Writings of Karla Podewils
Dreading the Off-Season?
You don’t have to!
Some may think this is the worst possible advice I could give, but it is what keeps me sane. I will be the first to admit that as soon as I step off the stage during my final show of the year I make a beeline for the nearest snack. And I have seconds. Oh! Glorious food! I find that the competitors’ diet is the biggest challenge and as soon as the “off season” comes I engage it what becomes the “No Crumb Left Behind Act of 2008.” There seems to be an internal struggle within me. The feeling of being deprived of the food everyone else eats on a regular basis. Foods that probably should not be considered actual “food” because of the gazillion number of ingredients listed, not to mention chemicals and the injected pseudo vitamins and minerals that the food manufacturers label as being “enriched.” YES! I WANT THOSE TOO! Knowing what I know about nutrition there is a voice inside my head that says, “This is bad. Very bad.” But somehow I just can’t control my impulses, and to be frank, I don’t give a hoot.
Here is my take on the whole situation. You want a piece of pie during the holidays? A little gravy on the turkey? Have it. There are some people who may wag their finger and condemn you for your choices but I could bet money that when no one is looking they are pulling up through the drive thru for Taco Bell’s 4th meal. They aren’t fooling anyone and you shouldn’t either. Be honest with yourself. Cheat but know your limits. For a figure competitor, we should maintain our weight during the offseason to no more than ten to fifteen pounds over our contest weight pre-dehydration. Athletic competitors represent such a tiny fraction of the population that it is ridiculous to think that during the holiday season we can be superhuman and deny every tasty morsel that passes us by. Besides friends and family think it’s annoying. Be human. Indulge.
And after each season you will want it just a little less. Eventually it will be the deciding factor that will or will not take it to the next level. I find that I am more excited than ever to hit the weights. I think about the next three months of boiled chicken and spinach and the relief of returning to a “normal” diet. So, I don’t beat myself up over the holidays, and you shouldn’t either! Keep up the routine in the gym and allow yourself to splurge. It could be the very thing that keeps you on track.
Karla Podewils, Team Blade National Level Competitor Prior to Nationals 2008
Q&A for Bodybuilding Fitness Figure News
Q: Karla, you are a trainer yourself, but like so many competitors use trainers to help you get dialed in. How helpful has your current trainers Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson and Gale Elie been?
Dexter and Gale have had a tremendous impact on my life. I couldn't ask for two better trainers. They keep on my tail and check in on me which is important because I fall of the wagon often. They are wonderful people who truly want their team to succeed.
Q: Is it intimidating working with such high profile athletes?
No. High profile athletes are people too! Gale and Dexter are so down to Earth...the most important thing to me is that I don't let them down. I want my success to be a reflection of their dedication, talent, and investment in Team Blade.
Q: Have they set certain goals for you leading into nationals?
We are playing with some numbers for bodyfat percentage, but as of now I'm gaining more muscle. Hopefully I'll lean down.
Q: What do you want to accomplish at nationals, which will be your first national level show?
Ideally, I'd like that pretty little pro card in my paw.
Q: How has your training and nutrition program leading into nationals varied from your other contests this year?
As far as nutrition is concerned, my program hasn't really changed but I've had a secret affair with peanut butter and that sometimes derails my hard work. With training my main focus is to bring my legs in tighter and of course tons of cardio.
Q: How much time do you spend practicing posing?
I don't. Probably should start that pretty soon, eh?
Q: Where do you get your suits?
For this show I am buying a one piece from Jagware. Not too sure where the two piece will come from.
Q: Will you be wearing a suit a nationals that we’ve not seen on you before?
The one piece will be different. The two piece is still being decided on.
Q: What do you perceive as your strengths heading to Atlanta?
I think my stage presence will help me. Also, being affiliated with Team Blade probably won't hurt either. :)
Q: You are a trainer yourself and a single young lady who is not independently wealthy. That said to participate in the sport would seem quite expensive for you and require a tremendous amount of dedication. How do you justify not only the physical demands, but financial commitments to stay competitive and at your personal best?
I am working on securing some sponsors. Right now I balance three jobs and my training. It can be difficult and frustrating at times, but if there is a will, there is a way!
Take It Outdoors
October 2008
The fall season is quickly approaching and the heat of the summer has dwindled under cool ocean breezes. This is the perfect time to switch up your current exercise routine and take it outdoors! Running on the treadmill can be monotonous - who wants to stare at a blank, white wall anyways? Or, worse yet, strain your neck trying to watch T.V. Multi-tasking while exercising does not work. Period.
As a species we desire a connection with the natural world. Incorporating a workout outdoors even if only once a week can reduce tension, lower blood pressure, and can even increase your productivity when in the gym! Did you know that you can burn up to 10% more calories just by working out outdoors? I don't know about you, but I could sure use that bonus! A variety of factors contribute to that extra 10% including the temperature, wind resistance, and also the landscape to which you are applying your workout to (hills, bridges, nature trails, etc...). Plus, if you have joint problems like myself, running on the beach can actually be beneficial because unlike concrete and some treadmills, the sand absorbs the impact of your movement. This means less stress on the hips, knees, and ankles. Just be sure to lace up properly and if you are running outdoors obey all applicable laws.
If biking, wear protective clothing and a helmet. I can attest to the importance of this first hand. Four years ago I was struck by a car while riding my beach cruiser. As I was catapulted across the front end I was thinking to myself, "I hope I can land with the grace of a cat, and please God, grant me nine lives too!" It was as if time stood still, free flying in mid-air like a side-show circus act and thinking, "Is this really happening? REALLY?!?" Needless to say I landed like a flying Superman on my stomach with both arms straight out and my legs behind. My only blemish though was a tiny piece of gravel lodged under the skin of my left pinky. However, while I walked away whole the frame of my bike was mangled.
Moral of the story: be attentive while exercising outside. Resist the temptation to put yourself on auto-pilot. Playing outdoors can make you feel like a kid again. Play some flag football, a game of volleyball, run, bike, or whatever your little heart desires, just take it outside!