By John Hobbs
Photography by John Skalicky
www.skalickyphoto.com

Our ruggedly sexy cover model Mark Dalpe claims his best features are his energy, devotion and persistence. Though we may not totally agree (we could look into those eyes forever), his devotion is definitely unsurpassed. On the day of his photo shoot, this pastry chef turned fitness consultant totalled his car, yet somehow was able to shake off his nerves and bring that warm smile and great energy to the cover of IN Los Angeles. When he’s not getting a crash course in L.A. traffic, Mark—who has hung his hat in New York and San Francisco—works at Gold’s Gym in Hollywood where he motivates people off their couches and into some sweaty, heart-pounding exercise. Sign us up!

Mark

Age: 35
Location: Miracle Mile
Hometown: Troy, New York
Job: Fitness Consultant, Gold's Gym Hollywood
Single or Taken: I am taken by the love of my life!
First Thing You Notice in a Potential Mate: Do we understand each other? Does conversation flow? Do we get each other? Is he funny? Is he hot?
Your Best Physical Feature: People tell me my eyes and my butt. My favorite features are my energy, devotion and persistence. I never give up on anything.

You used to be a pastry chef and have shared that you like to indulge here and there. What do you do to keep yourself in tip-top physical shape?

I work out hard. I work out two days on and one day off. I also eat very healthy. I usually cook every meal for myself and my partner. We both eat five or six meals per day. I also have two or three protein shakes per day as I am trying to gain more muscle. I eat lots and lots of protein and vegetables. I don't skimp on carbs because I love them. And since I workout so often and eat so often, my metabolism is in check. I also snack quite a bit. I love chips and cookies.

When you go out, where do you like to hang out?

I love going to movies, eating out (breakfast is a favorite), going to the beach, shopping, traveling and gardening. I don't really go out to clubs or bars.

When you’re in the mood for romance, what do you do?

[Once], I booked a trip to Florida and found a quiet hotel right on the beach. I requested champagne in the room, and that night I took my love out onto the moonlit beach and proposed to him. This was something I have only dreamed of and it actually happened.

What brought you to Los Angeles?

I have moved around quite a bit, [but ultimately] we decided to move to L.A. for the sunshine.

Aside from the obvious (air, water), what’s one thing you couldn’t live without on a daily basis?

I could not live without working out because I would feel like crap and have no energy. It may sound a little corny, but I also could not live without my partner. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Oh, and please don't take away my chips and cookies!

What do you like to do to cut loose and unwind?

To cut loose, I like to travel and lay by the pool and go swimming. I also like to shop—a lot!

If you weren’t working at Gold’s Gym, what would you be doing professionally?

If I weren’t working at Gold's, I would still be asking if they were hiring. I've wanted to work here forever. I am so excited to be in this industry. I love the energy, the co-workers and the members. I also love selling memberships to people because it is something that is good for them. I never feel like a salesman because I am not selling.

I am helping people accept health and fitness into their lives. It's a good thing.

To sign up for a Gold’s membership, contact Mark at Gold’s Gym, 1016 N. Cole Ave., Hollywood, (323) 462-7012.