When I started doing this, one of the first people I asked for an interview was Kira Neuman. Why? Look at her. Incredible physique, beautiful woman, and a woman I had many other competitors say such nice things about. Furthermore, as someone training to compete, she is one of the people I look up to. Somehow, she didn't get the message I sent asking her. But finally I was able to get her to do it, and am so happy she did. It is clear Kira loves training, but also has a love for training others. She is prepping for a show about a month away to re-qualify for Nationals. I am really excited to see Kira back on stage, and no doubt she will look as amazing as always.
Q: First, Kira, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: You are so welcome! Thanks for having me!
Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I am from Greenwood, Indiana! I am a personal trainer at Fitness Now in Indianapolis. I also have a degree in physical education and health and I am working on my masters in special education.
Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: Yes I have been an athlete my entire life. I was a gymnast from the time I was 2 til I was 12. Then I played volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, and I have always been an avid swimmer.
Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: Well getting back to the weights after playing sports and then not doing anything, was a no-brainer! I went to Ball State where they have an annual bodybuilding contest and I went to it my junior year. Took one look at those girls and said “that is what I wanna look like”! So the next day I was in the weight room trying to remember how to workout!!
Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Yes once I got back in there it all came back to me and just simply watching others who looked like they knew what they were doing made it easy. Oh my gosh I saw results right away. I was feeling great in no time and getting stronger came so fast that I was so motivated to keep going.
Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I trained for my first show which was the Ball State show after seeing it. That’s what got me interested in it. Well and wanting to get back at a mean ex-boyfriend!!! That was the best revenge-looking good and being able to say “in your face”!! hahahahahaha!!
Q: Was competing something your family and friends supported at the time?
A: OH yes! My dad was so into it. He used to compete and train like crazy so he was all about it! And my older brothers were into sports and I got them motivated to get back to the gym. And my friends were super supportive too, making signs for my first show and not allowing me to eat anything I wasn’t supposed to!
Q: Was competing what you expected? Did anything surprise you about it?
A: Oh it was more than I expected! It was more exhilarating and rewarding than I thought it would be. I fell in love right away. Well and it was more work than what I had thought too but so worth it!
Q: Can you share your contest history
A:
*2006-NPC Northern Kentucky Figure Class B-7th place
*2007-NPC Indianapolis Bodybuilding Championships-1st and overall middleweight
*2007-NPC Indiana State Bodybuilding Championships-1st middleweight
*2007-NPC Collegiate Nationals-1st and overall middleweight
*2008-NPC Jr. Nationals-2nd middleweight
*2009-NPC USA’s-6th light-heavyweight
*2009-NPC Nationals-12th light-heavyweight
Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: Hmmmmmm well probably my shoulders and back.
Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: I love to train my shoulders and I really don’t enjoy training my back!! My favorite exercise is probably overhead presses and some sort of plyometrics. I recently started doing plyos as part of my workouts and I love them!
Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like, and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A:
Monday-chest
Tuesday-arms
Wednesday-back
Thursday-shoulders/hamstrings
Friday-rest
Saturday-quads
Sunday-random body parts!
When it comes time to diet for a show I just continue training as heavy as I can and then the last couple of weeks I change it up and do lighter loads with more reps. And I incorporate plyometrics with my workouts come contest time. Offseason I eat clean through the week and have some fun on the weekends. Contest prep I have one cheat meal a week up until the last few weeks depending on how I look.
Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: I get a lot of looks that’s for sure!! But I take it all in as a compliment but I think most of the reactions I receive are very positive. I have had some haters but whatever! Just jealous! I am not one to worry about other’s opinions so whether you like my physique or not doesn’t really matter to me!
Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: Ummmmm probably "Why do you do that to yourself?!!" Hahahahahah cuz when I talk about my diet and training most people think I’m crazy! But I always say get on stage and tell me you wouldn’t do it! It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done yet besides graduate college!
Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: We do not want to look like men! And we have normal lives!! Umm if you wanna stare at least compliment our hard work!
Q: What is the best and worst part of competing?
A: It’s a 24 hr job. From cooking to eating to training it takes all the energy and time in the day to do it all. Best part is watching your body change and working hard to do so. And the people I’ve met and camaraderie between competitors is awesome! Worst thing is not being able to just eat and go out when dieting. It’s hard work and a 24 hr job like I said and sometimes it can take over. I have to keep a level head about it all and maintain my normal life too!
Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: I love Debi Leszweski and Nicole Ball. Those two stick out to me. But really I admire all the women and men who compete because it is such hard work. They all have different physiques.
Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Mexican and cheeseburgers!
Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Talk to someone who competes! Get his/her advice and tips.
Q: Do you think muscular women are becoming more accepted by society in general?
A: Yeah I think so. I think more and more women are wanting to achieve that look too.
Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love training others and helping others get in shape! I love kicking other people’s asses! Spending time with my girlfriend and our dogs and friend and family is also my favorite thing to do!
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Kira Neuman.
A: Wake up at the butt-crack of dawn do cardio, train some clients, eat, train more clients, answer emails, cook, clean, eat, train, train, eat, eat, sleep!!! Do it again! Hahahahahahah I love my life and what I do and wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I am not very competitive! I am competitive with myself but not really with anyone else. Just always wanna be better each year!
Q: Describe Kira Neuman in five words.
A: Funny, Outgoing, Goofy, nice, and ummm a little bit of a show off!
Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I am 4 weeks away from the Erik Frankhauser West Virginia State show which is November 20th! I am doing it to re-qualify for nationals so next year I hope to do USA’s again! So, if any of my answers are strange it’s because I am running on no sleep and very few carbs!
Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote.
A: My gym which is Fitness Now: www.fitnessnowindy.com and my website www.kiraneuman.com.
Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Kira Neuman the athlete and competitor?
A: Any help with competing is always appreciated! My website is www.kiraneuman.com and my email is ksneuman@gmail.com With me you are getting an enthusiastic and awesome rep for their product!
Q: Kira , again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: You are so welcome! Very honored to be asked to do this!
Thanks for this. Kira is one of my favorite bodybuilders!
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