James Kohler
Q: What have you been up to, lately?
A: I have been working on my thesis project at
Q: What got you started in bodybuilding?
A: I initially started weight training to become bigger and stronger for the Tae Kwon Do tournaments I was competing in. At 16 years old, I achieved black belt status and was the Wisconsin State Champion. After working out with the weights, I fell in love with bodybuilding and felt like I found my true passion. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a big influence in me competing in the sport of bodybuilding and I looked to him as a role model.
Q: What’s your training program?
A: I eat “clean” throughout the entire year. I don’t like to get over 8% bodyfat. Egg whites/oatmeal, chicken/sweet potatoes, fish/brown rice, and plenty of vegetables are on my daily menu. It is important to include nutrition into your lifestyle. My favorite supplements are Whey protein, creatine and glutamine. I stick with the basics and don’t fall into the new “fads”.
I use a 5-day training split, hitting each major bodypart once per week. Abs I train 3 times a week and calves twice a week. Free weights make up the majority of my routine, some cable movements and not a lot of machines. The best rep range for muscle hypertrophy is 6-12 reps with 1-2 minute rest periods. I do about 12 sets for the larger muscle groups and 9 sets for the smaller ones.
Q: What’s your best memory of bodybuilding?
A: My best memory of bodybuilding is winning the 2005 Musclemania World heavyweight class division. I feel like I achieved my best mass, symmetry and conditioning for this competition. I can still remember the M.C. announcing the placings and my name being called last as the winner. It was a dream come true, I accomplished my goal of becoming a natural professional bodybuilder.
Q: What advice would you give to the newcomer?
A: There are no miracle pills out there, secrets or quick fixes. It takes time to build a great physique, remember the sang- “
