Interview With Sesar Cardiel
Motivational Feature - April 2010
Interviewed by: Angie Courduff
Sesar Cardiel grew up playing as many sports as he could get involved in, including football, baseball, basketball, track, and power lifting. He pretty much followed in my big brother’s footsteps and was his little shadow growing up. Somewhere down the line in his life, he allowed himself to steer off onto a path that was not where he wanted to be.
Now, he's back on track and he's taking "The Challenge” hosted by Defined Fitness, which is 12-week body transformation program. In addition, he plans to record his first music album at Step Bridge Studio this spring.
“Music has always been very therapeutic for me. Writing my life stories seems to help me better understand myself.”
WP: Hi Sesar! Thank you for doing this interview. Other then you being the brother of World Physique's Spokemodel, Cain Cardiel, can you tell us a little about yourself!
SC: Hello, Angie! I am really proud of my brother. I was born and raised in Texas and I grew up playing as many sports as I could get involved in including football, baseball, basketball, track, and power lifting. I pretty much followed in my big brother’s footsteps and was his little shadow growing up. I have been blessed with a loving family that has supported me through my hard times as well as my successful triumphs in my life. I have always had high ambitions and seem to be super-competitive in all that I do.
I now currently live in Albuquerque, NM. What brought me to the ‘Land of Enchantment ’ were college football and a Physical Education Degree from Eastern New Mexico . After graduating, I started a rewarding job in Albuquerque working with children with attachment problems. As a father and teacher, I try to practice what I preach to children because I truly believe they need as many positive role models in their lives as they can get. I try to demonstrate a positive lifestyle approach through my faith, character, sportsmanship, proper dieting, and exercise.
WP: You dealt with some issues that affected your concentration on your own health. Can you talk about that time in your life?
SC: A few years ago, during my college years, I found myself hanging out with some people who were bad influences. For example, I was partying and not focusing on the more important things in my life. So, after graduation, I stopped hanging out with the wrong crowds and putting myself in situations which would be hard to get out of. I moved away to start my life quest. With the help of my family, and most importantly myself, I began to prepare my mind set for 2010.
WP: Good for you for recognizing negative influences and removing yourself from that situation! Tell me, what did you take away from those experiences?
SC: I wanted better; I didn’t want to repeat the same negative experiences. I understand now more than ever that following the right path in life and feeling good about who and what you are is the key.
WP: What advice would you give to someone who may find themselves in a similar situation?
SC: Really chase your dreams! Find the things you love the most and chase after them.
If you don’t, you may be seeing those dreams in your nightmares because they’re no longer your reality.
WP: That is some powerful advice. You kick started your fitness regime by signing up for “The Challenge” hosted by Defined Fitness in your city, Albuquerque, NM. Tell me about it!
RC: It’s a 12-week body transformation program in which you take a before and after picture and also submit a 1-page article on how the program has effected you. It has changed my life. We are 9 weeks into it, and I can tell my transformation is taking place.
My final after pictures will be taken April 10th, 2010. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the Sandia Resort and Casino April 23rd, 2010 at 6:00pm to announce the winners. Come out to support me!
WP: We will be rooting for you! What has The Challenge taught you? Has it had an impact on your life?
SC: Well, in 2009, I told myself that I was going to let go of a lot of my past bad habits that were in my life. I thought there was no better way to kick start 2010 than to enter this challenge for my mind, body and soul.
The challenge has taught me that I am disciplined enough to follow through and reach my goals.
WP: That’s a great resolution and you are definitely on the right path to improving your health and fitness! Can you give me an example of your routine? What is your favorite exercise?
SC: Every morning, I do cardio on an empty stomach. In the afternoon, I will hit up a high-intensity class or work out two major muscle groups. For example, I would work chest and triceps and always include abs afterward. I cool down with a 500 meter lap swim in the pool. My favorite exercises would have to be Yoga and Pilates on Sunday.
WP: That is quite a routine! What does your typical daily diet consist of? What do you eat each day?
SC: Breakfast: Oatmeal, 4 hardboiled eggs or an egg white omelet with mixed vegetables
Snack: Handful of almonds with a serving of low sodium V8
Lunch: Chicken breast and vegetables
Snack: Meal replacement protein shake
Dinner: Tilapia and mixed vegetables
After Dinner Snack: Casein Protein
WP: Now, your brother, Cain Cardiel, is a successful natural bodybuilder who made his debut by winning the FitRx.com 2006 Body-for-LIFE Challenge. Did his weight loss success impact your motivation to focus on your health?
SC: That didn’t dawn on me until this question! But yes, I’ve told many people that he is my role model and that I am happy to have him as my brother and friend.
WP: Do you think you’ll follow in your brother’s footsteps and step on the competition stage?
SC: Not in bodybuilding, but I do plan on stepping on stage in the music forum!
WP:
That’s right! I hear you’re a very gifted singer! Tell us about your debut album!
SC: I plan on recording my first album at Step Bridge Studio this spring. The name of the Album is called “Sessions, Chapter 1”. You will be able to buy the album or the single from www.chaptersfromsessions.com (Coming Soon)! My A and B singles will be promoted in Europe this summer 2010. Onix Entertainment and Booking will be managing this promotion in 10 different countries. Also, be on the lookout for “Sessions, Chapter 2” coming out in late 2011.
WP: You must be so excited to be recording your first album! Has your music helped in keeping you on a positive life path?
SC: Music has always been very therapeutic for me. Writing my life stories seems to help me better understand myself.
WP: How do you plan on maintaining your fitness regime after The Challenge is over?
SC: Well, I have to stay in good condition because I have a photo shoot on May 1st for my artwork on my new music album cover. The photos will be taken by World Physique's Senior Photographer and Photographer of the Year, John Mitchell, for the website www.chaptersofsessions.com.
WP: Preparing for a photo shoot is a perfect reason to keep up your fitness routine! Do you have any other projects in the works?
SC: I will be entering the 12th Annual Duke City Shootout this summer for my music video, Super Nova. Also, my song, Say, is currently being edited and will be out this summer! The talented Jeremy Aragon will be directing. AND, we are also in the process of putting together a song for World Physique for something they have big coming up soon, hopefully!
WP: That is awesome! I can’t wait to hear it! What are your goals for 2010?
SC: Winning the Defined Fitness Challenge, of course! Also, recording my A and B singles to be released at the end of 2010.
WP: Those goals will definitely keep you busy this year! What keeps you motivated?
SC: My son and my family are my biggest motivation!
WP: Who are some of your idols? Who do you admire most?
SC: Actually, Eddie Vedder is a huge idol of mine. Most importantly, though, my dad.
WP: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
SC: Being successful in my music career and life. I want to be able to send out a positive message through my music and through a healthy fitness lifestyle.
WP: What do you consider to be important in life? Why?
SC: Love! You need to be able to love yourself before you can share that love and have a true appreciation of life.
WP: Do you have any shout outs?
SC: I want to give a shout out to Team Konreate, my brother, Cain Cardiel, Adrian Childers, my family, my producer and band member, Casey Dark, and my Manager, Jeremy “JROC” Aragon.
WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you, Sesar! I wish you the best of luck with the release of your debut album, Sessions, Chapter 1 and in all your future music and fitness endeavors!
SC: Thank you, Angie! It has been great!
