Chris Genkinger (Chris250) is not only a national level bodybuilder, but also a true fan of bodybuilding. Chris has been continuously involved with the sport for 20 years, and his enthusiasm for bodybuilding is felt by anyone who has spoken to him. He joined Rx when it was only a few weeks old, and has been a regular contributor since then.
When did you first start competing?
I first started competing in 1992, my first show was when I was 17 years old, and the show was the Teen Iowa Cup. I won first place teen middleweight and overall. I was hooked after that
I remember you telling me you moved out to California for a while to "live the dream", right?
No, it wasn't california, I actually moved to florida. I visited California a few times, and competed out there in 1994-1995. I actually, competed in the Tournament of Champions the same year that Jay Cutler did it. He won the open overall, and I won the novice overall at 19 years old. I visited California because Lou Zwick, recruited me to do some of his shows. He had heard I won the St.Louis Golds Championships in 1994 as a teenager. He called me up and asked me all sorts of weird questions. He was an odd person, but he had the American Muscle show on ESPN. He featured me on it a few times, but nothing really came from it. Lou, wanted me to move out to California, but I had an odd vibe about the whole situation, I stayed out in Venice for a few weeks to get a feel for it. After, I went home back to Iowa, I decided that moving to florida was a better fit for me. I had friends out there, and my trainer at the time was living in Orlando, Florida. I lived in Orlando, for two years. Competed in the Southern USA in 1997 and won the heavyweights, but lost the overall to the middleweight. I also competed in the First Coast in Jacksonville and got 2nd to John King who later went on to the USA's that year, and got 5th in the heavyweights. After, a couple years of just working at the gym, and bouncing. I decided that it would be best to go back to school and get a degree. So after a couple years I moved back home.
Single, married, kids?
Im married now to Sarah Genkinger, with a step daughter Liz who is 11 years old, and my own daughter Gracey who is 7 now.
What does your family think of competing?
Grace loves going to shows. She actually cried when she found out that she couldn't go to pre judging of Sarah's sister show (midwest championships in st.louis this past march). Sarah compete's herself in figure and just did a show back in november in bikini. But, has decided that figure is more her fit. Sarah's sister compete's in bikini, and we both have been helping her out with her shows. She is competing this upcoming weekend, in the Midwest Championships in Davenport, Iowa.
My mother is super supportive of my bodybuilding goals. If you ever look on my facebook page, you will see her comment on every picture or have words of motivation for me. She has gone to almost everyone of my shows, and always knows where I'm going to place after prejudging. If she know's I'm not going to get first, she has to leave, because she hates to see the hurt I have when I don't win. My father in law is super supportive as well. He goes to all the shows, and always ask how prep is going or what I'm eating for the day. My family is great, they always believe in me, and that will never change.
I remember you had a health scare a few years ago... What happened and how are you now?
Yes, it was cardiomyopathy, which means I had high blood pressure for years and years. I don't want to really get into the details of my situation anymore as it is in the past. But lets just say I have a clean bill of health now, but just have to be a lot more careful on what I do.
How did you hear about RxMuscle?
I have been a member of RxMuscle since Dave, started the site. I don't actually remember how i heard about the site, but I joined it as soon as I found out about it. I have been a supportive member of the site for a few years now. I love reading all the gossip, that goes on in bodybuilding. My favorite part is watching National Level bodybuilder's get ready for shows, and seeing how they progress. It give's me motivation to get my ass back into shape. I also enjoy helping others out on any dieting or training questions.
When is your next show, and what are your future bodybuilding goals?
My next show is the Wings of Strength show on July 6-7th. I was planning on doing Jr.Nationals, but decided that I needed to win a show first before moving back up to the national level. Im qualified to do Jr.Nationals, but that doesn't always mean your ready to step up to that level. So my plan is to win the Wings of Strength then go on to Master Nationals at the end of July or wait to do North Americans in September.
My goals now is just to get a top 5 placing at a national level show, if I can ever do that. I can retire a happy person and feel like I actually accomplished something in this crazy sport.
Let's play word association... I'll name a few words or names, and you tell me the first few words that pop into your head:
Dave Palumbo- Smart, and to the point. One of my first trainers, and helped me a few times for shows.
Peanut Butter- Best dieting food ever, I just wish I could eat more than 2 tbsp at a time.
Obama- Im not really into politics, so I don't have much to say about him.
Steroids- to much into the media anymore, it gives the sport a bad wrap that it doesn't deserve.
Zack Khan- Huge, and just crazy looking. Should make a impact in the sport, as long he can recover from his injuries
Peter McGough- Great writer. I read his stuff...
FLEX magazine- Good contest articles. I keep all the flex with USA and National coverage to keep myself motivated.
Death metal- Ummm, its music I don't listen to....
IFBB Pro Card- Still a dream in the back of my head, maybe one day in the master division I can get it...
If you have any tips, gossip, feedback, or you'd like to advertise on RxMsucle, email me at [email protected]!
Follow me: http://www.twitter.com/aaronsingerman
