Page 16 - Demo

16 || FITNESS MAGAZINE || NOVEMBER 2015 weeks leading into the show I was concerned that I wasn%u2019t getting tight or lean enough. But my body said %u201cit%u2019s time,%u201d and my physique made drastic improvements in the last two weeks, and I took the title again for the 3rd time. I couldn%u2019t believe that I had made history again! I scored a 5 at this showing, which meant another perfect score in the books. I think that I felt more comfortable on stage this year, and my presentation was a perfect example of that. Presentation is something that I constantly struggled with. I care so much about competing, and I am so passionate that I tend to almost get a little nervous and shaky. It showed through my past presentations for my competitions. I think I may have finally managed my nerves; I was much more relaxed and calm at this year%u2019s Olympia. MFM: Can you explain to us the best piece of advice you received and how you%u2019ve shared that with others? AK: It isn%u2019t necessarily a piece of advice that I received, but rather just advice from personal experience; Your first show isn%u2019t going to be perfect. I am 100% sure that you are going to make mistakes, whether it be your tan, hair, presentation, conditioning, etc, etc. Learn from those mistakes! You need to go back and take a look at your pictures and see what you are able to improve for next time. Be honest with yourself. Get a second opinion from someone who knows their stuff. You can ALWAYS improve! MFM: As one of the best competitors ever, what advice do you have for people just starting to compete?AK: Don%u2019t get so wrapped up in a placing or an end result. This is supposed to be a fun and exciting experience. Don%u2019t forget to enjoy the journey along the way. Document this experience by taking photos, videos, or even a journal. It will be nice to have something to look back on when you are older. Be sure to network and meet and connect with as many people as you possibly can. You never know, you may just meet a good quality friend! I know I have.MFM: Training just before the competition must have been intense, were there any particular workouts that were extra difficult? AK: Any cardio workout isn%u2019t much fun for me. I think most competitors can relate to this! That%u2019s why I made mine more interesting by switching