Ewing Fitness Model Nacone Martin Redefines Fitness and Feminine Strength 

Nacone Martin has done it all.

The 50-something commercial model, actress, personal trainer, and IFBB-Pro (International Federation of Body Building won her pro card in the bodybuilding field this past August. 

The lifelong Ewing resident said her original plan was to go to school for psychology. That dream derailed when she got pregnant during college. Then, once her son was in college, she was able to push and invest more in herself. 

“I had been modeling all along in my twenties,” said Martin. “Previous years, I had a great network base. I was able to go back to these people. It led me in front of other modeling agencies. I had three appointments in one day, and I got signed by all three. I just started crying. It really was my dream. This little girl, who was bullied, [had] no self-esteem; look at her now.” 

By age 39, Martin was doing it all—television, billboards, magazines, commercials. When she got burnt out on modeling, she turned to the gym. “I’ve been going to the gym since I was twenty-six,” she said. “I just wanted to work out.” 

When she posted her photos, with positive messages, on Facebook, someone asked her if she’d train them. “I started to train people,” she said. “That just took off.”

It’s now her fifth anniversary of owning a studio, Be Fitness in Bordentown. 

Then, due to some recognition in her town, from modeling and acting, Martin was mentored and started her own apparel company, selling T-shirts and sweatshirts. “Now I’m dabbling in that,” she said. 

In the meantime, Martin has a cousin who is like a brother to her. He used to be a skinny kid; now he’s competing. Martin went to one of her shows, thinking it would never be her. But watching her cousin, she got inspired, and at 50, Martin was competing against younger women. “I had a great time,” she said. “I loved every moment.”

None of this was planned, according to Martin. “It’s where God led me,” she said. 

During Martin’s off-season, she’s in the gym every day and enjoys food within boundaries. Then, when she preps for competition, she has an intense diet and includes cardio workouts. She said, “You’re not eating carbs. You’re not eating sugar. Get as lean as possible. Practice posing.” 

Working full-time and running her studio in the evening with her partner, Martin said she’s really enjoying life right now. 

Her advice to someone who wants a career like hers is not to be afraid. She said, “I always say, the biggest thing that stops us is fear. The fear you can’t do it, or the fear of failure. So what if you fail? I worked hard for my pro card. I cried a lot of tears. I was miserable for many days. But what we’re willing to work for, we will get. Don’t be afraid of failure. Not winning made me work harder and appreciate this journey so much more. I know how hard I work.” 

When Martin isn’t working, she is back in her lab making apparel, creating, and crafting. “I love spending time with family and friends,” she said. “I have an amazing core group. We call ourselves ‘the crew.’ I love spending time with them.” 

Martin also loves football, being in her yard, and staying at home watching “Law&Order” with her two Yorkies. 

She also spends a lot of time with her boyfriend. “My boyfriend is awesome,” she said. “We do a lot of things together. He’s my coach. Our dates are in the gym. We go to the gym together. He’s the reason I got my pro card. He’s a fantastic coach and partner. I feel so blessed. This world is crazy. I try to find peace in this world. I’m a simple girl. I’m happy. I don’t walk around angry. Trying to enjoy every day.” 

Martin is still modeling and acting, but not going so hard. She said, “I have an agent in New York. I’m not searching. If he sends me something, I’ll do it. I want to be more fitness-specific. I’m really focused on my studio.” 

And after all the years living in Ewing, she still likes the town. She said, “I like the community. I like that I’m close to certain things. I never had any problems in Ewing. Everything is great. I went to Ewing schools. I love the new condos. It’s exciting.” 

To learn more about Nacone Martin, follow her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/nacone.martin