Matt Karstetter (WBFF Pro)
WPM's Bodybuilder of the Month - August 2011
Interviewed by: Mike Hall
What sets Matt Karstetter apart from most people? This isn’t much of a story, but one thing that has helped him achieve success in multiple areas of his life is focus. Focus, in that he decides as quickly as possible what he wants to achieve. Then, he searches for the most direct and efficient route to get to the desired end result and he apply it to his life and his specific situation. “I think a lot of people desire success, but never have the guts to pull the trigger. If you wait for something to happen for you or to you odds are not in your favor. Make a decision, see it through and make things happen for yourself”, says Matt.
Born in the small, but nice town of McPherson, KS in 1983, Matt is the youngest of 4, with three older sisters. A strong work ethic was instilled in him at an early age and that has been his foundation to work towards achieving his goals and dreams ever since. Growing up, he played nearly every sport possible, but his favorite was baseball.
In 2002, he attended Kansas State University and graduated in 2007 with a degree in business. Since he was old enough to work, he did just that, and during his college years he framed houses and bar tended.
When he graduated, he took the National General Contractor exam, passed and started his own General Contracting and Land Development company in 2007. Initially, he built single family residential homes, but more recently have been getting into commercial and investment properties.
He missed playing ball in college, but he soon realized that it was the weights that he was truly in love with. He began competing in 2007, and now present day, motivation has never been higher and I am training each day as it is my last. He just turned Pro in the WBFF Central USA Championships; his focus and dedication has paid off.
"...In 5 years, I want to be winning pro shows and battle it out with the best in the sport. To have a happy, healthy life and to be proud of what I have done and the relationships I have made along the way. I do want to be on top some day, and every time I step on stage I want to present a new and improved package."
WP: What was it that made you know without a doubt that you wanted to go into bodybuilding?
I have been involved with sports all my life and have always looked up to bodybuilding greats. What I like most about the sport is that it’s all up to you. Meaning, if or when I fail, it’s because I didn’t get the job done; not because a teammate dropped a pass or missed a shot. It’s all on me.
Same goes for my success, you get what you give. Give it your all and go all in and more often than not, you will succeed.
WP: How long have you been lifting?
Like most high school athletes I lifted for sports, but inconsistently and without much knowledge. It was 2002 when I came to college when I really started getting involved with bodybuilding and began to learn about how to reach my goals and about proper nutrition. My first competition was in 2007, State of Kansas Championships, I was a light heavy and placed 3rd.
WP: What competitions have you appeared in and what place did you win?
WP: Do you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass and/or more cut?
Get your diet right, first and foremost! If you don’t know what to eat and when to eat it, employ someone that does. A good trainer can tell you how to eat and how to train.
Set Goals. Whether it’s a competition or just a beach vacation set a goal to shoot for. This will give your work outs a sense of purpose and helps to stay motivated.
Stick to it! Formulate a plan, implement it, and prepare for victory!
WP: What do you eat in a normal day?
Generally I eat 7 meals a day, approximately every 2 hours. They are high protein, high carbs with moderate fats and little or no sodium or sugar. Protein sources are: ground beef, ground turkey, and chicken, white fish, etc. Carb sources are: Sweet potatoes, white potatoes, white and brown rice, oats, cream of rice, etc. Fat sources are: Avocado’s, natural peanut butter and almonds.
WP: Do you allow yourself a cheat day?
For sure. I have a rather high metabolism, and some people refer to this as a “hard gainer”. So, basically, my body does well with high calories and I can get away with 4 or 5 cheat meals a week in the off-season. During contest prep (about 12 weeks out from show) I will cheat, but not often and never complete garbage. The number of cheat meals allowed varies from person to person and needs to be determined prior to structuring your diet.
WP: What supplements do you take?
Again, this varies. It’s depending on the current goal but I always take Glutamine, Creatine, BCAA’s, multi-vitamin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, anti-oxidants, and of course, a quality Whey Isolate protein of some sort.
WP: Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
This list is endless, but of the top off my head I would have to say most importantly God. He has given me a healthy body, stronger than most and strength to push through adversity time and time again.
My wife and family for giving me a rock solid foundation, friends, trainers past and present, event promoters: Chad and Kim Nicholls, Paul and Allison Dillett, Dian Chaloux, Micah Lacerte. And all my facebook and gym friends that cheer me on along the way. Thanks Guys!
WP: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
In 5 years, I want to be winning pro shows and battle it out with the best in the sport. To have a happy, healthy life and to be proud of what I have done and the relationships I have made along the way. I do want to be on top some day, and every time I step on stage I want to present a new and improved package. Many of my short term goals are set in year increments, so you won’t ever see me on stage doing 4 or 5 shows a year, but I can guarantee when you do see me hit the stage you’re not going to believe the amount of progress that has been made!
WP: You look great! How do you keep the physique you have? What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?
I am constantly trying to improve and grow, so I don’t keep a certain look year round.
Although I never let my body fat exceed 10%, a large portion of the year (Off-season) I spend eating a lot and trying gain strength and size. When I am trying to hold a specific look, for a show or photo shoot I just do my best to remain consistent and stick to the game plane. You have to adjust to life and be prepared for what comes your way. I usually have a cooler with meals and jugs of water on hand whenever I am on the road.
WP: Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?
Right now, I am taking the next 10 months to train. My goal is to take my physique and my genetics as far as they will go. I did qualify for WBFF Worlds in Toronto this August, but am an up and comer and I need to put in the hours in the gym so I can show improvement every time I step on stage and not just show up.
WP: Who had the most impact on you growing up?
Probably my dad, growing up I was one of those kids who thought their dad was a super hero who could do anything and was the strongest man in the world. He taught me a lot about self discipline and made sure I was no stranger to hard work.
WP: What is your work-out regimen?
- Off season - I hit it 5 days a week for approximately 90 minutes.
- Contest Prep - Increase to 6-7 days a week for approximately 2 hours, including cardio.
Regardless I train controlled, focus on isolation and muscle confusion. Each workout is generally limited to 2 muscle groups.
WP: Anything you would like to see change in the bodybuilding world?
I would like to see it continue to become more main stream and receive more exposure. It has come a long way and I think it will continue to progress as our society is becoming more gym conscious.
WP: Any shout outs?
To my peers and fellow competitors, don’t slow down ‘cause I’m comin’! To MuscleTech, BSN, Gaspari, sponsor me already cause I’m going to keep send you progress reports until you do! Ha-ha!
WP: What is the funniest story that has happened to you during competitions or while working out?
Hmm, can’t think of much right off, but 2 weeks ago I was squatting and realized I had my pants on backwards. I think people just assumed I was a huge Chris Cross fan.
WP: What is your greatest achievement in bodybuilding?
The easy answer here would be obtaining pro status in the WBFF, but in addition to that it would have to be every time I reached a set goal. It’s proving to everyone, but most importantly myself, that I can do this, and seeing that the hard work is paying off in the end. Knowing that I am going to make it to the top and all that’s left to do is the work. Realizing and believing this is a highlight in my mind.
WP: What is the proudest moment of your life?
There are a few: Graduating From Kansas State University, starting my own company, selling my first property, getting married, earning my WBFF Pro Card, being featured in World Physique Magazine, and working with the best in the industry.
WP: What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?
I really enjoy being outdoors. I own 40 acres west of Kansas City and I enjoy just be out there hunting and fishing and taking a break from the stresses of the world. I also like movies and building pretty much anything from a residential home to a deer stand.
WP: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would find a way to be more patient and reduce stress and anxiety. That would be a big help day to day.
WP: Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!
I want to thank World Physique, Tammy and Mike in particular for presenting me with such a great opportunity! World Physique is a magazine the show cases up and comers and lets them tell their story. Thanks Again!
WP: You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors?
