"Diggin' Deep"

March 2009

by Karla Podewils

www.KarlaPodewils.com

 
The spring season is approaching and my contest prep is in full swing. The past few months I did a whole lot of nothing. Between the holiday get-togethers, the snuggly sweatpants, and my recent addiction to Fable 2 for Xbox 360, I found myself less in the gym and more in my bed snoozing! Then, one day it hit me when I tried to squeeze into my jeans. It's official; I had taken the off season to a whole new level. Instead of getting down on myself though, I decided to change things up a bit. I have some big plans this year in my figure career.

I'm headed up to the Arnold to work for SAN supplements. I'm getting my feet wet with the Europa in April, and then it's off to Jr. Nationals in South Carolina. So with all of these amazingly wonderful opportunities, I decided to consult with my good friends XFC Champion John Mahlow and Master Michael Plott with SOG Ancient City Martial Arts Academy in St. Augustine. 

If you are looking to introduce some REAL workouts into your routine, this MMA school is IT. It is located inside the World Gym that I work out at, so it is really convienent for me to pop in and get some face time. The past two years I've been fairly successful, but I need to be constantly challenged in order to get the results I want. Nothing can compare to getting that "pump" in the gym when I lift, but I have never felt such an adrenaline rush as I do with my Crossfit sessions led by Mahlow. He pushes me through my toughest enemy, the negetive threshold of my mind.

There are trainers and there are coaches, but I see Mahlow as a complete professional, born and bred in this sport with the ability to teach others the insanity and ecstasy of this style of training. But, of course as ambitious as I am, Crossfit alone isn't going to bring me in the way I need to be this year. I was really excited to find out that SOG also offered Combat Hapkido at night! This self defense class is instructed by Master Michael Plott. It is a blend of many different moves; kicks, punches, and ground work, and as a female it is essential to learn. Master Plott does a phenomonal job of explaining, demonstrating, and executing all of these defensive techiniques, even for a beginner like me!  

Even with Hapkido and Crossfit, I still have my dieting, lifting, and cardio sessions implemented by the one and only 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter J.  I have an army of experts behind me, waiting for me to complete the equation that will bring US success this year. Potential is my catalyst, and this year I'm diggin' deep to find out what I am made of!