  I have no secrets! lol There isn't a secret to staying in great shape, it's just the discipline of training with weights 5x a week, and eating healthy in order to minimize fat and maximize muscle growth. I'll be sharing all of that on the blog, www.RandyBlueRipped.com and even answer all types of fitness questions to get everyone on the right track.

Michael:  Advice for young models?

Peter:  The advice I would give to young models is not to be pigeon-holed by the big agencies. A lot of guys end up being 'slaves' to their agency and afraid to break out of the mold. I think I've been financially successful because I've made my own way with starting my own companies and really using the internet as a way to generate income.

If you go with an agency and that alone, you are at the mercy of a booker's mood. I'm an only child and Greek, so I think both of these factors lend me to being fiercely independent.

Michael: Final thoughts?

Peter:  My final thought is to thank Mike, the entire Connex247 staff, and the Connex247 viewers for supporting me. Also, Randy and Ray at Belator for believing in the project, and making it a reality. Also, Tas (who took the photos featured in this story), Angela, Jose and Don at Belator and the programmers for aiding in the project.

And finally, Alex Daley who is my biz partner in FitnessWorkoutsInc, and did a lot of the videography. Oh, and for any fitness model who wants to be involved in the project, you can email me at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it