Can't find what you are looking for?
Try our search navigation!

If one athlete exudes a mixture of fashion and fitness it is WBFF Fitness Model competitor, Kendall Wood. Having already appeared in such publications like Maximum Fitness and Men’s Workout, this fierce competitor will be making an even bigger impact in 2010!

As the first African-American fitness model to grace the cover of the aforementioned Maximum Fitness, Kendall Wood is paving the way for a new breed of athlete. He uniquely combines a GQ flare to his near perfect physique and continues to inspire a new generation of fitness model. You can see this by the top athletes joining the WBFF on a daily basis who will have their hands full by stepping on stage with this genetic wonder!

Among his ever growing list of accomplishments, Kendall’s ability to motivate others into the lifestyle of fitness doesn’t stop by stepping on-stage. He also launched a company called FitSciences aimed at educating both adults and children the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through performance competitions. FitSciences also has a Fitness Model competition where the hopeful WBFF pros have an opportunity to obtain pro status. Kendall is true supporter of the WBFF movement.

After his 2nd place finish in 2008 followed by a disappointing 4th place finish in 2009, we’re looking forward to the physique that someone with Kendall’s desire can achieve. We, at the WBFF, got to spend time with him and hear more with his own words.

Tell us about the moment you decided to step on stage.

I decided to step on stage after trying to influence other people to compete in the 22 city model search for the 2006 Olympia. I finally decided to push myself into a more expeditious recovery from serious knee and shoulders surgery. I was in horrible shape. However, I was able to train myself, get in shape and was on of 15 males selected for the competition.

What’s your favorite recipe?

My favorite recipe is my unique competition/award winning chili. You know that I have to keep it a secret until I write my book.

Tell us 3 things that most people don’t know about you.

1. Most people do not know that I was 210 lbs with a belly
2. Asthmatic condition had me hospitalized over 1000 days during my childhood
3. I do not particularly like to swim but would love to go deep sea diving.

You were the first African American to grace the cover of Maximum Fitness-what did that mean to you?

Being the first African-American to grace the cover has been ground breaking and has removed some of the historic rhetoric that African American Male Cover Models, especially those who are not popular entertainers, do not sell well in Fitness. I am especially thankful to Mr. Robert Kennedy, Michael DeMederios, and Jerry Kindela for the opportunity and their continued support of our common quest of motivating and supporting others to live more healthy and fit lifestyles.

This subject often conjures ambivalence. While this opportunity gives me a chance to showcase my love for fitness and compel others to live a better quality of life, I am often cautious about having the desire to be the first because that means that I will also develop a desire for others not do what I desire to do. Being the first African-American on the cover of Maximum Fitness Magazine was not a goal of mine. However, I am elated by the results and look forward to more success.

Growing up, what did you dream of becoming? How has that dream play a role in your success in the fitness industry?

My dream was to be a great professional football player. My health condition kept me from fulfilling that dream. However, I realized my gift for teaching and love for children. I was a successful educator for 13 years. After realizing that student achievement was not always educations number one priority, I decided to learn more about health and fitness in order to teach people how to take care of their bodies and minds. My drive to be my best and to assist others in doing the same has been my motivation in the area of fitness. While I enjoy displaying my level of fitness, my primary goal is to inspire others and leverage my success to support others as well as myself and my immediate family.

What has been your biggest challenge in the fitness industry and how did you get through it?

People have expressed to me that I am articulate and have invited me to be a keynote speaker and master of ceremonies for graduation events in middle school, high school and college ceremonies as well as major fitness competitions. I have successfully helped a number of people improve their health and fitness levels for everyday life and sporting competitions. As we discussed earlier, I have been on the cover of Maximum Fitness, and issue that sold very well. Yet, I am not endorsed by a major fitness company. I would enjoy assisting someone to build their brand and be a spokesperson for their company. I believe I have a lot to offer.

FitSciences is a company that I launched last year that provides children and adults an opportunity to display and learn more about a healthy and fit lifestyle. Children and adults can compete in sports performance competitions in our sports combine competition which includes, 40 meter dash, sports agility drills, push-ups and sit-ups in one minute, and standing broad jump. We also award the most cash prizes in the United States for the Fitness Model Division male and female pro and novice. We also have female figure, bikini, and HOT Moms competitions as a part of our championships. Our top competitors will also be highlighted in our annual fitness/fashion calendar which is late this year but we will make up for it. I promise! Last year was a great event with over 60 competitors and 250 attendees. In our first years one of our winners was featured as the cover model of Natural Muscle and took home $3000. Another champion won $2000 and was featured in Maximum Fitness. This year our event will be awesome. It will be held July 16 and 17 in Atlanta and we will have more details in the coming weeks.

Initially, I had chosen to compete in the WBFF as a challenge to myself. Knowing that I had a great year in 2008, I wanted to get better. Besides, the great competitors like Michael McFarlane, Obi Obadike and more were schedule to compete. My 2nd place finish in 2008 yielded great relationships professionally and socially. I have been very impressed with the way the WBFF exposes its athletes with opportunities to be published in a number of magazines and obtain great sponsorships. My decision to compete this past year was last minute and I was disappointed with 4th place. Is the competition getting better, am I slipping or is the stage lighting interfering with the judges eyesight? I am trippin’. I just may be back in 2010 with more focus and preparation. Paul, we have got to do something about be able to socialize during the show and watching the show also. Come on!!!

What motivates you?

My motivation is use all of the talents that God has blessed me with to honor Him. I definitely fall short of perfection but I strive for it daily. I believe that one does not always need to desire to be better than someone else but pursue the best within themselves.

-- Reprinted With Permission