James Collier: Hi Roland, it was great to chat with you at the after show party at the Arnold Classic last year, and thanks for agreeing to do this interview for MuscleTalk.
Most MT members will be familiar with you for your role playing the young Arnold Schwarzenegger in See Arnold Run. How did you go about getting the role for this?
Roland Kickinger: Thanks James, it was great meeting and talking to you as well. By the way I became an instant fan of your site. So much info! It shows that being and staying fit is a global concern.
When the casting office called me in to read for the role of 'Arnold' in the film See Arnold Run I felt an amazing honour to play such an icon. Perhaps the newer generation does not know much about 'Arnold' being an immigrant coming from a foreign country, turning into an amazing bodybuilder, becoming a movie star and ending up in politics.
JC: You were in great shape for the role, how much extra work did you have to put in to get into this condition?
RK: Getting ready for this or any other roles that would require a physical presence is a routine process. From my past experiences of dieting for bodybuilding contests and dialling in my physique for the stage definitely helped me to know what I have to do to get in condition for films. I did discover a secret weapon which is my thermogenic fat burner. I use this one to maintain a lean and vascular look all year around. The product is Hardcore Strength Xenadrine RFA-X.
JC: Did you meet Arnie during the making of the film, and how well did you get on with him?
RK: I have met Arnold and his family in 1995 when I came to California. He is truly an inspiration.
JC: Rewinding now to when you were younger, can you please give our members some background about yourself, like where you were born and what got you into working out?
RK: I was born in Vienna, Austria and graduated from business in Hotel and Restaurant management. Started gymnastics at the age of 4 and continued until 12. Then I discovered the gym and weightlifting. The magazines kept me informed and motivated.
JC: Where do you currently live?
RK: I live in Los Angeles
JC: Can you give us a run down of your competitive bodybuilding background?
RK: My competitions since arriving to the US (or while visiting) have included:
- Mr. Miami Classic (89)
- Newcomer Champion Austria (92)
- Mr. Powerhouse (94)
- Mr. Muscle Beach (94)
- Mr. Universe (95)
- Arnold Classic (96)
- San Jose Pro Invitational (97)
- Night of the Champions (97)
- Ironman (98)
- San Francisco Pro Invitational (98)
- Ironman (99)
- Arnold Classic (99)
JC: We all know you're in great shape, but just how tall and heavy are you?
RK: Thank you! I am 195cm and I weight approx 120kg.
JC: You're clearly an up and coming name in Hollywood, and when we spoke you mentioned that it's a struggle out there. But what are you ultimate ambitions in your acting career?
RK: I am very fortunate to be able to work as an actor. I believe that movement and the right intentions will get you what you are looking for. Remaining positive and persistent are not only traits for the gym. The ultimate goals being an actor are to work and work and continue to work!
JC: What were some of your other acting roles, and do you have any particular favourites?
RK: Please see here for most of my work.
JC: Have you got any new roles coming up?
RK: Currently, I wrapped on my first Indian film called Peeranmai which means 'Mighty Man' in December 2008. A powerful action packed movie filmed in the tiger conservation forest south of India. Right now I am filming a classic vampire film called 'Raven'.
JC: When we spoke you mentioned you were looking for a sponsor, and there was interest with the supplement company ProLab.
RK: I look forward to work with a company with vision, integrity and the burning desire to grow expediential. I found the company: Iovate based in Canada.
JC: Do you follow a nutrition plan of any kind? If so what does it entail?
RK: I do miss sometimes the so called 'off season' during my competition years. At this point in my life there is only an 'on season' all year around. I believe in a fit lifestyle, daily exercise of the mind, body and soul. There are 5 meals per day including approx 45g of protein, 35g of carbs and 20g of fat per meal.
JC: And which supplements do you use?
RK: Besides my Hardcore Strength Xenadrine RFA-X, I am using Omega 3 MD, Joint MD, Six Star Glutamine, Zinc, Nitro-Tech Hardcore protein powder.
JC: How often do you train and do you have a training schedule?
RK: Weight training 5 days per week. I use different techniques such as pyramid scheme, drop sets, compound movements, supersets and sometimes circuit training following by a 25 min. interval cardio vascular program. Weekends I like to go swimming in the nearby ocean in Malibu. In addition I have 4 classes in martial arts (including all weapons), acting and voice training and Spanish classes 3 times per week
JC: What kind of cardiovascular work do you do?
RK: My cardio routine includes from the standards gym peaces, outdoor mountain trails with extra weight jacket of 30lb, swimming and my special outdoor condition training.
JC: Do you have any useful bodybuilding tips to share with MuscleTalk members which you can draw from your experience?
RK: In preparation to achieve your fitness goals, take a moment to become clear about what you want to accomplish, believe whole heartedly it will happen, be willing to take action following your instincts and educate yourself on nutrition and exercise. You must develop habits necessary to acquire the physique you desire and trust that the results are in the process of being created for you. Choose a goal that inspires you. Then you will have a burning desire to pursue your goal. Desire is the seed for everything that will come for you later. What you want will not only become your pursuit... but will begin to pursue you. Regardless of where you are at now, whatever you set your mind on is what you ultimately will become.
JC: Other than training and acting, what else do you like to do in your spare time? Do you get much time to relax?
RK: James, one of my greatest joys in life is my garden. Every morning and evening I water my plants, feed the fish in the koi pond, harvest some of the fresh herbs and veggies I grew.
JC: Roland, do you ever visit any fitness websites, and do you feel that people's knowledge of nutrition and training has improved since bodybuilding and strength forums have become so popular?
RK: Yes, I like to keep up to date in fitness and bodybuilding and enjoy reading and learning from people all over the world. The internet can be quite an educational medium for anybody.
JC: Many thanks for taking the time to be interviewed and on behalf of all the MuscleTalk members, I'd like to wish you all the best in your future acting career; I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of you!
RK: It was truly a pleasure to be a part of MuscleTalk.co.uk. Thank you so very much James.
For all the current and future members of MuscleTalk I wish you an abundance of health, peace, love and happiness. Feel free to contact me on my website. I love to hear from you!
You can see more pictures of Roland and read about him on his own website www.kickinger.com