World Physique

Interviewed by: Leesa Paul

WP: James Kluczinske, from Wisconsin, is our “Personal Trainer of the Month“. He actually started out as a musician (singer performing mostly ‘80’s hard rock/hair metal) but, became a personal fitness and development coach and the creator/founder of IronwoRx Fitness. He is a Scorpio and true to the sign’s characteristics. He’s a little bit of a wild child and rebel, not one for conformity.

Hey James! How long have you been in the fitness industry?

JK: I have been involved in the fitness industry for over a decade. My background includes: 1-on-1 exercise instruction, group fitness class instruction, personal consultation, employment at fitness facilities, and development/establishment of personal business (IronwoRx Fitness).

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

JK: There are so many misconceptions and commercial bias, which frustrates and discourages me, along with those interested in trying to achieve a better level of fitness. I made a decision to do my utmost to decipher the just from the corrupt, facts from falsehood, and the useful from the senseless.

Secondly, I became involved in fitness due to a necessity to improve my own health & well being. My previous mindset (rock n' roll attitude) left me abusing alcohol and lacking responsibility for my actions.

WP: To be a Personal Trainer, you have to be certified. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?

JK: I was awarded a diploma in Fitness and Nutrition. In addition, I have a certificate from International Association of Resistance Trainers (I.A.R.T.) - Certified Exercise Instructor and Practitioner. In addition, I am currently with CPR and Heartsaver AED Certification:

WP: How long have you been a personal trainer?

JK: I have been a personal trainer since 2002.

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

JK: I will not get too serious about this subject because there are many personal trainers that think just because they are “certified” that they are “qualified.”

Besides being able to provide effective, efficient and safe training methods according to the individual, I also do my best to provide empathy. To teach a person to exercise requires as much psychological input as physical input. Since every person has a unique personality, level of intelligence, and interests, it is necessary for me to put myself in the place of my clients. Therefore, seeing the world through the clients’ mind, trying to understand what they think and feel.

WP: Where do you train your clients? Do you train them in a gym, at home, or where?

JK: Currently, I mainly work with clients in a gym surrounding. I am able to provide my services practically anywhere, though (e.g., home, gym, on-the road, etc.) through the IronwoRx Fitness website.

WP: How much time per day do you typically spend with a client?

JK: A session is typically for an hour. The first few minutes are spent in understanding how they are doing at that moment, and working them into a warm-up and the proper mind-set. It then ranges about 30-40 minutes for the actual workout. Afterwards, I spend a few minutes in cool-down and a brief moment for discussion and feedback.

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

JK: Depending on an individual’s goals and level of training, days worked out per week will differ. Generally, 2-3 times a week spent on strength training, and cardio is required about 3 times if fat loss is recommended. No matter what, at least one day each week is spend without any training for rest and recuperation.

WP: What helps you get up each morning?

JK: It is the believing that a part of my own life is not of my own, but for others. To do my part to make a difference, not just in my own life, but to help other’s better their lives, as well.

WP: What motivates you?

JK: My motivation is derived from my passion, my purpose, believing that I am making a difference.

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

JK: Cycle resistance training for few weeks (4-6 possibly) so effort is high (i.e., training to momentary muscular failure or close to) as often as possible with times of moderate intensity so one doesn’t “burn out” mentally or physically. Choose no more than ten exercises to work the entire body (full body routine) focusing primarily on compound exercises. 1-2 sets per exercise, dependent upon level of intensity exerted. Go for a 30-40 second tension time for each set for upper body exercises and 40-60 seconds for lower body (generally, due to higher muscular endurance) movements to ensure better recruitment of muscle fibers.

WP: To lose weight?

JK: First, calories consumed compared to calories burned needs to be taken into consideration.

The inclusion of aerobic exercise will aid in fat loss. One’s preference to incorporate interval cycling, i.e., steady state, moderate intensity alternated with a high intensity bout, (example: 10-15 minutes) or low-impact aerobic activity at a moderate level of effort for a longer duration (example: 30-40 minutes).

Resistance training still plays its vital role as muscle is the furnace for burning fat. The same form of training as mentioned above may be used, just at a slightly lower level of intensity.

WP: To cut?

JK: Even though I don’t currently have any prior experience in this area, I would experiment with carb depleting and loading. I would always attempt to keep a healthy, easy to main body fat level all year round to make the transition into peak conditioning much easier.

Resistance training could take a body-split approach (For example: Day 1: Back and Chest; Day 2: Lower Body; Day 3: Arms, Shoulders, and Abs). Therefore, greater emphasis can be placed on certain areas (If preparing for a competition strive for muscularity, definition, symmetry, proportion, balance, shape, and mass.). Refer to above for possible fat loss strategies.

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

JK: Strengths: As the saying goes, “It is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” I am quite the persistent one. When there is something I set my focus on, I continue until I achieve it. I may get knocked down along the way, but I will always pull through. I am systematic, always looking to discover more efficient, more effective, and safe methods of training.

Weaknesses: I am a “hard gainer” when it comes to adding mass. I have such a high metabolism. Most would say, “You need to eat more.” But you know what, been there, done that. I enjoying eating but I don’t feel a need to force myself to eat. I haven’t been blessed with the most desirable genetics for bodybuilding, but then again, my goal is not to become Mr. Olympia.

WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?

JK: There really are no problems, just excuses we use. Personally, I have used, “I don’t have the time…”, “I don’t have the money for…”, “and I’m too busy...” It has been my excuses that have talked me out of my workouts at times.

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

JK: Staying on track with my fitness program is a step towards an outcome goal. Therefore, that action step needs to be taken to continually move forward. If I let the stresses of life (e.g., family, work, finances, etc.) or excuses detour me I will create moments of moving one step forward, then two steps behind.

Fitness should be developed as a habitual act, so it becomes second nature, like showering for instance. You generally don’t ever miss taking a shower right? Also, living a healthy lifestyle (i.e., good nutrition, plenty of rest and relaxation, etc.) outside of the gym is beneficial, as it all should work in synergy.

WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?

JK: Anything remains interesting when there is variety, and fitness is no exception. But for me it isn’t about trying out the latest fads, it is about continuous improvement. It’s the joy of discovering another technique or strategy. Then, decide if I can put it to beneficial use in my own training program, and/or possibly for my clients.

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

JK: Do you really want to know something? Oh! There are some things, but I am not one to kiss and tell. Hee-hee.

WP: I am trying really hard to sit over here and be quite, but you are making it really hard to do that! Ha-ha! I like your approach to that question! How have you changed over the years?

JK: I acknowledge responsibility for the experiences occurring in my life. I also attempt to understand the true nature of things. Not just judge for face-value. I have also learned to value time. After all, you only live this life once, better to make the best of it than letting it pass you by.

WP: Any shout outs?

JK: As I say “Stand Up and Shout” (in reference to song from the movie “Rockstar”):

Dolph Lundgren and Muscle & Fitness Magazine - It was the cover of the August 1987 (Dolph as He-Man) issue that was my first true inspiration towards becoming fit, strong and healthy.

Brian D. Johnston and those involved at I.A.R.T. - for not only showing me the hows but helping me understand the whys;

Jack Canfield - his cassette series “How to Build High Self-Esteem” encouraged me for further personal development;

Family and friends; actually to those who take the time to truly understand and appreciate what I am doing.

And World Physique Magazine, baby! How I appreciate even being considered for this interview.

WP: Explain your workouts to me.

JK: My workouts are dependent on my goals, therefore vary. I train in cycles. For instance, at this moment, I’m in a training cycle for 6 weeks to add mass, yet monitor my nutrition so I am not adding much in the way of body fat.

Three workouts a week, each session is full body with each day having muscle priorities. For instance:

Mon.: - Greater emphasis on back and chest,
Wed.: - Focus more on legs, and
Fri.: - Blast the arms, shoulders and abs.

The pre-exhaustion training variable is used. Exercises consist of mainly compound movements with sets lasting about 40-60 seconds tension time. One set of a movement is performed at high intensity, and if I didn’t reach complete muscular failure I perform a second set but use a relative exercise. For instance, bent row followed by seated row, to hit the muscles at a different angle.

If I do any aerobics, it is performed in interval fashion. And that is only to improve cardiovascular capacity, not for fat loss reasons. I tend to keep a healthy, easy to maintain body fat level.

WP: What is your diet?

JK: Here is a sample of a typical day’s intake:

Breakfast - 3 whole eggs (scrambled), oatmeal
Snack - yogurt with fruit added (e.g., strawberries, kiwi)
Lunch - chicken breast, angel hair pasta, broccoli
Snack - peanut butter and bananas
Dinner - steak, sweet potato, asparagus
Snack - whole milk with Nesquik

WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?

JK: The better question would be what had the most impact. There have been so many experiences that have influenced me to change my life for the better.

But, to answer your question, my father has had the most impact on my life. I have found that my upbringing has played a valuable part in my life. It has kept me strong and able to keep moving forward.

WP: What were you like in high school?

JK: You couldn’t place me with a specific “grouping” (e.g., jocks, gear-heads, stoners, nerds, etc.) in high school. Looking back, I was quite reckless and hellacious. Thank the Lord I graduated, though. I was enjoying the party scene and that was also when I started playing in a rock band. Can you see the path I was beginning to take?

WP: Oh yes, I see where it was going! But, it's amazing you saw it, too, and did something to change it! Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?

JK: A typical day starts of with a look at the day’s tasks to be completed. In between meals and snacks, tending to my dog Denali, listening to music, errands and chores, you will find me working at the gym, getting a workout in, socializing, and then spending time working on better establishing my personal business.

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

JK: Music is a true passion and in time, I may go sing on stage again. I also do art sketches, acid-etchings on mirrors, and I have come up with ideas for comic books. I am also interested in discovering more natural ways of living.

WP: Tell me about your family. Your spouse, kids, etc.

JK: As far as family goes, I have my son Jimmi Lee who has just turned 18 and is always eager to learn exercise tips and tricks from his old man (LOL). He’s looking to pursue a career in the health care industry. Then, there is my pops Robin who turned his passion for scuba diving into becoming an instructor. To my younger brother Lee, who works in home improvement. And to my younger sister Heidi, which is an insurance agent. Both of them with children as well. Oh, and I can’t forget the one who has been right by my side through thick and thin the past few years, my pooch Denali (good girl).

WP: You are so much fun to interview! I can sit here and listen to you talk all day! What supplements do you take and why?

JK: Ha-ha! Thank you! I currently do not take any supplements because I believe I obtain enough nourishment through my eating practices, in relation to my present training demands. As long as I continue to progress in both size and strength I feel no need.

I do believe that the use of supplements can aid to gaining an edge in recovery ability and performance. But, I don’t expect them to be the reason that good gains are produced.

WP: What are your future projects?

JK: Continual personal development for starters. IronwoRx Fitness needs to become better established. And since this interview has made me think a bit, I have decided to get more involved in bodybuilding, and see where I want to go with it.

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

JK: I’m still alive! Ha-ha! Actually I shouldn’t laugh, a few close calls, but anyway. I am proud that I beat the demon alcohol and have taken full responsibility for my life and actions.

WP: If that isn't an accomplishment, I don't know what is! How would you like to improve, if any?

JK: There is always room for improvement. I’m always working towards improved health and well-being. And, I’m always striving to continually provide a greater benefit for those who acquire my services and/or guidance. The big kick is trying to create balance, so every aspect of my life gets the necessary attention it deserves.

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

JK: H.I.T. it hard! Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. If something does, chances are you will take it for granted. Remember to appreciate what you do have because it can be here today and gone tomorrow.

Thank you so much WP for your time and this opportunity.

WP: We are more honored then you know! Thank you, James! You are one of a kind!