ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Kieran Maher
Tell us about your background in fitness and bodybuilding. What titles have you won and what has been your greatest moment in the sport?
My background in fitness is long. I've been going to the gym since I was 14. I also have my cert 3 and 4 in fitness and have done a few extra learning certs in sport diet. I was also a qualified Stott Pilates instructor and gymnastics coach.
I was peer pressured into my first Body building comp and once done I fell in love with it.
The title I have are:
4th place - intermediate division ACT INBA - Sept 2013
1st place - Intermediate division INBA ACT country titles - 27 April 2014
2nd place - open division INBA ACT country titles - 27 April 2014
1st place - Intermediate division INBA North coast classic -25 May 2014
1st place - open division INBA North coast classic -25 May 2014
1st place - Overall INBA North coast classic -25 May 2014
1st place - open Hight class 3 division INBA Nationals - June 2014
1st place - intermediate division INBA Nationals - June 2014
2nd place - ACT titles INBA - Sept 2015
4th place - INBA Nationals - Oct 2015
1st place - open Hight class 2 division ICN ACT titles - 17th Sept 2017
6th place - under 75kg division ICN muscle model show championship - 13th Oct 2017
5th place - over 30 division ICN muscle model show championship - 13th Oct 2017
6th place - open Hight class 3 division ICN muscle model show championship - 13th Oct 2017
4th place - under 75kg division ICN Natlympia Bali - 28th Oct 2017
1st place - open Hight class 3 division ICN Natlympia Bali - 28th Oct 2017
1st place men's body building 30+ ACT 2020
1st place men's body building open ACT 2020
Overall winner ACT 2020
4th place ICN Goldclass 2021
And every moment in the sport are my favourites. Though the natural Olympia held in Bali is very much a stand out comp and trip for me.
What does a week of training and food look like for you in preparation to get on stage?
A week of training is typically 6 days a week and I normally just go in with a body part in mind. I enjoy just going with what I feel or is available at the time.
My diet is different every prep so it's hard to explain any one prep, but calories will be about 3000 per day. Last year I was eating 3000 cal per day 3 days out from comp day. This year with the shut-down GMD has helped with not frequently returning to do groceries as they were limiting food purchase.
How would you describe your diet when not preparing for the stage and what would a normal week of eating look like for you?
My normal diet is about 3000 cal a day and with GMD I get 38 meals a week and also cook some meals myself. On weekends I do eat out but my sugar intake is low as I don't normally eat cake, lollies or chocolate.
How has the journey to the gold class event this weekend been with Covid restrictions?
The journey to ACT ICN Gold class has been a real battle with the mind and ever changing environment. Lockdown did affect us all and the weights I had at home were just my light pump up weights so training took a hit and body composition changed negatively. While dieting I still lift the same weights I would in off season.
What’s your advice for anyone looking to compete for the first time?
My advice to new competitors is that it is hard but you really do have to love the process and love gym. Some people enter a comp for the wrong reasons and fail so really assess why you want to compete and then have fun with it.
How have our pre made meals helped in your journey so far?
GMD meals have been amazing while in off season and more recently to maintain in my prep. The ability to take a few hours out of the kitchen has given me time for doing other things.
The food is great and flavour selection big, though I normally eat the same things repetitively through a week or month.
What are your favourite meals?
My favourite meals are Chicken Laksa, Honey Mustard Chicken, Beef Massaman, Korean Beef & Passionfruit Pancakes.
