Hazel Adames: Hi Bobby, thanks for taking time to be interviewed by me for MuscleTalk. To start from the beginning, how old were you when you started training and how old are you now?
Bobby Khan: I'm 28 now and I have been involved in sports and training for over 10 years.
HA: Where abouts are you from and where do you train currently?
BK: My parents are from Kashmir, I was born and grew up in Denmark, and then I moved to Windsor in 2002. I train at Panthers Gym, Cowley.
HA: What made you decide to start working out?
BK: When I was a little kid I saw a Rocky film and after watching Sylvester Stallone and seeing his physique I was hooked.
HA: What sports were you involved in when you were younger?
BK: I use to do Taekwondo and break dancing.
HA: What's your marital status and who are your biggest supporters?
BK: I have been single now for almost 2 years, but I was in a relationship for 11 years. My ex-girlfriend have always been my supporter and still is to this day we are really good friends now.
And off course my parents are always there for me be it in good times or bad.
HA: What's your current occupation?
BK: I work for Air France at Heathrow and also as a PT at Panthers gym
HA: Do you have a sponsor?
BK: Well I got a phone call from Met-Rx just a day after I did my guest spot at the Hercules show, and they said they want to sponsor me. I got a meeting with them to sign the contract, I am really happy to be working with them in the future.
HA: What is a typical day's diet like, and which supplements do you use?
BK: My diet is very simple off season, I keep the carbs a bit high and fats around 90g, and protein intake stays the same more or less. And I have 2-3 cheat meals during the week.
HA: How tall are you and what is your off-season and competition weight?
BK: My height is 174cm; weight off-season 86kg and competition weight 77kg.
HA: How do you alter your nutrition when you have a competition coming up?
BK: I start cutting the carbs and fats slowly but keep my protein the same.
HA: How often do you train and do you have a training schedule?
BK: Off-season I train 4-5 a week, but coming up to competition time I train 6 times a week. I work shift work so it so I just go along when I can.
HA: You are known for your original and entertaining posing routines, do you have help with the choreography?
BK: I use to be a B-Boy (break dancer) when I was younger and perform in front of people. I learnt a lot from break dancing, how to entertain and make my performance more enjoyable for the audience. And I took it to the bodybuilding world; I really believe that one’s presentation is as much important as one’s shape and condition on the day of the competition. My ex-girlfriend has always helped me with my posing routine as she used to be a ballet dancer, but this time I did it by myself.
HA: What competitions have you entered?
BK: In Denmark 1999, First timers - 3rd
Stars of Tomorrow 2004, First timers - 3rd
South-east 2006, under 80kg Inters - 1st (won best routine)
UKBFF Leamington Spa, Classic Class 2009 - 1st
UKBFF British Finals 2009, Classic Class - 1st
HA: You have had a break from competing, why was that?
BK: To do well in my class I needed to put on a lot more size, and I don't feel comfortable that way. I have such admiration for those bodybuilders who do but I went back to doing MMA, mountain biking and improving my condition. It was the introduction of the UKBFF Classic Class that made me rethink. My good friend Wade Stafford encouraged me to do it; I only started dieting in June!
HA: At the finals Sean Ferguson and yourself were jostling on stage, all in good humour, was it planned?
BK: Ha ha, ok where should I start? Mr Ferguson approached me after the prejudging and asked if we should make a bit of entertainment for the audience at the finals, and I agreed to that but only in the pose down. But I did not agree to do it while the judges where judging us as its very important for them to see each body part and balance etc, but Mr Ferguson forgot that it was only meant to be in the pose down and no more. There’s no beef between us, and I am really happy for him to win the Classic at the Hercules.
HA: How did you find the British Finals being held over two days?
BK: The time was dragging and I personally just wanted to get it done in one day so I could get the results quicker! But on the other hand it was nice that all the hard work that I put in was not just over quickly. This was the first time ever UKBFF done the show over 2 days, hopefully next year and onwards we will get more use to it.
HA: Do you think more than one IFBB pro card should be given out by the UKBFF each year to the men?
BK: Yeah, really feel that 2 pro cards should be given.
HA: What are your plans for next year?
BK: I will be competing in the World Championship 2010 next year, representing England.
HA: Which Bodybuilders inspire you?
BK: I’ve got a few, but to start with my favourite off all time is Bob Paris, Shawn Ray, Kevin Levrone, and Charles Clairmonte.
HA: Do you have any useful tips to share with MuscleTalk members, who may be considering the Classic Class?
BK: Classic class is not easier then other BB classes, that’s what some people think! We still go through the tough diet and still need to work hard. So if anybody is considering doing this class you need to train and diet hard and practice your posing and presentation. Believe in your self and stay around positive people.
HA: Many thanks for taking the time to be interviewed and on behalf of all the MuscleTalk members, congratulations on your sponsorship deal and I'd like to wish you all the best in the World Championships. See you on MT!
Thank you Hazel and James
Best wishes
Bobby