http://www.newsday.com/news/health/teen-sensations-the-vamps-talk-being-fitness-role-models-1.8805851
When their first U.S. single “Somebody to You” featuring Demi Lovato
slammed one million YouTube views in 24 hours last month, British teen
music sensations The Vamps were ecstatic.
“We [had just] gotten back from Australia -- we were so tired and
jet-lagged, we had no idea what was going to happen,” guitarist James
McVey said of the group who has 2.2 million Facebook likes, 4 million
combined Twitter followers and amassed more than 85 million views on
their YouTube/VEVO channel. “I remember waking up and seeing a million
views, and being like ‘whoa.’”
But there’s an extra spark that brings The Vamps -- McVey, 20,
drummer Tristan Evans, 19, bassist Connor Ball, 18, and singer Bradley
Simpson, 18 -- together. The four, who were joined together by social
media in 2012 and signed with New York-based Island Records last year,
share a passion for health and fitness. It’s a common interest they hope
will motivate and provide a positive influence for their large youth
following.
“I think it’s very important to keep fit and exercise, especially when younger,” Simpson said. “Make it enjoyable for yourself.”
Evans, who used fitness as a way of channeling an abundance of
energy, agrees: “I think it’s important for health to be fit from a
young age -- you will be able to achieve more,” he explained. “[I’ve
seen] a change in look and tone. You feel better about yourself.”
And Ball added that since he has been going to the gym he’s noticed a
real improvement in his health and well-being. “I used to get pains in
my back and neck, but they have subsided since I’ve started going to the
gym,” he said.
Other members of the group say it was McVey who inspired them to focus on fitness.
“We have all been into sports since a young age,” Simpson said. “It
started really with James getting us into health and fitness in a big
way. I’ve known James for three years and to see his progression over
that time is very motivating. It regiments you and your dedication
towards it.”
Simpson also credits his father for getting him involved in an active
lifestyle at a young age. “My dad is a golf pro and has always been
heavily involved in sport,” he said. “He got me into golf and football
from an early age.”
For exercise, Simpson said he enjoys running and football and
dislikes suicide situps. But In the gym, he also realizes the importance
of cardio workouts for his trade.
“It helps me onstage,” Simpson said. “I try and do a bit of cardio
each time, even if it’s a 10-minute run. … Other than that, I train a
different muscle group each day.”
McVey enjoys working out his chest and back -- especially doing
weighted dips -- but his least favorite is legs. Evans focuses on rowing
and boxing, which provides upper body strength for drumming, while Ball
likes using everyday gym machines to hit all his muscle groups.
“For me, the gym is fundamental -- it’s where I get my own head
space,” McVey said. “I’m generally happier in myself. I’m stronger and
in better shape. You need to be fit for all the running around onstage,
too.”
The Vamps -- who performed on Father’s Day at MTV’s 2014 Artist to
Watch concert at Manhattan’s Highline Ballroom, will be live on "Today,"
July 24, and debut their first U.S. EP on Aug. 5/ They realize the
importance that a solid strength and conditioning program has on staying
away from negative, unhealthy influences.
“Being in the gym with the other guys and all wanting to work hard is
a very positive feeling,“ Simpson said. “It is paramount to maintain
well-being while on the road, and staying away from [the] negative
things.”
“When you have such a busy schedule,” he continued, “it gives you a good constant throughout busy times.”