Al Kavadlo – “We’re Working Out!”

I was pretty happy with the amount of feedback I received about the interviews in my post last week! Just wanted to let you all know, I got everyone’s message to me, and your name is on the list

As a quick note, if anyone would rather do a guest post instead of an interview, just throw me another e-mail and that is great as well!

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So this week’s questionnaire is with Al Kavadlo. Al is a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) with a passion for health and fitness. He has worked with a variety of clients, including professional athletes, models, and Olympic medalists.

Al is down to earth, and knows what it takes to get in good shape and stay healthy. He is also the author of “We’re Working Out – A Zen Approach to Everyday Fitness” (which is on my list of things I need to read) and hosts an awesome blog. The link is provided below.

Al Kavadlo’s Blog

Cookie Monster: Hi Al! Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions. Please tell us one of the most important things you’ve learned about personal training throughout your career:

Al: The biggest part of personal training is actually making it personal.  You have to be a motivator and the best way to get through to people is to take the time to really get to know them and know what they will respond to.  Building solid relationships with your clients is the difference maker in terms of having success or not as a trainer.

Cookie Monster: What are your favorite aspects of fitness?

Al: I love that you can’t fake it.  Anyone who has achieved greatness is the world of fitness has had to work for it.  Doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got or who you did you-know-what to.  You only get out of it what you’re willing to put into it.  Not everything in life seems to work so directly.

Cookie Monster: I’m sure most people would like to look fit without trying, hah! What is one thing you wished more people knew about training?

Al: That results take time.  Everyone wants to “reach their goals” right fucking now.  And a large segment of the fitness industry panders to that.  It’s ridiculous.  That’s why I am not into the whole goal setting thing.  Goals are a fantasy – the training that you do today is real.

Cookie Monster: Well, I’m not sure if this is relevant to you then, but do you have any personal goals for yourself? If so, what are they?

Al: I’m not really a goal oriented type of guy, Christine – I’m more into the process.  My primary focus is to continue training people, keep up with my workouts and keep doing my blog (and probably write another book at some point down the line).  I’m a pretty lucky guy because I’ve got just about everything in my life like I like it – I just want to keep having fun and living life.  That and I really want to be able to do a full planche!

Cookie Monster: That makes sense! What keeps you motivated?

Al: I train because I genuinely enjoy it.  It is fun for me! Besides that, my training partners like my brother Danny and my friends from the Bar-Barians constantly keep me humble and give me things to aspire to.

Cookie Monster: What is your diet philosophy?

Al: I basically try to eat real food and not give into every single craving I have.  Yes I have cravings for junk food and yes I give into them sometimes – just not all the time!  It amazes me how little will power the average person has to resist urges for treats/fast food/sodas/etc.  And that’s assuming they even consider it one way or the other.

Cookie Monster: You’re right. I think another thing some people have a big weakness for, and have difficulty resisting, is alcohol. What are your thoughts on alcohol in regards to a healthy lifestyle?

Al: I personally don’t like to drink much but I know plenty of fit people who do.  As long as you can keep it in moderation (which is obviously different for different people) it probably won’t be an issue.  Drinking becomes a problem once it starts to interfere with the rest of your life.  Like to the point where you lose your job, destroy your personal relationships, or worst of all, miss a workout!

Cookie Monster: A little off-topic, but I love your tattoos. Is there a story behind them?

Al: Thanks!  The story is that I just like tattoos!  I got my first one in 1994 and my collection has grown quite a bit since then.  I’m probably due to get something new pretty soon.

Cookie Monster: I guess that sort of motivates me to get a few of my own one of these days! If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

AL: It would be pretty cool if I had the power to shape shift and/or turn invisible.  Is that too selfish of an answer?  If not the shape-shifting thing, I dunno…world peace?

Cookie Monster: Not so selfish, since everyone wishes for world peace . List the top 3 things you believe everyone should do to live a satisfying life:

Al:

1. Don’t work for a big corporation or wake up to an alarm every day.
2. Challenge yourself on a regular basis.
3. Make time for friends and loved ones.  Hard work has its rewards, but enjoyment is a big part of life.

Cookie Monster: Bonus Question! This might be the single most important thing you’ll ever have to answer, so think carefully before deciding…

What is the best type of cookie?

 

Al: Hmm…I love many kinds of cookies, but my favorite is a good old fashioned fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie.

(The Cookie Monster approves of this answer!)

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Thanks again for the inspiration, Al!