The Youngest IFBB Fitness Pro in History Ariel Khadr Talks With Simplyshredded.com

Prodigy Ariel Khadr just became the youngest current IFBB Fitness Pro at 17 by taking 2nd place in Fitness Class A. She plans on celebrating her birthday first, then making her pro debut at the New York Pro next year. This rising star doesn’t even have her driver’s license yet!

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

My parents were always staying in shape and eating healthy. They were always in the gym and eating six meals a day consistently. My parents had interest in competitions and competing. I went to my first bodybuilding show at the age of 5.

Since I was a gymnast, I was fascinated by the fitness routines. Ever since the first time I saw it, I knew one day I was going to compete. I was born into this wonderful lifestyle and I am so thankful for it!

What gets you motivated?

My motivation comes from my perfectionistic personality. I’ve always been in sports that you “compete against yourself”, and I’ve learned you can ALWAYS better yourself. Even if it is something small, each day you can set yourself a new goal and every time you accomplish it you feel better and better and start believing in yourself more and more. Each achievement sets you up to a higher goal.

What workout routine has worked best for you?

Sample Routine:

Monday: Shoulders

SS: Shoulder press- 4×12 & Arnold Press- 4×10
SS: Lateral Raises 4×15 & Front raises with Plate 4×8
SS: upright rows 4×12 & Bent lateral raises 4×8

Tuesday: Abs/Cardio Only

Crunches
Hanging Knee Raises
Cardio

Wednesday: Back/Arms

Lat Pull Downs- 6×12
Cable Rows- 4×15
One arm dumbbell row- 3×10
Bicep curls-3×15
Hammer curls- 3×15
Barbell curls- 3×15
Tricep Pushdowns- 4×15
Tricep pushups- 4×10
Dips- 4×10

Thursday: Legs

Leg Curls- 3×15
Butt Blaster- 3×15
Walking Lunges- 3×20
Smith machine squats- 3×15
Deadlifts- 3×15

Friday: Abs/Cardio Only

Crunches
Hanging Knee Raises
Cardio

Saturday/Sunday: Cardio Only

Low intensity walks

If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?

Walking Lunges- Great for your legs and glutes
Shoulder Press- Gives you an awesome cap in your shoulders
Lat Pull Downs- Fantastic exercise for definition in your back

NPC Team Universe: Ariel Khadr (2009 Interview)

What is your diet like?

Well, currently I’m on an off-season diet so my diet looks something like what’s below. It is very balanced (unlike my contest diet which is VERY VERY restricted) and works for the average person. I believe when you are not competing you need to get all the food groups in and not feel deprived, both physically and mentally.

Meal 1: 3 egg whites, ½ cup Oatmeal, ½ Grapefruit, ¼ cup almonds
Meal 2: ¼ cup blueberries, 1 cup 0% fage yogurt
Meal 3: 1 low carp tortilla, 2 oz chicken, 1/8 cup avocado, 1 cup salad w/ balsamic vinegar and olive oil
Meal 4: Apple
Meal 5: ½ cup Brown Rice, 3oz Tilapia, 3oz asparagus, ½ grapefruit
Meal 6: 1 cup 0% fage yogurt or an apple

Remember, this diet is MUCH different than my contest diet. My contest diet consists of only five meals and mainly just white fish and veggies.

They say that the pre and post-workout meals are the most vital meals for the day, what do yours consist of?

I usually don’t focus so much on what meals I have before and after my workouts. This is mainly because I’m super busy and never know what time I’ll be heading to the gym. Although, when contest dieting, I always make sure to get in an early morning low-intensity cardio before any meal whatsoever.