Eric Carlson, 38

Headed to the gym?
From the gym, actually.

Your home away from home?
Sort of. That’s where I get my alone time. I’m a real-estate agent, so I’m with people all day. But when I’m at the gym, it’s the only time I have to myself.

It looks like you’ve had plenty of time to yourself.
Definitely. I usually just put my headphones on and do my own thing. I listen to anything that’s high energy, so I can keep going. I was listening to older Lenny Kravitz today—“Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Lady.”

No aggro speed metal to get you all amped up?
No, no. Nothing angry. [Laughs] I need something with a more consistent beat.

When did you start pumping iron?
Hmm. Twenty years ago.

Were you a total shrimp in high school?
I was average, but I was a little bit of a shy kid growing up in West Lafayette, Indiana. I’ve always been that way, actually. People think because you’re physically fit that you’re really outgoing. The reality is that a lot of the guys that you think would be meatheads are actually very quiet. Weight lifters have body-image issues, too. We feel fat sometimes just like anyone else.

Speaking of bodies, do you, uh, groom?
I’m pretty naturally smooth, so I don’t go out of my way to do a lot.

That’s what they all say. What’s your weight-lifting regimen like?
I usually go heavy. [Laughs] Almost always go heavy.

What do you bench?
About 435.

That’s three of me!
[Laughs] Yeah, yeah. You really have to work your way up to that weight for it to be safe. It’s really taxing on the body.

So as a real-estate agent, if a client decides not to buy from you, do you just pummel them into submission?
[Laughs] Yeah, you know, you strong-arm ’em. [Laughs] If it were only that easy!

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