Pro bodybuilding coach Stefan Kienzl goes into detail about the futures of William Bonac and Shawn Clarida
The second installment of GI Conversation with Stefan Kienzl, hosted by filmmaker Vlad Yudin, continues to delve into the mind of one of bodybuilding’s most celebrated coaches. With his unique blend of medical expertise and practical experience, Stefan Kienzl has become a guiding force for some of the world’s top athletes, including Nathan De Asha, Shaun Clarida, William Bonac, Urs Kalecinski, and more. This episode explored the complexities of coaching, the nuances of athlete development, and Kienzl’s candid insights into the state of bodybuilding.
Adapting to Athletes’ Ages and Stages
When asked about tailoring his approach based on an athlete’s age, Stefan Kienzl highlighted the importance of recovery. As athletes age, their recovery times tend to lengthen, and injuries become a more significant factor in training plans.
While not all athletes experience a slowdown in metabolism, individual variability plays a crucial role. For Stefan, personalization is key—each training regimen is meticulously crafted to accommodate the unique needs of the athlete, ensuring optimal performance and longevity in the sport.
The Reality of Coach Switching in Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding, like any competitive field, sees athletes frequently switch coaches. Stefan Kienzl explained that this is often due to differences in working styles and communication preferences. He acknowledged his own no-nonsense, straightforward approach, which works well for some but not all athletes.
Athletes occasionally switch coaches due to unrealistic expectations or frustration with their progress. Stefan cautioned against this impatience, as starting fresh with a new coach often resets the learning process. Athletes who repeatedly change coaches without giving the partnership time to yield results may struggle to achieve their full potential.
Stefan’s Respect for Fellow Coaches
Stefan Kienzl expressed admiration for many of his peers, naming Hany Rambod and Chris Aceto as standout examples. He also acknowledged lesser-known yet highly skilled coaches. While Stefan respects the contributions of other coaches, he noted that he has always followed his own path rather than modeling his approach on anyone else.
When discussing Hany Rambod’s announcement of stepping back from coaching, Stefan revealed that he was unsurprised. Having worked with athletes who had recently trained under Rambod, Kienzl was aware of the gradual reduction in Rambod’s coaching commitments. Despite this shift, Stefan speculated that Rambod might continue to guide Hadi Choopan, given the close bond they share.
Shaun Clarida Joins Team Kienzl
One of the most intriguing segments of the episode was the discussion of Shaun Clarida’s decision to leave his former coach, Matt Jansen, and join Stefan Kienzl. Stefan recounted their initial meeting at the 2024 Olympia, where Clarida impressed him with his second-place finish in the Men’s 212 division. Shortly after the competition, Clarida reached out to Stefan, leading to a smooth transition between coaches.
Stefan Kienzl expressed his admiration for Clarida’s work ethic and physique. Despite Clarida’s occasional forays into the Men’s Open division, their focus remains on excelling in the Men’s 212 category. Stefan supports Clarida’s decision to compete in multiple divisions, as it keeps the sport engaging and aligns with Clarida’s passion for bodybuilding.
As a former Olympia champion, Shaun Clarida brings high expectations. When asked about the pressure of coaching such a high-caliber athlete, Stefan admitted that it exists but views it positively. The combination of pressure and excitement fuels his passion for coaching, driving him to bring out the best in his athletes.
William Bonac: A Champion with Untapped Potential
William Bonac, a veteran of the bodybuilding world, remains one of Stefan Kienzl’s most inspiring athletes. Despite his age, Bonac continues to defy expectations. Stefan shared how Bonac returned to competition after a hiatus and made remarkable progress under his guidance within seven months.
Although Bonac placed in the top 10 at the 2024 Olympia, Stefan believes there is still untapped potential. He is confident that with the right preparation, Bonac could break into the top five again, emphasizing that “William’s time is definitely not over.”
Navigating Internal Competition Among Athletes
One of the unique challenges of coaching multiple athletes in the same division is the potential for internal competition. However, Stefan Kienzl dismissed the idea of it being awkward. Instead, he views his role as maximizing each athlete’s individual potential. Each competitor has unique strengths and weaknesses, and Stefan’s job is to help them achieve their personal best, regardless of who else is in the lineup.
Wrap Up
This episode offered an in-depth look at the intricacies of coaching at the highest levels of bodybuilding. Stefan’s insights into athlete development, his respect for the broader coaching community, and his philosophy on managing expectations provided valuable lessons for both aspiring athletes and fans of the sport.
Stefan Kienzl’s ability to adapt to each athlete’s needs, combined with his straightforward approach, sets him apart as a coach. His collaboration with athletes like Shaun Clarida and William Bonac showcases his dedication to both preserving the legacy of veteran competitors and nurturing new talent.
As GI Conversation with Stefan Kienzl continues, viewers can look forward to more revelations from one of bodybuilding’s most influential figures. Stay tuned for the next episode as Vlad Yudin uncovers more about Kienzl’s approach, philosophies, and the future of bodybuilding.
