http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080123/SPORTS/801230330/1006Justin Harris' bodybuilding career has been put on hold.
But that's the only thing slowing down in Harris' life these days.
How about articles in national magazines, speaking engagements and seminars all over the country, two growing businesses, three videos and a book?
There even was a recent call from the folks at "American Gladiators."
"It's been so hectic lately," said Harris, a 1997 Port Huron Northern graduate. "Our company has grown so much I'm having a hard time keeping up with it.
"My last day at my job is Jan. 30. They are trying to keep me on at least part-time. The biggest thing is giving up the health insurance.
"Our major income has been from our companies the past couple of years. I was using any spare time at work and my vacation to keep up with the businesses."
Harris' two Web sites are
www.troponinnutrition.co m and
www.protegenutrition.com.
Harris, who holds a bachelors degree in exercise science from Alma College, is also an echo cardiologist at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
Harris' wife, Jorie, is enrolled in the University of Detroit dental school. She will graduate in 2009. He also keeps busy with two daughters - Lydia, who is 2½ and Celia, 15 months.
The Clinton Township resident is part of a five-page layout in the February edition of Flex Magazine. He also took part in an Ask the Expert article for February's Muscle & Fitness magazine.
"Both the piece in Flex and the Ask the Expert article dealt with nutrition," Harris said. "There was a section where I answer 10 questions about nutrition.
"I've also done some writing for Men's Health and have been contacted to do pieces in Shape and Women's Health.
"In one of the women's magazines, they wanted me to help with an individual's makeup. It sounded pretty interesting, but I haven't heard back from them yet."
Harris, 28, who was a NCAA Division III football All-American at Alma College, said the call from "American Gladiators" was a surprise.
The 5-foot-10, 245-pounder was asked if he would be interested in going for a tryout.
"I remember watching 'American Gladiators' when I was a kid when it first came on," Harris said. "That was probably in the early- to mid-1990s. It lasted a couple of years, but has been away for a long time.
"I thought it was pretty interesting. At this point, I don't know if I'm interested or have the time to give that a shot."
Harris said it was his success as a bodybuilder and as a powerlifter that has led to so many business opportunities.
