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Klaus is Denmark’s only professional fitness model; he does pro wrestling and competes in Strongman competitions.  He runs his own consulting- and personal training business and does photography work on the side. Klaus is a busy man and even though he is only 22 years old, he has already been featured in Weider Publications magazine; Muscle & Fitness, several times, which is the number one selling fitness and health magazine in the world.

Besides other magazines he has been featured in, he has also worked for companies around the world, helping out at big events, to market and sell their fitness related products. Klaus has now put his main focus on helping others achieve their goals through his consulting and personal training business. Klaus is a certified; IFBB Advanced Fitness and Bodybuilding Trainer Specialist.

How long have you been working out?

I started at about 8 years old under my dad’s supervision. My dad was my big inspiration growing up.  At age 13 I became real serious about weight training. I started working out 6-7 days a week and began to read more and more about proper nutrition and training. Since then I have of course become more and more knowledgeable about my own body, I have trained side by side, with top athletes from around the world and through lots of great experience I have become the person I am today.

A lot of people in Denmark know your father, Asbjørn Riis, through tv and other media, what has that meant to your career?

My dad is of course the reason why I am the person I am today. I wanted to be big and strong like him : ) I have been raised in a healthy and great family, that has always supported me, which of course helps a lot if you have dreams that are different from the Danish norms. I have always been blessed with the saying; If you are in good shape, both physically as well as mentally, then you truly can achieve everything you dream of. Where there is a will, there is a way : )

You truly have achieved a body to be proud of at a very young age.  People want to know how you train and what you have done to have come so far?

I have been studying my own body for many years, I have helped and guided other people and learned so much from that. I have trained and trained a long side top athletes from many different sports; athletic competitors , power lifters, strongmen, gymnasts, wrestlers  and bodybuilders, who each have their own unique way of working out. I have taken the best from all of them and use their techniques and methods in my own training as well as with my clients, so they also can get the best results to fit their exact goals and needs.

I train very instinctively; I always listen to my body and concentrate every single time I’m in the gym.

Many people forget the importance of rest. It is so important that the body gets enough rest to recuperate after your workout sessions, that’s why I recommend a 4-5 split program. Your body needs to be beaten up really hard, all your muscle groups needs to be hit hard, but only once or twice a week. It is important to get 48 hours rest for all the small muscle groups and 72 hours for the big groups before you hit them again, to allow optimal rest.

What are the most important workout advices you could give out?

Always warm up and pyramid your sets up to a heavy weight instead of just jumping right to your max lift. Do both high volume isolation exercises as well as basic heavy lifts to get the best of both worlds and to become big and strong. Most important always remember, no matter if you want to lose or gain weight, proper nutrition, the right amounts at the right times, means as much as 60-80% of results.

Do you follow the on/off season principle?

I try to stay in shape all year long; I try not to go higher than 10% percent body fat. Normally I do 2 weeks high calorie, followed by one week low calorie diet, all clean food. It fits perfectly with my way of working out. The higher calorie weeks I go heavy, explosive and I might do strongman event training, whereas the low calorie weeks I give my nervous system and tendons a break by doing lighter weight, but higher reps and more endurance training.

If I’m getting ready for a photo shoot I turn it upside down, 2 low calorie weeks followed by one high and I incorporate more cardio.

Besides perfect nutrition, what supplements do you use and feel are necessary?

I am a big fan of the ANIMAL line created by Universal Nutrition; I have been using their brand for so many years. If it isn’t broke then don’t fix it : ) The most essential supplement one should use is a good multivitamin. There is no better multivitamin on the market than Universal Nutrition’s ANIMAL PAK. I have been using ANIMAL PAK for 6 years in a row and will certainly continue to do so.

Whey protein, BCAA’s and Universal’s UNI LIVER has also been a great aid in my training. It is so important to get amino acids all the time to keep a halt on catabolism.

Because I do many heavy lifts in my training and strongman I use ANIMAL FLEX for my joints and tendons. I been using them since I had trouble with my patella tendonitis, but all the trouble is gone now. For a natural boost in the gym I use ANIMAL M-STAK and to get those crazy pumps I always thought that ANIMAL PUMP did a great job.

How big a part does training take of your life?

To workout everyday makes me feel alive, I love working out and I will continue to do so as long as I can. I live of my appearance and looks, which is a blessing. I also love to help others; I love my job as a personal trainer, so of course it takes a big big part of my life. Besides training I live with my girlfriend, whom means everything to me. I love to spend time with her. I am doing what I love; working out, helping others and living and having a great time with the person I love, what more can I ask for :)

What is next for Klaus Riis?

I’m hoping to become an even bigger and better recognized spokes model for health and fitness, as I feel It is important for people to understand how important their health are and how many goods that follows if you are in great shape. We have to spread the message.

KlausRiis.com Photography is focuses on natural beauty, everything which is fitness related and more hardcore bodybuilding. That part of my company is slowly growing as well and I hope to do even more photography work very soon.

I’m planning on competing in the Danish Bodybuilding Championship this year and doing more television work. Many Danish viewers will soon be able to see me on a Viasat channel, come September 2010, I cannot tell you more details right now, but I promise it will be worth watching : )

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?

Without a doubt Frank “The Wrath” Mcgrath

Frank McGrath Tribute

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