Michael Dean Johnson | Reality Star/Personal Trainer | Everyday ICON
This week we're excited to feature MTV reality star and personal trainer, Michael Dean Johnson. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Michael gives us insight on fitness, the day-to-day grind, and of course living and eating healthy! Here's why Michael Dean Johnson is our Everyday ICON of the week...
Can you give us a little background on yourself?
Growing up in Tennessee, I was very active throughout my childhood. My fitness journey really began, though, when I started competitive wrestling at the age of 10. I competed in wrestling over eight years for my school teams as well as the Tennessee National Team. Over those years, I learned a good amount about discipline. Wrestling opened my eyes to the fact that strength is a choice, and that we have the ability to push ourselves to do things we never thought possible as long as we persevere.
Upon graduating high school, I transferred my dedication to wrestling over to bodybuilding and weightlifting. After four men’s physique competitions – including three 1st place finishes and one overall victory – I decided to move to New York City to kickstart my modeling career. Since making the move, in addition to becoming a published fitness model, I’ve been featured on MTV’s hit show ‘Are You The One’ and have made over 15 appearances on Bravo’s ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen’!
What do you do?
I am a personal trainer. I'm also a sponsored athlete for MuscleTech and Leorêver.
What made you want to do what you are doing?
I have always loved working out, ever since I was a kid doing push ups in my bedroom. Working out has always been a great outlet for me and has taught me a lot of discipline and helpful tools for life... I’d like to share my experience with others!
Why Icon Meals? What makes us different?
Icon meals is hands down the freshest prepared meal service out there... it doesn’t matter which meals you get and on which day you eat them, you can always expect them to be fresh.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is “That is that success isn’t easy (in anything) if being successful was easy then everyone would do it... so be prepared for hard work!”
You are a social media “influencer” what are you doing to be “influential” in today’s society?
I like to say that I only spread good vibes. I try not to talk bad about others whatsoever on social media- I try to spread only positivity in hopes that it will help someone else.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
As cliché as it is... Arnold Schwarzenegger has inspired me for years. He always talks about putting in hard work and I respect that.
How do you balance work and life demands?
I have a good support system at home- my wife is someone who I can always count on and she helps to push me through any struggles.
What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be known as the guy who only spread positivity.
What is your current focus? Any plans for the future?
Currently I am preparing for a bodybuilding competition in early spring so I’m eating my meals and putting the work in the gym!
What are your favorite Icon Meals? Or favorite thing about Icon Meals?
THE BREAKFAST MEALS 🤤 the Icon breakfast meals are hands down my favorite (the pancakes or the southwest egg skillet)
Stay connected with Michael Dean Johnson on IG at @michaeldean2.0
His personal training site is: https://www.philosophy-fitness.com
Want to be featured as an "Everyday ICON?" Submit your stories to info@iconmeals.com or send us a DM on IG or Facebook!
