We asked our athletes how it felt to participate in our Jockey® activewear photo shoot.  We wanted to know their take on using “real people/athletes” vs. professional models.   Here’s what some of them had to say:

“I think we are all REAL ATHLETES.  Those of us who enjoy and participate regularly in physical activity enjoy the benefits physically and emotionally as well as socially all year long.  I love that more companies are starting the “real people” campaigns.  I have seen many friends affected by eating disorders and think that to the extent we can change the perception of what is healthy and fit, we can provide people with more realistic expectations and goals.  I also think that everyone needs to look inward and be happy with who they are and compare themselves with others or social norms less.  I love that Jockey is recognizing the “real” people out there who are working hard to feel good, be healthy and happy with themself.  THANK YOU!” - Keri, Rock Climber

“Whatever motivates and inspires others is my take. Whether you like to skate in a park or prefer to do yoga, as long as the reaction is positive, that’s what it’s all about.” – Sabin, Skateboarder

“First, I have to say that I had an absolute blast being a “model” for the Jockey® shoot!  Everyone was so nice and friendly and made everything fun.  Even though the professional models most likely make things easier for the photographers as they probably don’t ask so many questions and know what they are looking for, I feel that the “real athletes” capture the “essence” better – instead of “pretending” to run, I was really running, focused, and thoroughly enjoying it!” – Jenny, Long Distance Runner

“I think by using real athletes in photo shoots shoppers don’t have to be convinced to buy something.  They can see a true taste of what items look like on the “real” people who wear them.” – Stacy, Swimmer

“My body has been shaped the way it is from the sports that I have played.  A professional model pretends to be something they are not or plays the part to appease the general public.  They become a prop that is fictional and unrealistic.   A real athlete model stands for something that is pure, honest and true.” – Kara, Dancer

“The real athlete’s motivation for doing what he or she does is internal, while the stereotypical model finds their motivation externally from other sources.  The genuine athletes do what they do, no matter what the conditions are, no matter if anyone is watching or cheering for them, no matter what time of the day, no matter how they feel, they do it.  Many times, it can be very lonely, where it is you versus yourself; the real athlete tries to be better than last time, at each practice, at each press, at each mile.  They push themselves to be faster, stronger, and more agile.  When they realize that they have given all they can and can give no more, that’s when they know they have done their best.” – Neil, Racquetball player

“I think that using “real athletes” instead of models for this shoot made a lot of sense.  Most athletes are muscular and fit. I think this is an important quality when modeling athletic clothing. While a professional model may be in good shape, they do not have the same build.” –Julie, Soccer

Want to learn more about our featured athletes?  read their bios

What’s your opinion on using real people in a photo shoot instead of professional models?

It’s January! At a time when eating right and getting our [lazy] hinders to the gym becomes a main focus, we wanted to launch our new activewear collection with people who could truly put these styles to the test—athletes.  Who better than real people with a hard core passion for working out to give our latest and greatest training gear a try?

Athletes were recruited in the Wisconsin and Illinois areas through local gyms, running clubs, boxing facilities, rock climbing gyms and skate parks.  Castings were held in Chicago, IL and here in the Jockey corporate office in Kenosha, WI.  Talk about being amazed and inspired!  These athletes had incredible passion and energy for their sports; everyday people who are truly achieving extraordinary things.  Parents, entrepreneurs, students… (people just like you)… who make it a top priority to be healthy, stay fit and push themselves to new limits.

“There are so many people doing unique/interesting sports/workouts…stuff that gets them fit, but also ties into their interests.  I wanted to tell some of those stories…with our product.  It all goes back to the uncommon athlete theme.  Like our boxer AJ.  She’s a personal trainer, but in addition she trains and competes in a sport that’s not typical.  Watching her train was amazing.  The energy, the strength and sounds of her gloves slamming the trainer’s mitts…some of the coolest stuff I’ve even seen.  She just flowed and was full of power.” Eric Olson, Senior Creative Director/Photographer

The five day photo shoot took place in November.  Our crew set out to Adventure Rock (Pewaukee, WI), Chicago Academy of the Arts (Chicago, IL), Carthage College (Kenosha, WI), 4 Seasons Skate Park (Milwaukee, WI), Jabb Chicago (Chicago, IL) and Chicago Indoor sports (Chicago, IL) to catch our athletes in action.  The spotlight was on them, doing what they love to do.

“The athlete’s had a tremendous passion for their sport.  Like if they couldn’t do that sport, their life would somehow be less meaningful… less fulfilled.  That’s a beautiful thing to watch…If you enjoy your workout, getting and staying fit is not a novelty, it’s a lifestyle.  I certainly loved shooting them and trying to tap into their mojo a little bit.  Very motivating!” commented Eric.

Couldn’t we all use some motivation that extends past the first three weeks of 2010? Check out our athlete’s stories and see what pushes them to be “ordinary superstars”.  Who knows?  Maybe you’ll join a dance class, take up kick boxing, start lifting weights or run a marathon.  New Year’s resolution?  Find something you love and enjoy doing… and get ready for some awesome, worthwhile payoffs.

meet the athletes