On Top of the World
IFBB star, Kamila Pardamcova, rounded off an amazing year with the top honour of ‘2022 World Champion Bikini Fitness.’ The multiple title-holder joins us at Society Marbella this month to talk about her journey to date, her move to Marbella and future plans.
Tell us about your background in bodybuilding?
I started weight training when I was 18. As a child, I was often ill and always in and out of hospitals. When I reached my teens, I made the conscious decision to involve myself in sport, in order to get healthier, stronger and just be able to run around like a normal child.
I dabbled with bodybuilding and then moved onto Tae-kwon-do, where I found my inner beast and discovered my strengths. I participated in several tournaments and fought for my country.
I then moved to UK and decided to use my energy and enthusiasm in the health and fitness industry to become a Body Pump instructor. I also received my Personal Training Diploma in UK. I love what I do, it is no longer a career for me but a lifestyle!
In terms of body building titles, I have won every single title there is to win in the IFBB. I took part in 18 International shows this year and out of those, I won 15 Gold / First Place and 3 Silver/ 2nd Place. So, it was a phenomenal year for me.
What has been your greatest moment in the sport?
My highlight was winning the WORLD CHAMPION TITLE. This is extremely difficult, as only the best of the best compete head on for this. When I started competing I never in a million years thought this was possible for me. This year I faced my fears and challenges. I broke all my records and eclipsed my wildest dreams.
What is a normal day in your life when you are preparing for a competition?
On a normal day of my prep life, I wake up at 7.30am and first things first … I have two espressos with my supplements. Then I begin my cardio, which takes around an hour. Next, I like to have a quick cold shower and enjoy my breakfast before heading to the gym. I train my clients, eat my lunch and then it’s ‘my time’. This means a weight training session, before going home to practice my posing / routine, as well as deal with my online clients. I always do another hour of cardio at night before dinner, followed by a cold shower again and then relax with my cat.
How would you describe your diet?
My diet is extreme. It can be the toughest thing in my chosen lifestyle. Sometimes, after eating my meal, I am already counting the hours before I can eat again, as the meal hasn’t satisfied my hunger. The days prior to the competition, I cut water, salt and carbohydrates. This is when you really start to feel the diet hitting you hard. You can break down with exhaustion, hunger, negative thoughts, doubt... This is the most difficult part of the prep life. You become emotional, ‘hangry,’ over tired, full of adrenaline and you look like death. On the upside you are excited to see your body change each day.
Do you take any supplements?
YES INDEED I DO! I take a lot of supplements from A to Z, be it homeopathic, herbal or vitamins and minerals.
Do you stay in shape year-round?
NO! It is impossible to stay stage ready throughout the year. When I am off season, I typically gain about 14kgs above my stage weight. This is purely from the excess food I am consuming plus a bit of the good life.
What future plans do you have?
I am currently working on building up my online business.
What training and nutrition methods gave you the greatest bodybuilding results?
Listening to my body and not fighting it. Getting lots of rest, when I can. Sleep plays an important role. Not being afraid to eat carbohydrates, I have spent my life thinking carbohydrates were not good for met. Eating clean.
What separates a champion from the rest?
To become a champion one needs to be completely focused and dedicated. The keywords and phrases to this are:- CONSISTENCY, COMMITMENT, HARD WORK, DEDICATION, GO THE EXTRA MILE, PUSH BEYOND YOUR BOUNDARIES, TEARS, PAIN, HUNGER FOR SUCCESS, WANT IT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE.
How do you balance your personal life with bodybuilding?
To be a champion, you have to make a lot of sacrifices, be it on a personal or social level. I have no other life as I dedicated 2022 to becoming the best version I could be. I live, breathe and eat BIKINI FITNESS. To let off steam, you will often see me on the Paseo, walking and doing my cardio, whilst enjoying the fresh air, the sunshine and listening to the waves.
As a personal trainer, what would be your best advice to people wanting to get in shape?
Be realistic. Set achievable goals. Start with a goal of maybe working out twice a week. Then you will see if you have the time and motivation to do more and this will fuel your motivation. If you over-aim, thinking you will train five times a week, but only manage two, you will disappoint yourself and kill your own motivation. Then you give up your journey before you even got started. It's better to be positively surprised by over achieving your goals, rather than being disappointed not achieving them.
Why did you choose Marbella as your base?
What’s not to LOVE about Marbella? I have lived in many different cities and I find MARBELLA to be the one that that suits me the most. The quality of lifestyle, fresh air, beautiful landscape and constant sunshine throughout the year. Each season is different and I welcome each change. Marbella is my home and I love it.
