by Blockhead

One of my favorite places to hang out when I’m in New York is at a premium strip club. When I’m not bathing the strippers in twenty dollar bills, I usually sample the Kobe filet mignon and wash it down with a bottle of 1998 Krug Brut Vintage. On my last trip to the Big Apple, I instructed my limo driver to take me to the ‘East Coast Mecca’. A half hour later, we pulled up in front of Sapphire — New York’s finest strip bar. After a few private laps dances and a tug party by a EEE buxom blonde named Raine, I headed back out to the car and told the chauffeur to drive to the ‘other East Coast Mecca’. When he looked at me in obvious despair and confusion, I pulled the soiled copy of Flex magazine out of my suit pocket and pointed to a grimacing Kai Greene on the cover — THIS East Coast Mecca. Forty miles and four hours later, we pulled up to the non-descript single story brick building on the edge of Syosset. Sure enough, I found new IFBB Pro Max Charles walking exactly 3.6 miles per hour on the treadmill and the following interview took place:

Maximum Charles

MUSCLEWEEK: Hey Max, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. First off — Congrats on your winning your pro card! So who exactly is Max Charles? Give us your stats: Age, location, ethnicity and marital status?

MAX CHARLES: Thank you for dropping by. I’m 33 years old and originally from Haiti. I came to the US bout 20 years ago. I’m currently living on Long Island.

MW: How did you get into bodybuilding? Was there a specific moment that inspired you to first pick up a weight?

MAX: I’ve always been into training ever since I can remember because even as a little boy whenever I would see someone doing any kind of exercise I would stop and watch. It’s just something that always gets my attention. As far as competing as a bodybuilder, I never really thought much about that until everybody started telling me that I should compete. I basically got into competing because of people pushing me to do it.

MW: Prior to the 2011 Nationals, not too many people had heard about you. Tell us your contest history and where did your earn your National level qualification?

MAX: I competed at the 2008 NPC Eastern USA where I took first on the Super Heavy class and came back in 2011 did the Atlantic States where I took first in the Superheavies and got my qualification for the Nationals.

MW: You were HYOOOOOGE at the 2011 Nationals. How much did you weigh at weigh-ins and on-stage?

MAX: At the weigh-ins I was about 260 and maybe 6 or 7 pounds heavier on stage.

MW: MuscleWeek’s expert analysts had you ahead of NASA Astronaut/Engineer Todd Jewell and winning the Super Heavyweight class and going home with your pro card. How did you feel about your placing and do you feel like you should have been placed ahead of Todd?

MAX: Considering it was my first time at a National level competition, I felt pretty good about my placing and I was comfortable with Todd placing ahead of me.

MW: There are reports that you diet for 3 or 4 weeks for shows. Is this true? How long did you diet for the Nationals?

MAX: Yes, usually my prep is only a few weeks long because I don’t really let myself get out of shape in the off-season. For the Nationals, I really wanted to be ready so I dieted for 16 weeks.

MW: What kind of diet do you usually follow in the off-season and compare that to your Pre-contest diet?

MAX: I don’t follow any specific diet for the off season. I basically eat whenever I have to or whatever I’m craving.

MW: You once claimed to eat one meal a day. Is that still the case or have you adopted more of a bodybuilder’s diet of 6 to 7 meals per day?

MAX: I never said that I only eat one meal. I said that I take one meal portion and split it into 3 meals because my appetite does not allow me to eat that one meal in one seating. The way I eat in the off-season is completely different from the way I eat for pre-contest. In the off-season, I don’t really have any appetite to eat 6 or 7 meals but when I’m dieting my appetite goes up. Usually for a prep, I might even be eating 8 or 9 meals. That actually helps me burn more calories.

Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym

MW: Where do you currently train and what are some of your best lifts in the gym?

MAX: I train at Bev Francis Powerhouse. I try not to lift heavy anymore. I go for more of a feel and squeeze. That seems to work so I’ll keep doing it for now.

MW: Break down a typical arm workout for us with some examples of sets, reps and poundages.

MAX: For arms I usually start with biceps. My first exercise is dumbbell preacher curls 4 sets 8 to 16 reps. My max on that is 110 lbs. Hammer Curls: 3 sets 10 – 12 reps usually I only go up to 150 but on my extra days I’ve gone up to 200lbs. Close grip front pull down 3 sets of 30 reps each.and then I’ll start with Triceps. Training triceps is very simple to me. I usually change my tricep routine every week. I just go on how I feel that for example I’ll start with cable press down with a close grip and then switch to a wide grip, and then move to close grip bench press. After that, I will do over the head rope presses.

MW: You easily had the most muscle of anyone at the Nationals. Were naturally muscular as a kid? Teen? Did you play other sports before bodybuilding?

MAX: Yes as a kid skinny but pure muscle. That was me before I even start working out. Maybe that why I was so into training because I knew I would be muscular. I use to play soccer and then got into football because everybody use to look at me like I had no business playing soccer and that I should be playing football. I was a terrible soccer player anyway! Football was a much better match.

MW: What is the one thing you love the most about bodybuilding? What is the one thing you hate the most?

MAX:  The one thing I love the most about bodybuilding is winning  – therefore, the one thing I hate the most would have to be losing.

MW: Let’s say you just won $100 Million Dollars in MegaMillions. What would you do? Continue competitive bodybuilding? Retire to Fiji? Start a charity to help feed starving children?

MAX: I would continue to compete because I know the money is not gonna take the competitive side of me away and I would definitely start some type of charity to help the less unfortunate.

MW: New York is an expensive place to be. What do you do work-wise to keep a roof over your head, gas in the tank, and food on the table?

MAX: Mostly I work as a consultant doing personal training.

MW: Dare to dream: Dream house — where? Dream car — what kind? Dream celebrity girlfriend — who?
MAX: My only real dream is to live a long and healthy life. Celebrity girlfriend would be Vanessa Campbell or Melissa Ford…hard to choose.

MW: There are some really creepy people loitering on the fringes of bodybuilding — Tell us about your oddest or creepiest experience!

MAX: Wowwww, there are so many! The creepiest and the funniest had to be the guy that kept messaging me offering to buy me steroids in exchange for having sex with him (LAUGHS LOUDLY).

MW: What do you like to do outside of the gym? Do you have a hobby or side interest that you enjoy?

MAX: I’m actually very open and enjoy doing most activities camping and travelling, bowling and pool. I also enjoy reading and doing research on world events.

MW: If you never took up bodybuilding, what would you be doing now?

MAX: I would probably be a videographer or a teacher.

MW: What is your 5-10 plan? Where do you see yourself five years? Ten?

MAX: In 5 – 10 years I can see myself getting that Olympia title — hey, it never hurts to dream!

MW: Thanks so much for the interview but I gotta get back to Chicago to catch a workout with Nationals hopeful Kevin Jordan!

Driving back to Chicago from NYC  on I-71 (West) last month, Muscleweek.com Senior Editor and Hustler, Shane Ray had to make a pit stop at Rod Parsley’s World Harvest Church in Columbus, Ohio to give a seminar about breaking the chains of the bodybuilding cult and the dangers associated  with such a vain and vapid underworld. During his stay at the Best Western-Columbus North on Granville Rd in Dublin, Shane Ray found himself getting restless.  Navigating his Friend List on facebook it was a matter of time before he realized he was in the same city as IFBB BIKINI Pro and Ohio native, “Flexy” Lexi Kaufman.

With a quick Private Message sent and a quick reply by The Flexy One it was off to Metro Fitness for an exclusive 21 Questions with Muscleweek.com .

MW: Lexi Kaufman. Welcome to Muscleweek. Right off the bat tell me the most embarrassing moment of your life.

Muscleweek’s very own Senor Editor, Shane Ray has been one busy man. Between flying out to Las Vegas for nights on the town with Muscleweek sponsored model, Gizel Rodriguez and traveling the East Coast covering the Victor Martinez story it came as much relief when the Muscleweek Boss asked Shane if he would like to interview anybody in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Only one person came to mind: Erick Seng.

On Muscleweek’s expense account Shane Ray sat down with one of Chicago’s finest at Gibson’s Steak House on Rush st. where they dined on premium ribeye and New York strips while sipping on Merlot discussing the city, the Chicago Police Department and what bodybuilding means to Erick Seng himself. 

Officer Seng. Welcome to Muscleweek. First thing is first. How the heck did a St. Patrick’s (highschool) kid from Chicago’s Northside get into this whole mess of competitive bodybuilding? natural transgression from sports or was sand kicked in your face once at North Ave Beach. Like me. 

I’d say a natural transgression from sports. I was always active, but once I went to college (Western Illinois) and began to work at Powerhouse Gym (Elston&Lawrence) I got pulled into the world of bodybuilding. My first show was when I was a sophomore in college at 19, way back in 1997.

You’ve been very popular in the Chicagoland bodybuilding scene for a long time. What are your thoughts on the culture of the scene in the same city you protect? Is it as popular as it was during our glory years of 2001-2009?

LOL. I don’t think I’m popular or anything special! I just think of myself as a work-out guy who’s been competing for a long time! I think that bodybuilding isn’t as popular or hardcore as it was when I started. I remember Espn carrying the NPC National-level shows and Ifbb shows on television. The first time I saw Kevin Levrone on television was on Espn competing at the 1995 Olympia, and I was like I want to look like that! We used to have MuscleMag stores in the area to get your posing trunks and bodybuilding gear. We also actually had Powerhouse Gyms and Gnc’s that were actually geared towards bodybuilding. When I worked at the elston Powerhouse, we used to play the Mr.Olympias on all the t.v’s and you always had guys getting ready for either the Illinois or the Ironman. Those were the only 2 shows that mattered to anyone.

Now with Cross-Fit and things like MMA, it seems like the fitness industry is blowing up, but the old-school bodybuilding gym guys are kind of dying off. You don’t have the hardcore guys around in one gym. You don’t have the gym characters like the Mike Hamilton’s or Sam Urbach’s of the world.  You don’t have guys that were really hardcore with their training… Now a days it’s a bunch people jumping around, punching bags, using ropes and doing some weird shit to get in shape!

What are your best memories as a bodybuilder? I remember you standing next to being compared to Phil Heath at the 2005 Jr. Nationals. I’d have to say that was one of them, right? 

Yeah, I’d have to say getting 3rd at the Juniors in ’05 and getting called out in the first call out with just Heath was probably the best bodyduilding moment. I remember it like yesterday and I think that was obviously my best look I’ve ever had on stage. I’d say winning the Overall at the Ironman in 06 was big for me because that was always such a big deal with the guys I worked out with. If you won the Overall at the Illinois or the Ironman you were a good bodybuilder and gained a little gym cred. The other big thing for me was shooting for Muscle n Fitness. I remember reading the magazines when I first started, and to actually see myself in an issue was pretty cool. I was so lucky to get that opportunity.

Erick. You are endorsed by MHP. How has Gerard Dente and his company treated you all of this time? What do you like most about the company?  

Gerard Dente is one of the best people I’ve ever met in the fitness industry. He has always been great to me and treated me like family since I met him in 2002. I was super lucky to meet him and get the opportunity to be in some ads and work for them on the side. I feel like I have a second set of family and friends with the guys in New Jersey that work for MHP. The best part about MHP is that I really live off their products and stand behind them! Gerard always puts out products that not only work, but really benefit the serious athlete. I bleed blue and yellow!

It is no secret that you are a Chicago Police Officer. For those reading this who doesn’t know Chicago like we do is The City of Big Shoulders as dangerous as it’s reputation? Media hype or lock your car doors no matter which neighborhood you drive through? 

I always say that things can happen in any place at anytime. In any big city, you’ll always have your good parts and shady parts. Chicago obviously has some rough areas, but its about being aware of your surroundings at all times. If you’re on the west or south sides of Chicago, you obviously have to keep your eyes open. But on the other hand, compared to some of the other cities I’ve had the chance to visit like Detroit, Newark, parts of L.A. and Miami, I’d say that Chicago on the whole is safe and one of the best cities in the world.

What made you want to be a police officer? Please don’t tell me because Ronnie Coleman once was.

No. I’ve always wanted to work for Chicago. I’ve had family and life-long friends that were on the job, and its just something I’ve always wanted to do since I can remember.

Erick. Most serious competitive bodybuilders would rather not work a job like being a cop in a big city nor not even hold down a job at all for that matter just so they can strictly focus on their protein intake and their next workout. How were you not able to get sucked into the scene so hard like many we know and keep yourself so level headed putting a career in front of their next show?

It’s what you make of it and how you approach the sport. If you want to go out and put everything into becoming a pro, do it. I would never discourage anyone from doing anything they want to pursue as far as a career choice. You have to do what makes you happy, but at the same time, you have to keep things in perspective and be smart about the decisions you make. If you’re someone that has horrible genetics and $20 in your savings, making a run at the Ifbb might not be the best route for you. Bodybuilding and working out is a passion of mine, but it’s a hobby to me first and foremost. I think by having my career and bodybuilding as hobby, they both automatically balance out my life because neither takes it over completely!

I have to imagine dieting for a show and working long days through a long work week is tough. Believe me, I know. How do you get through a prep when timing is essentially everything. It isn’t like you can tell your sargent to hold while you get in your next meal. How do you adapt? 

Dieting is hard period. It can be a little tougher with work, but I try not to let it bother me and just roll with the punches. Everyone I have worked for and with have always been beyond supportive. They’ve encouraged me to do my best and have looked out for my well being! If it gets tough, I always say that I’m competing and dieting because I WANT to compete. No one is forcing you to diet, so why be an asshole and make everyone around you miserable.

Some of your critics have said you could never win a pro card due to the nature of your job. What do you have to say about that?

I’m at the point now in my life where I’m a little older. Competing is even more for fun me now and a tool to motivate myself in the gym. It’s pretty much going to be the Team U, or the masters in a couple years, or some local stuff. If it ever happened great, if it doesn’t great,  but I wouldn’t say it’s the nature of the job as to why I didn’t max out my potential! There’s so many things that go into that process you could never give one reason as to why it happened or why it didn’t. I’ve had a blast with bodybuilding and if I never competed ever again, I’d be happy with what I’ve been able to accomplish!

On the topic of challenges. You are a married man who has a wife also involved with the bodybuilding industry and is a competitor herself. She is also a detective with the Chicago Police Department. Describe how that can be challenging. Ever any fights over the last chicken breast or have you found a way to keep the ship smooth sailing without any “competitive turbulance”. 

There’s never competitive turbulance. I’m the type of guy that doesn’t like drama and will be the last one to start a fight. I think of myself as a very chill and laid back person. You could take the last chicken breast, and you wouldn’t hear a peep outta me! I’d just buy some more food and start cooking!
Facebook is infested to the gills with every weirdo, creeper, schmoe and pervert in the galaxy. Do you often receive private e-mails from these types with bizarre requests or propositions? How do you handle them?

I’ve always gotten weird emails from people all over the world, especially when I was younger and just starting out. I just ignore them, or say thanks but no thanks.

How does the police force treat you because of your size? Sorry but most COPS I see are bloated sacks of shit. Are you the guy they send in first when a door is broken down or when your team has to apprehend a suspect?

Everyone with the force has always been cool and respectful with me. I don’t think of myself as some huge guy though, but I am the “ram” guy for my team when it comes to search warrants which means that I’m the guy breaking down the door! It’s a lot of fun and a rewarding career.

I have to imagine your stature and muscularity can serve you well in your line of work. Has anybody ever surrendered to you immediately or do you find that people you may have to arrest want to step to you more and challenge you to prove something? 

I’ve had both situations. Usually when someone really doesn’t want to go back to jail, it doesn’t matter how big, fast or strong you are, they’re going to run and fight their ass off not to get caught!

Some argue bodybuilding at the higher levels of competition are so over the top with dabbling in illegal activities and using boatloads of illicit drugs. Can one even compete and be competitive anymore these days without it?

I think with what the Pro’s look like, that question kind of answers itself with a probably not. That’s the huge moral question people have to answer if they want to compete competitively at the higher levels of the sport.

What are your thoughts on Men’s Physique? Lots of guys are making the switch and rightfully so. You once told me a judge recently suggested you make the flip and de-muscle a little. Where do you stand with that?

That was brought to my attention last year, but I don’t think that it would be for me. That being said, if someone in the gym came up to me and said they wanted to do Physique, I would say cool and be supportive of that person. It’s a way for the promoters and organization to make more money, and it gives people an option to compete and get in shape with the way the want to look. So even though it’s not me, you won’t hear me bash it either.

Do you work with a nutritionist or do you pretty much do everything yourself?

Yeah I’ve worked with Dr. Willes Ko, my friend, chiropractor and training partner! He is unbelievable with diets and training. I’ve done diets for others and for myself, with me having more success helping others. I think when you do the diet yourself, you over think things and over diet or slack. When someone is advising you, the stress is taken out which makes it easier!

Okay. Who in the industry gets your “blood flowing”. For me it is still Monica Brant. I know there has to be someone that does it for you. 

That’s an easy one, my wife Michele Wood…. Back in the day I remember a girl named Brandy Dahl who was in all the mags, who looked good, but I don’t think she competed.

Supplements. Which are your 3 staples you always use?

MHP- Dark Matter for post workout
MHP- Isofast for my isolate
MHP- Probolic for my night time protein!

Where does Erick Seng see himself in 5 years?

Well, I’d like to be happy, healthy and injury free with hopefully a growing family!

So what is next for you? Rumors around XSport tell me that Team Universe or the 2012 North Americans in on your agenda.

No plans… Yet
Is there anything you would like to promote? How would one contact you for endorsements or any opportunity?

Facebook is probably the easiest way to contact me, and MHP has a sick new pre-workout called Fit-x “trainer” and post workout product called Fit-x “power”… Check out getmhp.com!

Bonus Questions.

Favorite Movie:  I have a ton and I don’t think I could name one, but the last good movie I saw was “Drive”, it was a bad-ass flick.

Favorite Chicago Restaurant:  Uncle Juilio’s Hacienda on North Ave and Clybourn

Favorite Song:  Another hard one, but I’ve always been a house music guy. I’d say my favorite three artists right now are Deadmau5, Wolfgang Gartner and Skrillex, who are kind of electro-dubstep-house guys!

Favorite Gym:  Gold’s Gym Venice California

Favorite Exercise:  Deadlifts 

Sox or Cubs:  Cubs

Deep Dish Pizza or Thin Slice:  Absolutely Deep Dish!!!!!

Part I

In the bodybuilding world this guy needs no introduction. For the CrossFit and Functional Fitness peeps, let me get you up to speed.

Patrick Arnold or PA as I like to refer to him is an east coast native. He’s an organic chemist who specializes in the research and development of sports supplementation. This guy is to supplements what Robb Wolf is to Paleo, what Greg Glassman is to CrossFit, what Jared is to Subway, and what the Polish are to sausages. As synonymous as Mark McGwire is to home runs! You get the picture.

Funny story actually,  Mark McGwire probably wouldn’t have achieved that record setting season if he didn’t have a little help from the research and development of Patrick Arnold. Patrick introduced the supplement industry to Androstenedione (Andro), which just so happened to be the prohormone Mark McGwire was taking during his record setting season.

Not only that, this dude is so ridiculously passionate about chemistry he actually translated research written in German which led him to develop a designer steroid called tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), more commonly referred to as, “The Clear.”

I know what some of the crossfit purists are thinking right now. The supplement Mark McGwire took was illegal (heaven forbid), and THG was the undetectable steroid that tarnished the career of several Olympic athletes and ignited the BALCO scandal around 2003 after a syringe with trace amounts was obtained and a test was developed in the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory. Holy shit right?

Marion Jones

Put any thoughts of judgment and emotion aside for just one minute now, and hear me out. Let’s look at this objectively. Patrick was just a guy with a lot of drive to unearth tools in performance that had never been used before. He worked hard to achieve elite status through unconventional and innovative methods. Sound familiar?

When Patrick introduced Andro it wasn’t illegal. Shit, I remember in high school everyone was taking it including my dorky, super skinny, stoner friend Senone. Senone, Jesse, and I would train at the YMCA after school 5 days a week and talk supplements. I believe I was taking this awful fat burner called Agent Orange and Jesse was taking good ole’ creatine fartohydrate. Those were the days! In hindsight as much as I scoff to admit it, Senone was the smartest out of all of us. Long story short, the FDA caught wind that it worked and banned it. I’ll save the discussion of pharmaceuticals, supplements, OTC drugs, and the FDA for another day.

Victor Conte

As far as the steroids go let me just disclose a bit about Patrick’s character. He made something truly remarkable and excitedly sold it. He didn’t sedate people and inject them with steroids without their consent.  He got busted and went to prison. He took full responsibility, did his time, and kept his mouth shut. He never sold out, rolled, or squealed on anyone and its 10 years later. The same can’t be said for the BALCO founder Victor Conte who bought the THG for distribution. That isn’t exactly shocking. Anyone who’s watched Pineapple Express and Breaking Bad knows you never trust a drug dealer.

Patrick on the Outside

Undeterred post prison Patrick continued his work in the supplement industry legally. He HAS to be legal or he gets the hose again. Plus he welcomes a challenge. How can he put out products that work with the resources he’s got? It hasn’t come without setbacks. Patrick has continued to put out quality supplements that work even with the DEA jammed so uncomfortably far up his ass the man forever walks funny. So far in fact that one day they took it upon themselves to seize and raid his beautiful 40,000 sq. ft lab and manufacturing facility in 2009 because a couple of baseball players failed a drug test and blamed it on Patrick’s new product called 6-OXO.

The product sample was tested and found to be insufficient in producing a positive drug test, but the damage was done. The lab was destroyed, and all the equipment. Patrick’s proverbial Ferrari went to auction. He was left standing in the rubble with a heavy heart, swallowing another emotional set back, and 6-OXO was pulled off the market.  So long to another effective supplement. May it rest in peace.

These are circumstances that would make an ordinary man throw in the towel and pick a new profession, but Patrick and his business partner Lakhan Boodram continue their work slowly rebuilding with very little capital. I have asked Patrick on more than one occasion. What the hell man? Why don’t you just write a book about the industry, steroids, and debauchery, or go make six figures for an oil company?… something! His answer is simple and the same every time. “Because I’ll never sell out, I can’t imagine doing anything else, and I’ll never leave my business partner hanging.” I don’t blame the guy one bit. That whole book thing didn’t work out so well for Conseco.

It’s admirable to run across honest people that are in a business so cloaked with scandal and exceeding the allowable per capita of swindlers, hustlers, cheaters, liars, and narcissists. The guy is just a good human. The cool thing about Patrick is he’s one of us. He’s approachable and down to earth, and in addition to being a supplement savant, the man actually knows a thing or two about training.

Stay tuned for the interview half of this series where I have Patrick weigh in on training, what he thinks about CrossFit, supplemental things, and a few shenanigans including the cat outside his lab that’s stalking him and possibly some dating advice for fitness minded ladies (wish me luck there). Feel free to check him out anytime at patrickarnoldblog.com.

Heading to the second floor Shane spotted the lovely GiGi Amurao taking the stairs and not the escalator like Shane was and anybody who knows Muscleweek’s very own Shane Ray knows that Shane has been seriously infected with Yellow Fever for quite some time and board certified medically diagnosed with the fortunate plague.

With a little tricks from The Mystery Method and a few negs, false time constraints and a few sentences using neuro-linguistic programming an interview with Muscleweek was underway…

MW:  GiGi Amurao. Welcome to Muscleweek! It’s great to have you. So tell me now how you got into this crazy circus that is the Bikini competitions and bodybuilding. Did you sort of fall into it with your Eyes Wide Shut or did some bodybuilder at the gym feed you a line and tell you that you were perfect for all of this?

GA: [Laughter] Actually a little bit of both. I have always been into sports and I started lifting around when I was in college. I actually got the itch to go on stage when I was in colleges and I started training and dieting but it didn’t long. I guess because at that age I was as focused and I wasn’t mentally ready to sacrifice my weekends or food. So I just stuck to working out and keeping healthy. Competing didn’t hit me again until this year. How I ended up competing was actually a girl friend of mine was training and prepping for her first show in the WBBF. I kind of got a little jealous that she was looking good and I guess in my head I sort of started my own little competition between her and myself.  Right after that I called the first trainer I knew and was like “ get me in sick shape”!  From there I started training harder than usual and after a month of that I said, “ That’s it!! I wanna hit the stage” and from that moment I looked into competition teams. 

MW:  It paid off. So you won your Pro Card very quickly. In only two shows. Most competitors I know literally enter every single competition on the current Gregorian calendar and never even getting a call out let a lone a decent placing. What do you give the credit to for your rocket-like rise to the top?

GA: Thank you. Yes I did. My first show ever was in June then in about 3 months I earned my Pro Card at the IFBB North American Champioships in Pittsburgh, PA. What do I contribute to my rapid rise? My obsessive compulsive mirror distorted obsession of myself. [Laughter] Just kidding. The truth is I have always been a goal orientated person and I’m very into numbers so when I make something a goal I try to complete it in it ‘X’ amount of time and whatever it takes to get it done I do it.  My goal originally was just to place in the Top 5 nationally and before the end of season I wanted to come in the Top 3. The Pro card I had my sights set on earning next year.  I guess my future prayers were answered.  I can’t be anymore proud and honored. Another reason is of course my awesome coach, friends and family who would tear me apart if I had a glass of wine or cookie to the point where I would be embarrassed if I had it.

MW: So staying fit & healthy was always something you were into. What sports did you play in high school and college?

GA:  I got on JV Lacrosse as a freshman in high school then made varsity as a sophomore.  During the winter season in high school I was on the varsity gymnastics for 4 years. After High School I got a scholarship to play D-II Lacrosse in College but I only played a year. Staying in shape was always a priority but eating healthy wasn’t. [Laughter]  I’ll be the first one to stick my hand in the cookie jar. I was the one who had 6 different kinds of chocolate chip cookies in the cupboard. Hey! I worked out REALLY HARD to be able to eat whatever I wanted. [Laughter]

MW: Are Bikini competitors athletes? Can we say bodybuilders are athletes? What makes them athletes when the average Miss America competitor considers themselves pageant contestants. How is what you do not a pageant?

GA:  I think that’s a subjective question. Since I am a competitor I believe all bodybuilders are athletes along Bikini. Just like the NFL or NBA we diet and hit the weights everyday even  off-season. We work hard to shape, train and make our bodies better or to look a certain way. We constantly critique ourselves and watch videos of us posing so as to see what we do wrong or what pose makes us look weird or fat. I believe that being an athlete is a life altering way of living. We don’t just prep 12 weeks and that’s it we do this all year round it’s a way of life. Miss America is kind of different. I actually competed in the Miss New York USA.  Pageants are all about being a lady.  Pageant contestants get in shape but not nearly to the point of what body builders or bikini competitors do.

MW: The popular consensus is that Bikini competitors are just Hooter’s waitresses who found the stage. Can any self-proclaimed “hot chick” off Any Street, USA just waltz off the street onto the stage and win a Pro Card in the IFBB?

GA:  Tough to say. I mean it can happen. I  met a girl who competed with me and  qualified for nationals the week before then the following week was at USA’s with me and won her pro card. Who knows if she used to work at Hooters [Laughter].  I think there is a shape and look the judges are looking for and not everyone off the street has it nor do I think anyone with a great body can place well. Bikini is very subjective so you never know. Whoever says that Bikini girls are just Hooter waitresses should be shot! They’re just insecure haters who would LOVE to do what we do and get on stage and be ripped apart inched by inch. Then go home and say OK lets try to do that and not eat this blah blah. Try doing half of what I do or live the lifestyles we do along with work and the grind of everyday life. They wont be laughing after that!!

MW: After 3 years of Bikini it seems these girls are getting harder and harder. They seem to be getting more lean. Perfect visible abs are now a criteria. How long until Bikini transforms into Figure and Figure is totally eliminated?

GA:  Well this division is subjective and I think the judges don’t know exactly what they are looking for except the total overall fit package of nice skin, leanness all over, small waist, nice round glutes.  I think the leanness and being harder thing is coming in as the media portrays skinny celebrities or an ever-shrinking world.  Girls taken upon them to want to look that way. Ugh!

MW: A big secret in the bodybuilding industry is that it isn’t a secret drugs such as anavar, winstrol, clenbuterol, synthroid and growth hormone play a large part in the preparation phase of the competitors. How common is it according to you? 

GA: Ya know in my opinion Bikini girls can achieve the results they want just by consistent strict dieting and training. There is no need for the hard stuff. Those things aren’t part of my prep but I can’t speak for all girls. Everyone is different and everyone has their own thinking process of how to get to where they want. I would be lying if I said this stuff doesn’t happen in the industry but for me I don’t  touch those “enhancers”. I’m au’ natural. [Laughter]

MW: I notice that girls these days feel they can’t compete without Team affiliation. Gone are the days where girls used a mirror and a scale to come in shape. How important is it for the girl to join a Team such as the Oddo Angels or Team Bombshell for her success. Can they do it all by themselves and have a fair shake?

GA: Absolutely. YES. You can do it on your own and yes a girl can place well not knowing anybody. But the reason why I joined a Team was for the support and the knowledge. We all know what foods are good and bad for us. To be honest I had no clue what to eat, how to eat, what exercises builds certain body parts etc. Having a couch teaches me how to train and gives me that added confirmation that what I am doing is right. With any division there is so much prep involved that if I didn’t have my coach/team I would be lost. They know what the judges like and they give you an unbiased opinion on what you need to work on or work out less.

MW: GiGi. You’re a card carrying member of Team Bombshell. What makes Shannon Dey’s organization so popular? Often it has been said her diets are cookie cutter since she has such a high volume of girls. How can she possible pay attention to you? Is she the nutritional wizard some claim or is she just connected?

Shannon Dey is awesome and everyone thinks her diet are cookie cutter but its not. She really targets the workouts and diet to your body. Yes, we all eat the same staple basics, like chicken, asparagus, oatmeal tilapia so yes were all eating that on our plan but I can tell you all our diets are different in some way whether it be with portion, time to eat or what week to eat it at. Since joining Team Bombshell my body has changed so much I definitely see such a difference. I believe Shannon really knows the female body. She makes her own exercises that really targets certain areas. When I first got my plan I saw exercises I never even heard of and when I did them I was like “Holy shit that does work”.  I also think Shannon is very passionate about this industry and she really takes the time to prep each girls plan.  She wants all of us to do well and she’s super organized and on top of everything!

MW: How do you make a living? Another secret in bodybuilding is the starting  salary of an IFBB Pro which is exactly $ -200.00/annually. A  pot of gold and endless opportunity didn’t await you, right?

GA: [Laughter]  I look at my boyfriend with my cute smile and shake my butt and say “ bbbaabbbyy can you pleeeaasee” Just kidding. That’s so far from the truth. I must say I’m very motivated and I’m far from lazy. I’m a hustler baby! I have a BS in Communications and an M.B.A in Sports and Entertainment Marketing. I have a full time job in TV advertising and I also bar-tend 2-3x a week on top of booking hosting or modeling gigs and I train 1-2 times a day. So my days are full.

MW: You seem like a cool, funny down to Earth girl, GiGi. I respect that. Can I safely assume your better half is a man with a JOB with health insurance who thinks about his retirement? Please tell me such a fine woman such as yourself doesn’t date a lying, lazy secretive broke dick dog loser bodybuilder who lays on your couch all day eating you out of the rent.

GA: [Laughter] Yes.  My BF owns a couple business. I think he’s the supped up version of me. He’s driven, motivated and does extremely well for himself.  I need someone who’s motivated and isn’t lazy in life.  He’s vey supportive of what I do and that means a lot as far as he bodybuilding he definitely can compete and has the body for it but he likes to watch me instead.

MW: Good! That makes me feel better. I would have ended this interview and walked out of this gym if you told me you had a delusional bodybuilder with bad credit and bad resume at home staring into your fridge. So where do you see Bikini competition in the IFBB headed in 3-5 years?

GA: The next 3 years I think Bikini is going to be HUGE at every national show I did before I went Pro there were 40-45 girls in my height class. Usually there are like 300 Bikini girls competing in the division at every national pro qualifying show. In addition to the numbers I think girls in Bikini will be more leaned out, more muscle, much tighter all around as the years go by.

MW: In other words it will become Figure and Figure will be eliminated. I agree. Bikini is huge. It surpassed all other divisions. Men’s Bodybuilding is 100% dead.  Competitors often put thousands and thousands into a prep with travel, food, suits and other expenses with no return for winning. I’m no accountant but how does one justify that? Are you in this to make a career or are you just really passionate about it?

GA: Actually both. I love the journey getting to where I need to be. I have always been passionate about health and fitness and living a healthy lifestyle is like second nature to me. Competing is my motivation to do better and to set goals for myself. When I realized that you could make money doing something you love it made that much more sense to me. I’m all for it.

MW: Gigi. You’re getting ready for your first Pro show this month. I bet you’re excited. What are you doing different this time and what kind of improvements are you focusing on right now to bring a better presentation?

GA:  I’m doing a lot more cardio and doing completely different exercises that really target the areas I need to work on. For me it’s that I have to be just a tad leaner in my front thighs and bring my waist in tighter. I also know that I have to work on my posing so I can accentuate the better parts of my body. If I can get this all down right I know I can do well.

MW: Okay. Fun stuff. Ready? If you can kick anybody in the bodybuilding industry square between the shoulder blades down a flight of stairs who would it be? Most people would say me. 

GA: [Laughter] So I’ve heard. Honestly? I’m a lover not a hater. I want everyone to do well. We all have our time to shine.

MW: If you can squeeze the glutes or motorboat the pecs of any pro bodybuilder who would it be?

GA:   Shane! I know you’re trying to get me in trouble. Can I skip this question?

MW: If you were stuck for a month on a deserted island which 3 things would you wish you had with you the most?

GA: A good knife. A plate of white chocolate chip cookies and a good bottle of wine!

MW: What are some things you can’t go to the gym without

GA: My iPod. My workout book log and schedule.

MW: If you can make one huge difference to this world that would influence the masses what would it be?

GA:  To be honest I get asked a lot of questions at the gym about my diet and training.  I can see that so many people get discouraged and if I can help them in anyway I will. I love when I can help motivate others. I truly believe that with the right guidance everyone can start on the path of a healthy lifestyle. So I wish I can teach the world the importance of living a clean healthy active life.

MW: Outside of the glamour & glitz of the stage tell us one thing about Gigi Amurao that most people do not know.

GA: I have a type A personality. I’m really down to Earth and I love the Giants.  I also have an obsession with things that goes fast like race cars, jet planes etc. Honestly,  I’m such a tomboy. I love watching football, and playing card games or just relaxing with my friends.

MW: Congratulations, Gigi. You officially survived an interview with Muscleweek.com. Is there anything you’d like to plug or promote? How does one get in contact with you for possible sponsorship or modeling opportunity?

GA:  Contacting me is easy. Just shoot over an email to Gigiamurao@gmail.com.  I just want to thank Muscleweek for taking an interest in a gal like me. It was fun and not as bad as I thought it would be.

Bonus Questions:

– Favorite Cheat Meal:  PIZZA and White Chocolate chip macadamia cookies.

– Favorite Clean Meal:  Oatmeal with Almond Butter.

– NYC Pizza or Chicago Style Pizza:  NYC baby. I’m a total New Yorker at heart.

– Rangers or Islanders:  Rangers

– Favorite Alcoholic Drink: . [Laughter!] All of them. Kidding. Umm,  Avion Tequila or wine.

– Favorite NYC Gym:  This gym here ( NYSC)  but I’m really into David Barton Gym in Miami.

– Obama or Romney:  Obama.

– Last Book Read:  Holy Cow!  I read articles these days I have no time to read an actual book.

– Favorite Vacation Destination:  Greece and Cabo San Lucas.

*If you would like to be interviewed with Muscleweek.com contact Shane@muscleweek.com .

“Hey. Thanks for getting the door for me. My name is Shane. You can take this cab with me if you want but you if you do then you must do an interview with me for Muscleweek.com .”

With a coy laugh and the power of persuasion, Amira agrees and the 2hr cab ride to Brooklyn paid off and Shane didn’t even make her pay for her ride.

MW:  Amira. Welcome to Muscleweek. This has to be the 3rd time this year I’ve been to The Big Apple. Right off the bat tell me what the best movie ever made in NYC is and don’t say Home Alone -2.

AL: So many good movies were made here. I’d have to say either Coming To America or Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

MW:  I was leaning more towards  KIDS  or  The Warriors but Coming To America was great. You told me once that you are a full-time fitness professional. Explain to me what exactly you do and give me some more information about your company – Hollistic Hottie.

AL: I’m a New York City-based certified trainer, group fitness instructor, nutrition & holistic lifestyle professional, and entrepreneur. I’ve been passionate about exercise, nutrition and holistic wellness for most of my life – so my company Holistic Hottie Inc provides online and in-person individualized coaching to individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle and their best body.

MW:   Have you always been really involved in the fitness industry? I can tell you’re very passionate about it. What led you in this direction?

AL:
I grew up studying gymnastic and dance plus idolizing al the fitness gurus on TV like the 20 minute workout ladies, Gilad, Donna Richardson, Kiana Tom, and Cory Everson.  And then as soon as I turned 18 I got certified to teach group exercise.  I went to school at Umass Amherst and there I designed my own major concentrating on exercise science, health promotion, nutrition and business. After graduation I studied and certified through NASM, AFAA, Power Pilates, Stott Pilates, the CHEK institute, and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.

MW: I have to ask you. As a woman of ethnicity has it ever been a challenge living a lifestyle of clean eating and regular physical fitness? I spoken to many Figure & Bikini girls in Chicagoland who are black and most of them told me they face adversity from their family, relatives and friends on a regular basis as this lifestyle doesn’t fit in the norm of their culture or upbringing.

AL: I’ve never really cared what others thought about my eating and exercise habits. I’ve never felt any peer pressure to eat a certain way to fit in.

MW: You agree that the best medicine is preventive medicine, correct? Why do you think the AMA pushes the dependency of prescription medicine instead of living a lifestyle of discipline and common sense? Are we as a country doomed?

AL: Living a lifestyle of discipline and common sense doesn’t fit the culture we have of immediate gratification. Plus that kind of lifestyle isn’t what makes huge corporations rich. As a country we are not necessarily doomed. There are pockets of growing awareness all around the country. But if the nation made a cultural shift that embraced discipline and common sense, our economy would crumble.

MW: Do you feel the fitness lifestyle is still considered taboo in our country? I think people who do not eat, drink and smoke to excess levels are considered lame by society stigma. Will people who live the fitness lifestyle ever get past the stigma of living on carrots & celery and being in the gym for 8hrs a day?

AL: I think it’s lame to eat, drink, and smoke to excess levels. But it’s also lame to be in the gym 8 hrs a day. Excess generally is not a good thing. Regarding the stigma – I don’t see it.

MW:  Let’s talk about the competition aspect of you. So you’re a Bikini girl in the NPC. How did you find this circus? With all due respect you got in the game at a later age.

AL: I’m a national level bikini competitor with the NPC. I’ve followed the sport of bodybuilding and fitness for quite some time. When bikini came onto the scene, I liked that aesthetic and finally decided to compete right after my 35th birthday. I won my first show (Metroplitans in NYC), qualified for nationals and placed 4th in my height class and 4th in masters at Team U. So yes,  I started later in life than some but it hasn’t hindered me any way in my opinion.

MW: Do you see yourself more of an athlete or a pageant contestant? What’s the main difference between a Hawaiian Tropic show, Toddlers & Tiaras and bikini in the NPC?

AL: Definitely an athlete. Hawaiian tropic is a model contest with an evening gown round in addition to bikini. While some NPC bikini competitors are also bikini models. I think the majority of us are athletes first. We train hard. Are you really trying to compare what I do with Toddlers & Tiaras?

MW: Lots of girls put thousands and thousands of dollars into a prep with suits, trainer, travel, food prep and so many other things. The return is usually if not every single time absolutely nothing. I’m not financial adviser but how does one justify that?

AL: People compete for different reasons. For me, it suits my lifestyle perfectly. Plus it makes me a better trainer and coach. 

MW: It is no secret that competition in the most commercially successful organization for bodybuilding is very political and often said corrupted. Are you realistic about the end result of competition for you or do you have aspirations of winning a pro card and living the life on endless opportunity and riches like so many do?

AL: Politics are in every competitive sport or event where the judging is subjective rather than quantitative. You see that in gymnastics and competitive dance as opposed to something like volleyball or swimming. Would I like to achieve the status of IFBB Pro? Sure. But i don’t put all my eggs in one basket. I enjoy the competition world and take it for what it is. I’m there to create my own opportunities and build my fitness and holistic lifestyle brand – Holistic Hottie Inc.

MW: Should a girl these days even bother competing if they don’t have the right trainer or Team affiliation? Gone are the days when competitors didn’t have any of that. They used a mirror only and hoped for the best.

AL: I think so. Especially if it fits their lifestyle already or if they just want to set a personal goal.

MW: You seem to be a well traveled and well cultured girl. You’re articulate and you seem to have a lot going for you. Is it safe to say that you don’t ever date broke dick dog loser unemployed competitive bodybuilders? I assume your significant other has a J-O-B with health insurance and a future, correct?

AL: [Laughter] That’s correct, Mr. Shane.

MW: A common expression is Shit Rolls Downhill. Back about 10 years ago when Figure came on the scene the female bodybuilders resented them as did the Fitness girls. Now with Bikini it seems that they are the whipping girls. Is there a feeling of tension or resentment backstage at these shows or is everyone one big happy supportive family?

AL: I tend to be oblivious to any displays of tension or resentment backstage. So in my opinion it’s one big happy family.

MW:  What is the goal here for Amira Lamb? IFBB Pro Card? What happens after that? Let’s talk long term here.

AL:  My primary focus is on developing my fitness and holistic lifestyle brand Holistic Hottie. Regarding competing – I have some pro qualifier shows I am entering.  Let’s see how I do there and then I’ll get back to you.

MW: Let’s have some fun now. Okay. Who is your industry husband? Whose glutes do you just want to squeeze and pecs you want to motorboat?

AL: [Laughter] Ummm. I think I’ll keep that one to myself. Next question, Shane.

MW: If you can kick one person in the bodybuilding industry square between the shoulder blades who would it be?

AL: I said I do want my pro card so I’m not answering that! You’re trouble. I can tell.

MW: If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island for a month what 3 items would you bring with you?

AL: Good question. Let’s see. Stevia extract. My iPhone and a Swiss Army Knife.

MW: Supplements: Which ones do you find most beneficial?

AL: Nutrabio’s glutamine, a quality magnesium and Ignite Natural’s Adrenal Reboot.

MW: If you can change one thing about the bodybuilding industry what would it be?

AL: I’d like to see more natural and whole foods-based supplements promoted in industry magazines such as Nutrabio and Ignite naturals.

MW:  Okay. Fine. If you can change one thing about the world what would it be?

AL: [Laughter] That sounds like a Miss America question. Where do I start?

MW: Amira. You survived an interview with Muscleweek.com. That wasn’t so bad, was it? What would you like to plug or promote? How does one get in contact with you for possible sponsorship or modeling opportunity?

AL: My email: Amira@HolisticHottie.com My company website: www.HolisticHottie.com

 BONUS QUESTIONS:

Favorite Clean Meal: Any organic/wild/pastured lean protein with a Korean sweet potato and a little coconut oil.
Favorite Cheat Meal: Lulu's Maca Chunk Chocolate Bar. But I'll even eat those up until the last week before a show..
NY Rangers or NY Islanders: Rangers!
Yankess or Mets: Mets.
Chicago style pizza or NYC style pizza: I don't eat pizza. Don't judge!
Favorite Exercise: Deadlifts.
Favorite Gym: New York Sports Clubs.
Favorite Song: It's impossible to narrow down but I could listen to just Prince and Bob Marley for the rest of my life and be content.
Concert You See Every Year: Prince
Favorite Drink: Water.
Favorite Vacation Destination: Someplace warm with a world-class spa, beach, gym, farm-to-table dining and a zip line. 

 

On a late Friday night and after a couple Four Loko’s to get into the zone, Shane Ray gave Sondra a call and told her she was being recorded for an exclusive interview with Muscleweek.com .

And so it goes…

MW:  Sondra. Welcome to Muscleweek! Right off the bat tell us what about your on stage swagger you displayed recently at the 2012 NPC USA’s in Las Vegas. It seems like lots of critics blasted you for adding in a little extra. Did you have that planned or was it spontaneous? 

SB:  There were some parts of my “swagger” that were heat of the moment! I tend to ad-lib when I get anxious. Part of the criticism came from me unintentionally leaning too far forward on my back shot, which I completely understand. Judges want to see the BUTT! Not anything else. However, my signature Hand behind the head pose was called out as being “stripper-ish”? It’s Ironic to call it that when bikini girls are taught to parade around the stage doing far more suggestive things. I fail to see how being cute and having my hand behind my head is stripper-ish? That was just me having fun and making my posing different than the rest with-out being obscene. I got first place at the governor’s cup doing it, and no one said anything about that being suggestive or obscene.

MW: It goes to show the closeted sexuality of the guys at the judging panel. So are Bikini competitors athletes? Can they call themselves athletes? What’s the difference between what you do and a Miss Universe contest or a Miss Hawaiian Tropic contest? Can they call themselves athletes?

SB:  Yes.  REAL bikini competitors have to be athletes. I stress “real” because there are many out there who do not work hard enough to call themselves so. Constantly cheating, flimsy workouts, and crash dieting the last 2 weeks does not deserve the title of an athlete even If you have a rockin’ bod. Yes. I think some pageant girls are athletes as well. The difference between Bikini girls and Pageant girls is not dedication (they both have to have it), but rather mode of training. Pageant girls can display and train for a wide variety of talent impressive or unimpressive as it may be but Bikini girls all want to meet a certain aesthetic goal which requires A LOT of hours in the gym and a hardcore dedication to clean eating.

MW: You seem to be from a family very into health & fitness. I know you have a sister very into the scene. Was this lifestyle something that was taught to you growing up by your parents or was it something you adopted over time?

SB:  Our whole family is pretty involved in the fitness lifestyle and we were molded to be active since we were young by participating in sports like martial arts, track and field and competitive gymnastics. I had always had a secret urge to do a bodybuilding contest (I use to watch bodybuilding shows with my dad when I was young), but didn’t have time to train for one until I was done with College and college sports.. My twin sister Erykah is a Figure Competitor and was able to get her foot in the door earlier then I could. After seeing her do it I really knew I wanted to myself.

MW:  Lots of people claim that backstage at a show there is a lot of tension & animosity between the girls and even the other girls in different divisions such as Figure & Bodybuilding.  Any truth behind those rumors?

SB:  Eh, it’s hit and miss. Just like in any sport, people get nasty. I have met some of the nicest girls I have ever met backstage but I have also seen some of the snootiest and most superficial bimbos I’ve ever come across in all different divisions.  For the most part, even though there are high levels of tension, most girls are ready to help one another out and are pretty friendly.

MW:  How did the girls or even the promoters treat you backstage after the USA’s. I can’t imagine that bad since you placed pretty well at that show. 

SB:  Very well! They are very congratulatory and shared in my excitement and I got a lot more attention. Others, unfortunately treated me with disdain and resentment but that’s fine. I’m not losing sleep.

MW:  You’re somewhat new to the game of competition in the NPC. What’s next for you? At your next outing will you do on stage what you did at the USA’s or will you conform to the judges wishes and play it conservative in a division with absolutely nothing conservative about it?

SB:  Good question! I’m going to be working with posing coaches now (Team Dreamquest and Noel fuller), So I will have some things cleaned up to help me present myself and avoid unintentional blunders like my issue of leaning to far forward but I can’t see myself totally conforming. I’m not trying to stir the pot but I’m not going to change a pose because one person thinks it’s “stripperish” especially in a sport that is so subjective. One of the poses that I was blasted for [like mentioned before] was raising my hand behind my head and popping my hip, which is the same thing I did at the Governors cup (in which I won first place in my class) and nothing was ever said about it being inappropriate. to one person it is acceptable, but to the next it may be too much. Sometimes it’s very confusing and frustrating! I’m sorry, but how is flaunting your butt and bobbing your hips around stage and being told to act sexy conservative in the first place? All I can say is I will not do anything that I think is trashy or inappropriate on purpose.  I want to keep everything as classy and fun as possible. There are children and families in the audience.

MW: Lots of girls who compete in Bikini around Chicagoland, where I live, are reportedly already dabbling in alchemy and pharmacy to compete. We both know it is 100% necessary to use drugs if you compete in Bodybuilding, Physique and Figure in the NPC but is it also required in Bikini?

SB:  NO! I have very strong opinions about illegal physique enhancing aids and I don’t care if others don’t agree. Many men and women in Figure, Physique and Bodybuilding don’t dip in it look great and WIN! The look that’s wanted for bodybuilding may require it but to each their own. But Bikini girls? Worst joke I’ve ever heard! There is ABSOLUTELY no need for that. The only changes Bikini girls need to make to there bodies can easily be acquired naturally. Them taking it would be unnecessary and I would even call it cheating.  If you can get the look that’s desired naturally from your own efforts then do it.  Don’t be lazy.

MW: You’d be surprised how many girls I know are already using mild anabolics and growth hormone just for Bikini, Sondra. Lots of people have a hard time understanding how people can spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to compete in any bodybuilding division with virtually nothing in return. I know not everything is about monetary reward but how does one justify this?

SB:  My motivation to keep doing competitions in such an expensive sport is the intrinsic reward I get. Don’t get me wrong, extrinsic awards like trophies are awesome but people who place the value in the extrinsic reward are the likeliest to burn out the fastest and completely fall off the band wagon when things go wrong. It is depressing and defeating to train 12-16 weeks for a brief moment of recognition only to go home empty handed. For me ?My body is my trophy and if I am happy with the end result of the months of training and dieting makes it worth it if I happen to go home empty handed. I love to push myself to the limits and it is thrilling to watch my body change. I also believe as a personal trainer I need to be a walking poster board for what I do. Training for these keeps me fit and motivated for myself and my clients.  It’s important to practice what you preach!

MW: You’re a pretty busy girl. Working on the corporate side of personal training and along  side of physical therapists. Come contest prep time how do you manage your schedule? Cram it all in and hope for the best or do you plan everything wisely?  

SB:  I’m not going to lie it started out as a struggle. That’s how bad I wanted it. I had to manage my day down to the last minute it feels like. I would start my day at 5:30 for morning cardio, head to the Physical Therapy clinic at 7-1, then I head to my Corporate job from 2-5:30. After that I would do resistance training from 6-7:30. I am completely exhausted by the time I got home. My schedule is much better now. After doing that for so long it became routine. I rarely complained about it.

MW: America is the most obese country in the world. It is not completely taboo for an American to be into health and fitness. In America it is norm to have an expanding waist line and to be somebody who drinks like a fish and live on fast food. Where did we go wrong?

SB:  We went wrong in a lot of different places. There isn’t one simple answer as we have been snowballing in this direction for a while. Lack of personal responsibility, food industries, and socioeconomics are some of the big ones. We live in a society where everything must be convenient, easy, cheap and fast. Exercising and eating healthy for most people is none of those. We spend most of our time at 8-5 sit down jobs, spend way to much with our faces buried in technology while eating way to much junk food because it’s easily accessed. So all in all, there are numerous factors that contribute to the epidemic but it seems as though pure ignorance and lack of personal responsibility is the main cause for our countries Michelin Man physiques. We need to spend more time educating our youth so we can improve our countries image and our overall health. 

MW: Facebook is loaded with every schmoe in the galaxy. I imagine that your inbox is flooded with propositions or suggestions from many different ghouls. What’s the weirdest private message you’ve ever received? I spoke to somebody who told me this one creep offered her money to pee on him.

SB:  Yikes!! Fortunately I haven’t had anything that forward.  I am badgered a lot with rando’s asking really stupid loaded questions. I have had a few pretty putrid thugs write me telling me the very specific things they wanted to do to me. I usually ignore them but sometimes I respond with the things I would love to do to them- Unfortunately, it’s probably not what they wanted to hear. There are some pretty stupid people out there.

MW: Sondra. You seem like a cool, hip and well articulated girl. You seem like you have a lot going on and that you’re going places. I hope to assume you date a man with a real J-O-B with health insurance and a pension building and not some lying loser broke-dick-dog bodybuilder who surfs your couch all day long and doesn’t pay any of his bills, right?

SB:  Nicely worded! Unfortunately, I just recently came out of a 5 year engagement that has me pretty torn up inside. We loved each other very much but we couldn’t make it work.  I will NEVER even consider being with or waste my time on someone who doesn’t have their priorities set straight and or a bodybuilder/jersey shore wannabe d-bag who spends more time in the mirror then I do and worries about when their next gym session or invest most of their bill money towards GH. I like men with goals, good morals, standards, are health conscious, have faith and heart. A traditional man that knows how to treat a woman. A pretty face and nice body is a plus, though. I am still hurting and not at all searching. I will wait for the right man God wants me to be with.

MW: Let us both pray that God  sends you a man who works for a living and has a real future. You don’t deserve a man who stays chronically unemployed getting by selling drugs and selling his body to wealthy gay men to foot the steroid bills.  Moving on. Can girls even compete these days without having some nutritional coach in her corner or some political affiliation with some Team? Gone are the days competitors used their own wit and a mirror.

SB:  I’ve trained myself for all my competitions so it’s do-able if you have the right amount of training/nutrition know-how. The only part where I really suffered was posing. Having help makes things much easier and your chances of success will probably be a lot better with a trainer and team to be behind you. I advise any girl who doesn’t have a strong background in kinesiology/physical education to get a trainer/posing coach or hitting the stage might be a complete disaster.

MW:  Fun Stuff: Ready? Who in the bodybuilding industry would you like to kick square in between the shoulder blades straight down a long flight of stairs? JM? Lee Thompson?

SB:  Nobody to specifically call out by name but definitely the one backstage staff member that lines up the Bikini girls. It always seems like WHOEVER this person is despises us with every cell in their body and make it a goal to treat us so much like dirty cattle as possible.  I feel like I’m ready to be branded. I don’t know what it is but Bikini girls seem to be treated like jokes by these people and we are always doing something wrong or treated like we are too stupid to understand directions. We train to hard and spend too much money to be treated like that.  I would love to swift kick this person in the face with my heels and THEN push them down a flight of stairs.

MW: Who is your industry husband? Whose glutes do you want to squeeze?

SB:  Sorry. I’m so lame. I don’t have anybody that comes to mind.

MW: If you can change one thing about the bodybuilding industry what would it be?

SB:  I know this would be a hard thing to change but the nature of bodybuilding is FAR to subjective. Political favor and other b.s factors need to be taken out. People train way to hard and long to not be recognized for their hard work.

MW: Tell me 3 things you can never go to the gym without.

SB:  My gloves. My water and my TUNES! Workout is extra painful without the tunes and with the big headphones people are less likely to bug me.

MW:  If you can go back in time 10 years what warnings would you give yourself? 

SB:  None! Any mistakes made I’ve learned very important life lessons from but if I had to I would assure myself that everything will be Ok and that I should stop stressing about things that are out of my control and worry about the things I can.

MW: Where does Sondra Blockman see herself in 5 years? Paint the picture for me.

SB:  I see myself doing what I love! Motivating and training others to meet their goals and hopefully seeing a little bit more $$ from it! I can see myself still competing and living a fit and healthy life.

MW: Sondra. You survived a Muscleweek.com interview. Congratulations. Is there anything you would like to promote? How does one get in contact with you for possible sponsorship or modeling opportunities?

SB:  Thanks! This was such a fun interview. Message on Facebook or email me at Sblockman@westmont.edu .

B O N U S   Q U E S T I O N S:                                                                            

– Favorite Cheat Food: Oatmeal cookies!

– Favorite Clean Eating Food: Yams.

– Favorite Gym: Everyday Fitness.

– Favorite Exercise: Power Cleans & Pull Ups.

– Favorite Cardio Music: The Tron soundtrack.

– San Jose Sharks or LA Kings: Sharks.

– Oakland A’s, LA Dodgers or SF Giants: Giants.

– Favorite Movie: Any movie by Marvel or DC. I’m such a comic book nerd.

– Current Book You Are Reading: It isn’t 50 Shades of Grey.

– Favorite Drink: Coconut Water.

– Favorite Vacation Destination: Any of Italy’s famous beaches such as Capri or Amalfi.

HM: OMG! All the time! And it pisses me off because I was named after Hayley Mills from the original “Parent Trap” – not the one with Lindsay Lohan – and it is spelled Hayley with TWO Y’s!!!! LOL! Haley’s comet is spelled like so. And yeah, people call me Haley’s Comet all the friggin time and depending on who they are, I will correct them, LOL.

MW: You’re a genuine Bostonian, correct? Why the move to cold windy Chicago? Which city has better food?

HM: Well yea…but not really…I grew up a half hour west of Boston in the boring ass suburbs, and actually never spent any time in Boston. I could probably count on one hand how many times I’ve even been there. True story. Ummm…LOL you clearly don’t know me! I couldn’t care less about food LOL…Unless I’m dieting that is…But I really never ate normal people food…Never went out to eat a lot…And when I did I ALWAYS got just a cheeseburger. Hence why “Cheeseburger” was actually my nickname in my old gym haha. But Chicago deep dish is pretty fantastic, and they have some massive burgers! I’d save Chicago wins – but I really never gave Boston a chance. I’m finally living like a kinda normal person for the first time in 5 years here: going out, going out to dinner, eating non-bber food lol. It was fun until I realized I lost 10lbs since I’ve lived here! Nooo!!! LOL!

MW: Red Sox fan? Is it true you have New York Yankee toilet paper?

Ahahahaa!!! Lol if there was toilet paper that existed with ANY logo on it I would soo get it lol! Naw I really don’t care about baseball or the huuuge rival between Boston and NY. Like realllyyy don’t care. I’d rather watch a bodybuilding show. Or watch Law and Order SVU LOL!

MW: You’re still in your early 20′s. You were 12 when I was your age. What age were you when you got into bodybuilding and what about it captured your interest?

HM: Shut up LOL! I’m an old soul! So there! LOL! I was 18. It was my Christmas break from college. I was on myspace and saw my first fbb. I almost died! I fell in love immediately and the rest is history. I’m sure people are actually probably bored of hearing that story from me LOL. But yea, I went to the gym the next day, and decided I was gonna get huuuge lol!! I think everyone should be jacked. It’s just that simple.

MW: How did you go about competing? Did somebody prompt you or encourage you? Who were your earliest influences on the competitive scene?

HM: Hah! I befriended Dave Pulcinella and Chris Zimmerman on Myspace. If not for them, I don’t know what I would have done! They both took my under their wing, as many others did, and taught me everything they knew. They were instrumental in shaping my bodybuilding career. Dave and Chris kept trying to convince me to compete, and my response was always, “I’m not big enough yet!!!” There’s actually a scene where I say that in Raising the Bar 3 with Chris, Dave, and Mike Pulcinella LOL. And in fact, that summer I competed for the first time. Dave brought me around to every bodybuilding he knew and made them tell me I was in fact big enough, and convinced me I’d look muuuch bigger when I was lean. He also told me every day for months that I WAS in fact, big enough lol. Finally, I decided I would do the Delaware – Dave did my diet, as he always does – and I won. That show, and the East Coast Classic, a week later, was where I made my mark in the industry. If not for those two knuckleheads I don’t know what would have happened instead!

MW: Genetically you have an advantage over most girls who get into bodybuilding. Was it relatively a natural thing for you?

HM: Sure. I also worked harder that any sane human being should ever work lol! I was totally nuts, like I mean NUTS! Completely OBSESSED and most people in the industry know that lol. Until I felt I had finally gotten “huge”, I was unstoppable. Eating 6-9 meals a day, every two hours on the dot, made sure I got at least 8 hours of sleep a night, never missed a workout, woke up in the middle of the night to eat, and trained as hard as I possibly could. Nuts! I didn’t go out, I didn’t drink, I didn’t really talk about anything besides bodybuilding and getting jacked for literally 4 years straight. My grades in college actually suffered dramatically freshman and sophomore year (until I got injured) because I would chose training over writing a paper or studying for an exam any day. Somehow I got it together junior and senior year and managed to raise my GPA enough to get into graduate school. Wheww! Lol! Oh and yea, not only did I wanna get “huge”, but I had this whole mission to do it naturally too. I wouldn’t touch a drug – I had a whole ego thing about it. Hence why my first National Show was Team Universe – tested show. I wanted to show everyone you could get your pro-card naturally and change female bodybuilding forever. Too bad they’re getting rid of bodybuilding now, so it really didn’t matter…

MW: What do you like most about competing? The body transformation or the structure of a contest prep?

HM: I HATE competing!!! Lol! Which is why I am done!!! The Delaware, my first show, Dave couldn’t make it. I was beyond disappointed. I couldn’t think about anything else the whole day. When I won, if you see the video, there was zero enthusiasm in my face…I just wanted him to be there. The only show I actually enjoyed was winning the East Coast Classic. Dave was with me every second of the day, and nothing could have made me happier than winning that show – for us. We had worked so hard for that – he was so proud of me. I looked like an animal and I knew it. Team Universe – Dave had to go to a wedding and couldn’t make it – ANDDDD I got sick/dehydrated and almost died. I’ve never felt worse in my life. I thought I was getting 3rd the whole day: it was one of the worst days of my life…Until they said my name for 1st place at the night show…I was in total shock. I felt relieved but not even happy because I didn’t get my pro card. Team Universe, last time, Dave, and a few other very important people to me were there. We had a blast and I will treasure our time together forever…However, besides that – it was a fucking disaster. I was finally in the best shape of my life, and to get there I learned to despise bodybuilding and competing. I dieted soo hard for soo long, and it showed…A WEEK BEFORE THE SHOW!! I was sooo stressed out about WINNING MY STUPID PRO CARD that my body went from a shredded freak 5 days out, to a watery mess the day of. It was beyond devastating. I wasted 5 grand and 5 months of my life to lose everything to stress taking over my body. The best part was that me and Dave were skyping towards the end of my prep because I was too tired to take pictures anymore for him – so I literally have NO evidence of all that hard work. Ugh….Grrr! That prep changed me…And I don’t think I’ll ever be the same. The more I dieted, the worse I felt, and the more I questioned what the hell I was doing this for. Which is why I’m living like a semi-normal person now! Ahhhhh! Soooo, to answer your question, lol, I like nothing about competing, it seems. The diet is easy for me, I pretty much eat a contest diet year round. I like doing cardio, and I like training. However when I feel like I am literally dying, and don’t want to move, never mind do 1-3 hours of cardio a day, or lift weights. Everything about the process becomes something I DREAD. After two consecutive years of that, I can’t find anything I like about competing.

MW: How many shows have you done and what do you feel was your best showing?

HM: Just said it in my previous rant – Delaware State and East Coast Classic. No pressure, bodybuilding was still fun back then…It became work after that. It was all about the PRO CARD. WINNING. Doing whatever it took. Suffering more than anyone should ever voluntarily suffer in their lives. And for what – to do all that work and it to disappear right before the show?! No thanks. My body thinks I’m killing it when I diet, and I have to diet hard as fuckkk to get any results.

MW: How did you approach the dieting process? Keto girl or are you a carb cycler? Who helped you out with that?

Dave Pulcinella always did my diet. Noo keto! I already get light-headed every time I stand up and subsequently collapse on the floor throughout the day NOT on a keto diet. I get so tired I can barely get off the couch. And it’s like that the majority of my prep. It was like that whether we carb cycled, did no carbs, did lots of carbs, even when I used someone else as a nutritionist briefly – the only thing that happened was I still felt like total shit but lost muscle. The dieting process does not agree with my body at all. Everyone I’ve talked to has said they’ve never heard of anyone having the reaction I do to normal contest preps. My body just isn’t cut out for it I guess. I feel like a hangover times about a million the whole time, to the point where I’m too tired to even pick up my phone. I don’t talk to anyone, I get completely isolated. I’ll even get too tired to go on the computer. Then I get depressed, and just look at the clock all day until I can go to sleep. What a life to live…I won’t do that to myself one more time.

MW: The NPC seems to be drifting away from Female Bodybuilding. Where do you see it going in 2-5 years? Will serious competitive female bodybuilding exist?

HM: Yeah, no kidding! I heard from reliable sources it was GONE as of 2012. Another reason I don’t care that I’m done competing for good. No they will not exist. It’s Physique now. Look at the recent shows even – there are only a few fbbs! There are already a million Physique chicks! It was genius creating that category. The girls don’t have to get enormous and can keep their femininity – it’s bodybuilding from the 80s! Which was the best! Hot chicks with muscle – that’s what it’s all about. Although I love the huuge chicks – not everyone supports that. No support – no money – no female bodybuilding. Very sad.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Hayley McNeff continues to eat cheeseburgers and train religiously at various diners and gyms in Chicagoland. If you’d like to reach Hayley, you can do so via Facebook. Stay tuned for a future exclusive interview with the delicious Hayley…only on MuscleWeek!

Muscleweek.com Senior Editor Shane Ray is one frequent flyer accumulating S.O.B. Back in New York City for the 3rd Annual Muscleweek.com Eastern Conference with board directors and shareholders, Shane Ray just had to get out of the grind and head to a New York gym he hasn’t graced yet.

Gold’s Gym in Bellmore.

Knowing as well as any predator in the animal kingdom the best place to find your prey is deep in the jungle. Always hungry like a wolf and on hunt for his next interview, Shane spots an unsuspecting NYC local who goes by the name of “Sweet Capri”. Amanda Cumberbatch.

With a brief introduction, discussion of mutual friends and a little bit of Game, Shane was able to get Amanda to sit with him and get comfortable in Muscleweek’s Hot Seat and have a little discussion about life, getting glamorized and dating loser bodybuilders.

MW: Amanda. Welcome to Muscleweek. This is my 2nd time in The Big Apple in a month. Thanks for showing me around. So give us a peek into your contest history.

AC: So happy we hooked up and get to spend some time showing you my favorite spots! It’s also fun to explore and finding new places! I’ve been competing since 2003 and if I were to name each and every show I would bore you. I pretty much did most of the major shows here on the East Coast. Since 2003 I’ve done 10 or 12 shows. I plan on doing one maybe two shows for sure this year.

MW: You have the North Americans coming up. You’ll be in the Master Class. What do you expect to happen there? Gunning for a Pro Card or are you just happy to be on stage?

AC: Over my many years competing I had never really put the energy or effort into a pro card. I mostly enjoy the process of prepping and watching my body morph. The stage is just an added bonus that I am grateful to have the ability to do. With that said, I just thought that it was time to aim higher and go for it. I am actually doing Master’s Nationals and possibly North Americans after. It’s time for that pro card but either way I am just happy to get up there!

MW: Your stomping grounds is Brooklyn. You’ve been a big city girl your whole life? What do you like most about living in the Big Apple?

AC: Funny thing is, I have actually lived in MA most of my life but consider Brooklyn my actual home. That’s where my family has been grounded and settled for years. I went to college in Amherst, MA, and I’ve remained there but always went back to Brooklyn on breaks and whenever I could. I love it here and I was setting myself up to move to NYC but some recent life events haven’t allowed for that final move to happen as quickly as expected.

MW: It seems like the bodybuilding culture is very rich in cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas. I contend New York is also deep in the roots of bodybuilding. What’s the bodybuilding sub-culture like here? One big happy family or is it a kill or be killed cutthroat culture like it is in Chicago? You never had NPC power-brokers or henchmen spoof call your phone with threats have you?

AC: From what I’ve experienced there are just different cliques . I haven’t seen anyone doing any cut-throating personally but then again, I stay away from that behavior and try to get along with just about everyone. Nope, no one has ever spoof called me!

MW: So you compete in Bikini or Figure? I can never tell these days as the Bikini girls are getting harder and harder from show to show.

AC: I am, have been and will always be a Figure Competitor. I am loving the new Physique division as well. I hear you about the blurring line between Figure and Bikini but I just pay close attention to WHO is winning shows not WHO’S SHOWING up at them. That typically gives me a good guideline as to what the judges are looking for. I have seen some pretty lean and ripped Bikini girls but that’s all it is because most of them do not have the amount of muscle a Figure or Physique competitor does regardless of conditioning.

MW: Would you call yourself an athlete? I see more similarities between Bikini even Figure with other pageants such as Toddlers & Tiaras or Little Miss Perfect.

AC: You are very funny. I do call myself an athlete. Always have been. The ability to glam myself up for the stage is an added bonus that I absolutely love! Don’t be jealous cuz you don’t get to do it and get all pretty like we do. It’s fun!

MW: How does a girl like you fall into this lifestyle? Were you into sports in highschool or college or have you always been a gym chick? I understand you’re quite the bookworm with a few degrees laying around. True?

AC: I do have some degrees. Yes. I have a BA in Sociology a M.ED in Student Development and I am currently working to get my PHD in sociology. Know what? When I was 16 I was already enrolled at UMASS to study Engineering. It’s not about “falling” into the lifestyle but more so about “surviving” in it.I have always been athletic – I ran track in high school and played volleyball even throughout college. I was usually the only girl you’d find lifting in my college weight room at 7pm on a Friday night. I think for me, getting into weights was about building some strength inside and out since I was always a very small petite girl.

MW: Let’s talk about bodybuilding douchebags. You know. The ones who think their entire lives revolve around their protein intake and their circle of losers who mooch off eachother and owe everyone money. You don’t get down with turds like them do you?

AC: I think we’ve all met one or 2 from time to time but I honestly stay out of even knowing that kind of business about people. I don’t judge. I only love.

Mw: Let’s pretend you win a Pro Card. Besides a $200 bill every year what else does a Pro Card from the IFBB bring you?

AC: Honestly, I don’t expect my life to change greatly with a pro card. It would be great if in the process of doing something I love I get rewarded for it! We all want that! The things I want to do in life and the impact I want to make in other people’s lives or my community I am already doing, with or without pro card or pro status.

MW: Back to bodybuilding douchebags. Lots of them live day to day and live the dream one workout at a time. They tend to fall into what Muscleweek calls the big three: Shady. Secretive. Suspicous. Why do you think so many bodybuilders are such lazy phags who think they are celebrities just because they worry about their macronutrients? What is the root of their mentality?

AC: Oh man, what’s with the name calling? Why so much hate for bodybuilders? [Laughter]. I know you want me to talk about my very personal experiences being in an “inner circle”, but I am going to respect my boundaries and the people I’ve met. Truth is most have a lot of deep rooted issues and resort to bodybuilding to escape their realities. It’s a very small industry and in no way, shape or form reflects the larger population in our society. But I have to say that not all bodybuilders are lazy douchebags and there are a few that actually live very well balanced family and work lives. Those are just hard to find but they do exist!

MW: Amanda. What advice can you give the typical “industry chick” who thinks she needs to be with an unemployed man with great calves and an impressive front lat spread? Do you tell her to run for the hills if she values her sanity, credit and car or do you wish them the best of luck?

AC: I think we’ve been talking too much and you are addressing this question particularly to me. [Laughter]
I personally love being in the industry temporarily but enjoy going “home” and having a life outside of it. I don’t let the industry define me, who I am, or my life and I tell every single one of my clients this. I share this sentiment with anyone who wants to get in it, especially the women. If you are in it to have fun and meet people then hey, best of luck. However, if you are trying to be in a serious relationship, be with a man who is willing to give you his all, act selfless, and not be suspicious and secretive, then look elsewhere. I have never seen so many selfish men and women as I have in this industry. I will just shut up now.

MW: You seem to have some swagger to you. Just hanging out with you an hour I could tell you’re the type who would pull out a false Order of Protection on someone or cut a mother fuckers face making sure not to get any blood on your Air Force One’s or your fresh white tee while singing some Stevie B out loud. How accurate is my assessment of you?

AC: Very. I am the sweetest person you’ll EVER meet. I will talk to you, help you, give you money even if I am struggling, clothe you and give you shelter if needed. But when I am pushed, taken advantage of AND ABUSED, you will see a very, very bad and ugly side of me. I don’t even like it because it scares me. I can be ghetto and cut a bitch.

MW: It is now 100% en vogue for girls to have a prep coach these days. Gone are the days when a competitor used a mirror only. Who is in charge of your prep and could you tell us what makes him/her so good at what they do?

AC: I am currently working with IFBB Pro Fakhri Mubarak. He’s been a great friend, mentor and coach. I actually wrote a piece about choosing a contest prep coach and you can find that article here. I outlined what drew me to him but essentially it came down to one thing. Trust.

MW: A contest prep can be very stressful. Mental, Physical and Financial. How do you balance all three to make your prep as smooth and painless as possible? Do you still go out and enjoy life? Do you clip coupons? What’s your secret?

AC: I am a very structured person yet at the same time I like to do random and spontaneous things. It works because I am a mother and things come up unexpectedly all the time! I do like to spend time with friends and family as much as possible and I’ve learned to bring my meals everywhere I go. I don’t have to get all tore up and drunk or eat shitty to enjoy life. Financially since I left my job at UMass it’s been a bit difficult but thankfully my business is growing and I’m getting tons of makeup client as well as fitness and wellness coaching clients. My family has also been extremely supportive of my dreams business wise and competition wise. They have come through for me always. And yes, I actually do clip coupons and know how to save and cut corners. It comes from being mother! The other thing I’ve learned to do is ask for sponsorships. My gym memberships are usually covered as well as I have a couple of different sponsors who help me with my competition cost and any of my business endeavors. It’s been truly a blessing. I tell other competitors to always ask! The worse thing someone can tell you is NO.

MW: I contend that KIDS is the best movie ever to be made in NYC. Name for me your Top 3 movies made in this glorious city.

AC: KIDS was cool. I like 1. Do The Right Thing, A Bronx Tale, and l love love love Brown Sugar, not really NYC but it’s the hip hop theme and all that. Can I add Goodfellas too? I just did. Ha.

MW: I’m surprised you didn’t show Beat Street any love. Tell me who your industry husband is. Whose glutes do you want to bounce a quarter off of?

AC: I had one but after my experience the only thing I want to bounce a quarter off of is a meter or the washing machine at the Laundromat. I’m all set.

MW: If you can kick one person in this industry square in between the shoulder blades who would it be?

AC: No one really. People who annoy me I ignore. I got other shit to worry about and don’t like to put too much energy on hateful and negative thinking.

MW: If you had the power to change one thing in the bodybuilding industry what would it be?

AC: I never gave this any thought really. The industry is so small and I ask myself if my power to change things HERE impact the changes I want to make in society as a whole? Probably not. I think those of us who are concerned about changing things are already doing so. I would honestly leave the “industry” be and let it grow and evolve on its own. My work in creating change is not here, it’s elsewhere.

MW: Name for me three supplements always on top of your kitchen counter. What supplements do you believe in?

AC: CLA, L-Carnitine and B-complex. I am big on my protein shakes…must have! Also a fat burner, like Diablo. That stuff will melt your fat right off your body and booty, which isn’t good for a sista like me.

MW: I know you have a little cosmetic business. What do you offer competitors in regards to their hair and make-up at shows? Do you specialize in something specific?

AC: [Laughter] “little cosmetic business”. You are such a guy! I am a makeup artist and was trained and worked for MAC. Despite my educational background and my college degrees, having the experience as a makeup artist is something I knew I’d use in the future. Right now that’s what I specifically specialize in. I offer makeup services at shows, weddings and even do makeup lessons and workshops. For competitions I typically team up with someone else who does hair to expand services and give competitors a one-stop to get all glammed up. I will be teaming up with an awesome team for the USAs and will be doing hair, makeup and even tanning.

MW: Amanda. You survived an exclusive interview with Muscleweek. How does it feel? Do you want to promote anything now? How does one get a hold of you for possible sponsorship or modeling opportunities?

AC: Well, you are something else and you got swag for days so this has been fun! I knew I’d survive. I would love to urge any ladies competing at Team Universe or the USAs to email me at Amanda@sweetcapri.com and get at me! Same contact email for modeling or any other potential sponsorships.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

– NY Rangers or NY Islanders: Rangers! They has such an awesome season, didn’t they?

– Yankees or Mets: Yankees.

– Chicago Style Pizza or NY Style Pizza: Chicago. Sorry NY but I like it thick!

– Favorite NYC Gym: Gold’s Bellmore and Bev’s Powerhouse.

– Last Book You Read: A Guide To Life Coaching.

– All Time Favorite Song: Anything by Biggie Smalls (Notorious B.I.G.)

– Favorite Exercise: Lat Pulldowns.

– Crystal Lite Flavor: Peach Flavor Iced Tea.

– Diet Coke or Coke Zero: True story – I was a die-hard fan of diet coke and even argued about it with you but after our discussion I went and tried Coke Zero and I LOVE IT. I’m switching.

NAME ASSOCIATION: I drop a name you drop the first word that comes to mind.

Phil Heath: Smile.
Aaron Singerman: Hustler.
Dave Palumbo: Charitable.
Steve Gluteman: Business.
Derek Anthony: Ill.
Victor Martinez: Symptahy.
Juan Morel: Brother
Shane Ray: Swagger!