How did you get started with bodybuilding?
I got started in Bodybuilding and Fitness in the fall of 2005. I wanted a challenge and a specific goal to work towards. Being that I’ve always been an Athlete, I thought it was just going to be like any other sport. Boy, was I proven wrong! My first competition was in bodybuilding. I wanted to do it for the experience of the intense training and dieting. From there, I progressed to Figure shows. It’s been a wonderful journey where I continue to meet amazing people and learn many life lessons.
Where does your motivation come from?
My motivation comes from wanting to help others feel good about themselves. I love to make people laugh. And, when I can show people, through example, the many benefits of making healthy choices – I feel fulfilled. There’s nothing like hearing, “I saw your pictures and read your story. It got me off the couch and started to make me move again.”
What is your training philosophy?
Keep your training routine consistent and a part of your everyday habits. When it simply becomes something you do – rather than an activity you feel you should squeeze into your busy schedule – you’re more likely to enjoy the long term success.
If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?
- Lunges – There are so many variations of this exercise that you can do to target different areas of your lower half. And, the great thing is that they can be done in the comfort of your own home.
- Stair running – You don’t need to spend a ton of money on expensive cardio equipment. You can get an excellent workout running stairs at home, outdoor parks or in office buildings. Mix up your stairs by skipping steps on the way up, alternate turn squatting or adding other exercises like burpees or pop squats on the landings.
- Pushups – As with lunges and stair running, push ups can be done anywhere at any time. No excuses! And, push ups have many possibilities. You can focus on different upper body muscle groups just by switching up your hand positions.
When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?
I like to mix it up between HIIT and lower intensity cardio. If I have to do cardio on a leg day, a good pace walk on an incline on the treadmill will do. And then there are days when my energy is boundless. So, I’ll give it all I have and be running and jumping all over the place. I’m very fortunate to have good genetics and an extremely responsive metabolism. My body can lean out well regardless of what option of cardio I decide upon. I switch it up so that my mind doesn’t get bored with exercise.
What is your philosophy on nutrition?
I believe in keeping my meals simple and clean with lots of veggies, chicken and fish. I feel better when I eat whole foods, taken from the perimeter of the grocery store. And, in the long run, it’s much less expensive than eating out.
What are your favorite meals and foods?
One of my favourite meals is breakfast. I love being able to share that time of day with the special people in my life. I find egg whites and oatmeal a healthy version of comfort food. In addition to that – BBQ chicken with a wild rice pilaf and sautéed mushrooms are delicious!
Favorite cheat food?
My favourite cheat food is the icing off of cake. When my sweet tooth kicks in, I head to the local bakery. I also like pizza every once in a while as well as Vietnamese food. And, nothing beats Mom’s home cooking!
What supplements do you use that give you great results?
Best supplements – food! Clean, common sense eating is far more effective than any pill you can pop. And, it’s also cheaper than spending a small fortune on supplements that may or may not work.
Favourite Bodybuilders?
My favourite Bodybuilding and Fitness personalities are Dexter Jackson, Obi Obadike and Jamie Eason. Dexter Jackson has been a Bodybuilder for 21 years. He’s been able to sustain a solid career in an industry where most people struggle to get a small part of the spotlight. I also admire how he has mass appeal. Bodybuilding is an extreme sport – so to get mainstream adoration is no easy feat. I look up to Obi Obadike and Jamie Eason. They are both role models for me. 
Both of these genuine people do amazing things within the fitness world. And, Obi is a close friend of mine. I know firsthand the passion and pride he puts into each success he obtains.
Favourite Workout Song?
My favorite workout tune depends on my mood and whether I’m doing cardio or weight training. If it’s cardio time, I like something with a strong, fast beat…usually techno or dance. And when I’m hitting the weights, rock is what gets me going.
Favourite Quote?
“Life’s full of hurdles…bring a chainsaw!”
Website: http://www.karmaschopp.com
