Where and when were you born?
I was born In Melbourne, Australia. 3rd November
What is your profession?
In Melbourne I was production manager for an independent fashion label that specialized customized clothing. That was a lot of fun. Here in the UK im involved in a company that deals in prestige cars. Im a qualified personal trainer and train selected clients. I always have a few projects in the making and like to try new things to evolve my life and career.
Were you involved in sports or fitness prior to bodybuilding/figure and how did you get started with weight training?
As far back as I can remember I enjoyed being very active. I would get into anything that was available. I used to run both long distance and sprints / track and field sports at school. I did ballet when very young but as I got older I sought out more challenging, adrenalin based activities. I enjoyed martial arts training, downhill mountain bike riding. I kept a horse for a few years, which I think was probably the most dangerous pastime. My horse was big and a little crazy !
Recently – in 2007, after competing, I tried some pro wrestling training. There was a real fear factor challenge learning some of the moves, I loved it and trained with Alex Shane in the UK and at Alpha wrestling school in Melbourne Australia. Challenging and extreme, but decided it shelve it and focus on training for the NABBA Universe later that year. In an ideal world I would do both but either require a lot of focus and dedication. I had to choose one.
I began weights training in Melbourne at Brophy’s gym in Melbourne at 17y.o. I was a student at university and found myself spending more time training than on my studies. Owner Neil Brophy would always tell me I had great genetics and I should do something with them. Words I like to reflect on. I had no idea about the world of competitive bodybuilding at that time and my level of training was recreational.
My career took over and I did not get into my more serious training until 2006 in London where I met an American couple Brian and Michele Hodous. We became great friends and trained with a level of intensity I never knew. With their combined experience of competition, training and diet, I went on to win my first two shows.
Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding/figure competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body?
It was definitely something that just evolved. As mentioned above, my training with Brian and Michele certainly made competing very achievable. It was their support and knowledge that gave me the ability to focus. That level of focus was for me a recipe for success not just applicable for competition but anything in life.
Can you give me your competition history?
2006 - 1st - BNBF Central qualifiers, womens physique, UK
2006 - 1st - WABBA , womens trained figure under 30, UK
2006 - 3rd - Muscle Mania Hollywood - women physique, USA
2007 - 1st - FAME UK, Muscle model, Seni Expo UK
2007 - 1st - WFF Universe 1st, womens super body, Northeim , Germany
2007 - WFF - Miss Universe Title - overall winner
2007 - 2nd - NABBA world finals , figure tall, Malta
2008 - 3rd - NABBA Universe , women figure tall, Southport UK
Which contest has been your biggest success; which has had the most meaning to you?
My first show was the best. It was all new and unknown. Placing first added to the excitement.
To me every contest is a success and relevant for that time. I have competed within a few different federations and chose shows that suited my physique at the time. Every show i come away with new knowledge about my diet preparation and where to look at improving. Good diet and training is just as important as practicing your stage posing and presence. It takes time to evolve and improve.
Please tell me something about your training routine (ie: how many days per week / training split /cardio, etc.)
I like to train 5 days a week. This can vary to six days on a 4 days on one off split.
One body part per workout or :
Shoulders and biceps
Legs
Back
Chest and tri’s
Cardio in the morning
What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much?
Its hard for me to choose just one favorite and easy to favor your best body part. So im going to say squats.
I tend to neglect and not enjoy abs as much as I should. This year im going love abs !
Which body part is your best in your opinion?
Legs. They respond very quickly.
If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)?
Im not too focused on the amount of weight I can lift. But I was rather pleased when I was able to lift my own bodyweight for reps with ease and squat 100kg / 220 lbs comfortably.
HEIGHT 5’8”
CURRENT WEIGHT : 72KG – 158 lb
COMP WEIGHT : 63KG - 138 lb
BICEPS 13 INCS
QUADS 22.5 INCH
CALVES 15 INCH
(2008 8 weeks out)
What do you enjoy about training for competition....what do you enjoy about the 'off season'?
Training for competition I become very organized with my day to day routine. Its like a military operation. What time I get up, what time I eat, train, sleep. This keeps me on track and I enjoy seeing the physical results from that sometimes monotonous routine.
‘Off season’ I enjoy not having to think about weighing my ‘food rations’ and not doing as much cardio. I like the mental freedom of my usual strict routine and going out for dinner.
Please describe a typical day in the life of Lisa Carrodus.
I love my coffee ritual in the morning while checking emails and planning the day ahead.
Sometimes (offseason) I will do cardio in the morning to get moving, prepare my food and then go about my day. If I can I will train in late afternoon, if my day is full I will train in the evening. I aim to be asleep by midnight but when preparing for a show 10.30pm
Please tell me about what you do when you don’t work out (hobbies, what do you do to relax?, etc.)
I like to travel and see new places. This can be difficult when there is a show on the horizon as you need to have access to regular healthy meals and gyms. I found New York was the best place for this.
I have a very busy London life and don’t sit still for long. I like to spend time on my own, at home listening to music but usually doing something, as well as with friends. I find its important to keep a balance. Spending time in nature is important for me. I try to escape the city when I can to see green trees and breathe fresh air. I enjoy visiting castles in Scotland and England.
Usually I head back Melbourne for Christmas to see family and get some sunshine, staying as long as I can.
What do you enjoy most about the bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle?
I love looking and feeling fit and strong. It’s a part of my personality. It has so many advantages physically and mentally. Exercise keeps me feeling motivated, clear headed and strong. I love that.
Tell me something interesting about yourself, something people may be surprised to hear.
I like to iron my bed sheets. Lol… I love sleeping and my luxurious bed is important ! !
What are your competition goals or personal future goals?
I intend to carry on competing provided I can maintain a balanced life and I enjoy it. Enjoyment is important for me and sometimes the sacrifice of dieting and training with the aim to compete is a big sacrifice to other areas of your life. It’s a solitary, obsessive pastime and the support of those around you is very important.
My website will be up soon with a huge collection of images I’ve collected from shoots all over the world. I will be sure to post my future plans on the site. I aim to have it up I the first quarter of 2009.
Please note:
Lisa does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!!