World Physique

Interviewed by: Ashlie Lyn
Photos by: J_Holmes Photography

Kodi Davis is originally from Houston, Texas. He moved to New Orleans in 1997 to attend Loyola University. After his first two years of being a Biomedical Engineering major, he realized he simply loved Biology and change his major to Pre-Med Biology.

He transferred to Southern University of New Orleans and walked across the stage for the first time in May, 2002. Once out of college, he didn’t want to go to medical school and instead, he sought out to be a Lab Tech and possibly, go to grad school. Being an ex-High School football and basketball player, he continued to workout while in school; even assisting fellow students with workouts. He didn’t get hired at any hospital or lab right out of college, so he thought about becoming a Personal Trainer.

French Riviera Health Club in Metairie, Louisiana; which is located right outside of New Orleans, hired Kodi in November, 2002. In six to eight months, he had a packed classes and a nice cliental base. I came to the realization of how much I loved fitness, as well as, that I was not too bad of a trainer”, says Cody.

WP: Kodi, how long have you been in the fitness industry?

CD: I’ve been in the fitness industry since 2002.

WP: What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?

CD: I love the fact that my financial success directly correlates to the success of my clients. The more people whose life I help change to a more fit pursuit of their happiness, the more profit I make, it’s a win for consumer and salesman. You can’t scam fitness like used cars.

WP: That's a great way of putting it. That is true! To be a Personal Trainer, you must be certified. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?

CD: Yes, I am. I actually have a B.S. in Biology and I am A.F.A.A. Certified.

WP: How long have you been a Personal Trainer?

CD: 7 years now.

WP: What do you feel sets you apart from all other personal trainers out there?

CD: I feel my work ethics is what sets me apart.

WP: Great answer! Where do you train your clients?

CD: I train my clients in gyms, their homes, parks, and at tracks.

WP: So, you don't just keep them inside. That's awesome! How much time per day do you typically spend with a client?

CD: A typical session is around 30 to 60 minutes.

WP: How many days do you suggest your clients to work out in a week?

CD: I usually suggest my clients to workout about 5 to 6 times a week, depending on their fitness level

WP: What helps you get up each morning?

CD: Knowing that this is what God has put me on this earth for and that he has blessed me immensely in order to be able to carry out his work. Also, knowing that my client’s sessions could be the highlight of their day.

WP: Being a Personal Trainer, you are always having to keep your client's motivated. What motivates you?

CD: Success!

WP: That goes right along with your work ethics! So, let's play a quick Q & A.

CD: Ready! Shoot!

WP: What forms of exercise do you find to be the most effective for the following?

To gain mass:

CD: I recommend heavy controlled lifts 6-8 reps (slow movement).

WP: To lose weight:

CD: I recommend ballistic circuit training, stairs, hills, wind sprints (when indoors, use elliptical on high resistance).

WP: Okay, let's keep going a little longer. To cut:

CD: I recommend slow to medium movement for 15 to 25 reps (use dumbbells, cables, or hammer strength equipment for better symmetry).

WP: One more! Before competition:

CD: I recommend doing wind sprints and running levy hills during mid-day.

WP: That was fun! Do you also compete? If so, what titles have you won. What competitions have you entered and what place did you take?

CD: I have been competing since 2003, taking the 2006 season off due to a lack of training in 2005 fall and winter (Hurricane Katrina). I won 'Mr. New Orleans lightweight' in 2007, at the Greater Gulf States Classic and appeared in Southern Muscle Magazine later that summer. I have placed from 2nd to 4th in 5 other shows.

WP: That is a pretty good resume! How does your routine and life changes when you go from pre-contest to off-season?

CD: During my pre-contest time, I am super disciplined with my cardio and diet. In the off-season, I do lot of heavy lifting and heavy eating to get the mass up.

WP: What do you like and dislike about competing?

CD: I like how beautiful the human body can look. I don’t dislike, or should I say, I hate anyone using steroids. It cheapens our beautiful artistic sport. This sport should be about who has the God given genetics and who trains the hardest; not on who uses the best steroids.

WP: What would you change about the judges in the competitions?

CD: I think the judges should stand before the athletes and the crowd and explain how they came to their scores like on American idol. It would help the general public understand our sport better and the athlete instantly knows what they need to fix. I think all athletes should submit urine, blood, and hair samples before every show and stay in an organized year-round drug testing program like other major sports.

WP: I never thought about the judges doing that. That is a great idea! What organization do you belong to?

CD: NPC.

WP: Are you aiming for a Pro-card? If so, tell me what you are planning to reach your goal.

CD: I’m thinking of pursuing a Pro “all natural” bodybuilding card, like NGA maybe.

WP: From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?

CD: My biggest weaknesses are my calves (size) and hamstrings (definition).

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses during competitions?

CD: Abs and back are strengths, calves and hamstrings are weakness.

WP: What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program?

CD: The hardest thing is time management while keeping a full client load.

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

CD: I love extra, extra buttery popcorn by the bucket!

WP: Yummy! I like mine with extra salt! How have you changed over the years?

CD: One word; maturity.

WP: Any shout outs?

CD: I must thank God for blessing me with the health, strength, and resources to support my lifestyle. Secondly, I must thank my fiance for putting up with my crazy diet and moodiness before a contest. I love you, Queen!

WP: What were you like in high school?

CD: I was the class clown. Very good student, though.

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

CD: Outside of bodybuilding, I write poetry.

WP: What type of music do you listen to?

CD: I listen to old school R&B, rap, and jazz.

WP: I hear you are engaged. Tell us more about the lucky woman.

CD: Yes, I’m engaged to Demetra Thomas, who I met at a gym, and we have been together for 3years. We are looking to get married in March 2010. No kids yet.

WP: What supplements do you take and why?

CD: Isopure Protein Shakes, L-Glutamine (recovery and muscle building), L-Carnitine (muscle building and energy), N.O. Explode (pre-workout energy boost), Cell Mass (post-workout recovery drink), multi-vitamin (overall nutrition), L-Tyrosine (muscle building), Creatine (muscle building) and an amino acid mix (more building blocks).

WP: What are your future projects?

CD: My future plans are to build up a team of trainers.

WP: What accomplishments have you achieved thus far in your life that you are proud of?

CD: Being able to take my parents out to eat and shopping when I go home to Houston. Great change roles from my youth.

WP: Anything you would like to mention before we close?

CD: If you work hard and are willing to overcome any obstacles with a positive attitude you will succeed.

WP: It's been a pleasure interviewing you!