Interview with Conscious Muscle

What’s on the mind of Instagram’s most famous vegan bodybuilder?

| INTERVIEW BY THERESA CAMPBELL |

Jordan Drane is the man behind Conscious Muscle. He has been a personal trainer in West Palm Beach for over 10 years, yet he says the day his life and health really turned around was four years ago, when he adopted the vegan lifestyle. “My regret is not going vegan a lot sooner,” he says.

He’s pleased to have helped transform the lives of hundreds of people so far. “The thrill for me is when a non-vegan wants to give it a try.” He says. “Not only do they transition to a vegan diet, but they start getting in amazing shape. It shows that it’s possible.”

Jordan’s social media and online program are incredibly popular. In fact, @Conscious_Muscle is listed as the No. 1 vegan body builder on Instagram. “I’ve built quite an audience through showing people that their gains don’t have to be an animal’s loss,” he says.

When did you first decide to adopt the vegan lifestyle?

An amazing lady by the name of Susan convinced me. She and her husband Jon were personal training clients of mine, and after she went to vegan she tried her best to convince us to do the same. I did my research and found out the cruelty that eating meat entails and the detrimental effects on us and our planet. It really hit me after watching “Forks over Knives” and “Earthlings.” Going vegan made sense from a health standpoint.

Did you notice any changes after cutting out meat?

I had more energy and recovered from workouts more quickly. I had mental clarity, and my bloodwork phenomenally improved. My doctor was amazed and surprised. I applied all my knowledge to promoting a plant-based lifestyle and never looked back.

What’s your message to meat eaters?

I wish they knew the cruelty and suffering that factory farming and modern agriculture entails. A plant-based diet is the best thing for your health and your family—you have no idea what you’re putting into your children’s bodies. You can get protein, vitamins, minerals and everything else you need from a plant-based diet, without all of the carcinogens, cholesterol and cruelty associated with meat.

What about vegetarians? What is your message?

There are alternatives to dairy. There are nut milks and plant-based cheese alternatives that are delicious and healthy with-out the acidic and carcinogenic nature of dairy. The dairy industry is cruel. Animals are kept alive and in extreme suffering, being deprived of the right to even move, shackled and standing in their own filth. Plus, with dairy, females are forcefully impregnated so they continue to produce milk. People have a misconception that cows are constantly in a state of milk production, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Shortly after birth, their calves are sent to veal farms to be slaughtered for meat. I would just ask that you take this into consideration.

What does it take for your program to work for others?

It just takes a willingness to change. You have to be ready for progress and you have to be ready to do your part. I give you a foundation to follow with both your nutrition and training for the most optimal results. Simply put, it only works if you work it.

What do you love most about your job?

Taking somebody from an animal-based diet to not only becoming vegan, but showing them amazing results. It’s a no-brainer, and it makes the transition really easy.

What’s one thing that surprises your clients?

The amount they can eat while still losing body fat. I’m a proponent of “sustainable eating,” which is ensuring you are fueled for lean muscle mass while still shedding body fat.

What is your personal philosophy for success?

The best definition of success I have ever heard is from Earl Nightingale: “success is the progressive realization of a worthwhile goal or ideal.” Simply meaning if you are living in line with what matters most to you and taking steps towards that daily you are indeed a successful person.

I feel that I’m as successful as I am because of my passion for what I’m doing. It’s literally my life’s work, promoting a plant-based lifestyle, having an animal sanctuary, and contributing to the animal rights movement. I couldn’t ask for more. So if there’s anything I attribute to my success, it’s finding veganism.

What do you do for fun?

I spend time with my daughters, or outdoors at the sanctuary with all the critters. I lift weights and I take any opportunity to laugh and get into shenanigans with friends.

Which celebrity would you most love to train?

Leonardo DiCaprio. He speaks out on the sustainability of our planet and investing in plant-based meat substitutes. If he were to go vegan, it would be amazing. I would do my best to convince him.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself traveling the world talking about veganism while doing big things in the animal-rights arena.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

It would be my stepfather Terrell. He came into my life when I was young, and I credit him for sending me on a positive path in life. I would love to catch up with him and let him know where my life has gone and what I’m about. I think he’d be proud.

To support Jordan's animal rescue Lily and Friends click here to learn more and donate.