Fit for the big screen – for Vladislav Khanis, fitness went from a necessity in his younger life to becoming the catalyst for living his dream. TRAIN asked Vlad, 19 quick-fire questions about how he went from fat to fit.
1 Vital stats
Before
Weight: 227lbs
Bodyfat : 27%.
Now
Weight 190-200lbs
Bodyfat: 10%
2 Wake up call
Growing up in an old-fashioned, immigrant family wasn’t easy on my body. Mom always fed us very well. I’d always be the last choice in gym class and friend-zoned by the girl I loved. I needed to change
3 My idol
My biggest motivation when I started and still remains is the late Greg Plitt. His photo on the cover of a fitness magazine 10 years ago made me want to transform.
4 Support network
I was criticized heavily by family and friends when I first told them I’d fly out for photo shoots and become a fitness model. They thought I was a dreamer but my support network is huge now.
5 Moving goalposts
Initially, I just wanted to lose excess weight, but in time, I loved it and wanted to increase mass then become a fitness model. I’ve achieved these goals and set new ones.
6 Training numbers
Generally, I work each body part twice weekly using 16 to 20 sets. For photo shoot prep, I’m in a calorie deficit and training goes from 1.5 hours, 4 times weekly to 2.5 hours, 6 times weekly.
7 Styled sessions
I like old school high volume training. Longer sessions work well for me and allow me to create the ideal aesthetic proportions that my job requires. I never neglect important core training either.
8 Days off
I’m originally from Ukraine and loved going to Sauna or as it’s called there, ‘Banya’. In New York, I still go regularly. It relaxes the muscles and lowers muscle-cannibalising, cortisol levels.
9 Diet needs
My diet changes according to my training requirements. I eat one gram of protein per pound of body weight and where possible I’ll substitute red meat and chicken for fish before photo shoots as it bloats me less and helps me look leaner.
10 Music motivation
During training sessions, I love listening to Linkin Park, Three Doors Down, Limp Bizkit, Eminem and Rammstein. It helps me focus and wires me up for difficult training sessions.
11 Breakfast
Two whole boiled eggs, one piece of whole-wheat toast with turkey, whole tomato and a cup of green tea. A few small squares of dark chocolate too.
12 Pre-workout supplements
Before training, I like to have one scoop of MHP Probolic SR protein and a scoop of pre-workout. These products help me stay focused and energized for training.
13 Post-workout food
This is my vital post-workout meal. I have baked or sweet potatoes with grilled chicken, skirt steak with brown rice or bison meat with shepherd salad and a cup of green tea.
14 Food for thought
Over the years of learning and trying things out, I learned what works for my body. I understand that everyone is different and what works for me might not for someone else.
15 Gym split
Monday Legs
Tuesday Chest, front and mid-delts
Wednesday Back, rear delts and traps
Thursday – REST
Friday Arms
Abs every workout
HIIT cardio every session.
16 Rewarding work
I love to eat and NYC is full of amazing restaurants. Growing up in Brooklyn, I always loved delicious NY Pizza. My favorite restaurant is Totonno’s where you’re treated like family.
17 Quotes to live by
“Strong people don’t put others down, they lift em up”
“From a fat kid to an internationally published fitness model and actor, never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough”.
18 Life upgrade
It gives me peace of mind, keeps me disciplined and focused in life, completely changing my life for the better. From a hobby, it became a job I love
19 Future ambitions
Becoming an actor in action movies. It’s been a childhood dream and I’m working on this goal as hard as I did my fitness. I take classes and started filming for a TV series picked up by NBC.
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