Today I’m chatting with a repeat guest on the BarBend Podcast: Powerlifter turned (now professional) bodybuilding competitor Amanda Kohatsu. Amanda originally made a name for herself in strength through her powerlifting accomplishments. But about a year and a half ago, she decided to take a break from competitive squat, bench, and deadlift to enter a new athletic arena: Figure and physique competition. Barely 18 months into her bodybuilding journey, Amanda earned victories and pro cards in BOTH bodybuilding categories, making her one of that discipline’s most promising new competitors. We talk about her recent journey and compare powerlifting and bodybuilding stereotypes (sometimes to hilarious ends).
In this episode of the BarBend Podcast, host David Thomas Tao talks to Amanda Kohatsu about:
- Amanda’s early success in bodybuilding (2:10)
- Picking the right bodybuilding division to move forward with (6:30)
- Favorite holiday foods and cheat meals (9:00)
- How Amanda discovered bodybuilding after an accomplished powerlifting career (13:00)
- Why it’s tough to train bodybuilding from home (18:30)
- What Amanda is focusing on next, and which body parts she WON’T be working to grow (21:00)
- Inside jokes in bodybuilding (23:30)
Relevant links and further reading:
