David Christopher: An Athlete With An Edge

David Christopher: Hard work. I’m always working to push my brand and a strong, positive influence. So I was contacted by the casting director. I’ve always been into fitness and I had done a some things in entertainment prior so I was known more of an edgier athletic guy to some. They asked if I would come in and do an on-camera interview for this new show they have coming out with Stone Cold Steve Austin. (I’ve been a WWF/WWE fan since I was a kid and more specifically, a Stone Cold fan. So, I was already sold.)

Now, this was the very first season so they didn’t tell me a whole lot about the show before the interview other than that it’s a physical competition show that puts America’s toughest and most elite athletes against each other and it’s hosted by Steve Austin. Again, I was sold! I love competition and continuing to push myself. 

When I showed up for the interview, they had a short promo playing in the lobby of what the show would be like. It looked like this raw, intense and crazy battle that would push anyone to their limits. I guess they had it playing in there in case you decided this wasn’t for you after all…but I knew Immediately that I had to be a part of it!

Fast forward to several interviews/physical exams that the show requires and I’m sitting there in my hotel room the day before competition and the producers come in and prep me and congratulate me. At this point I know its go time. My mind is racing, adrenaline is up and I didn’t know what to expect 24 hours from then. I haven’t seen any of the competition yet and I had no clue where we would be going. Needless to say, I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep that night and come to find out, neither did the rest of the cast. I’m very grateful for the experience. It was a lot of fun. I met a great group of athletes and made some new friends.

DC: With Ric, it was a great experience. Being a wrestling fan, I came to find out how respected he is. I remember looking into his training programs and reaching out to him. He was a real humble, genuine guy and that really added to the draw of training with him. Ric knows the business; he is very insightful with hands on experience. He makes you feel comfortable training with him no matter what level your at. I would definitely train with Ric again. 

DC: Yes, I agree that they’re very different. Although both types of training are similar in the aspect that they both require tremendous discipline/dedication.

With a competitive bodybuilder, typically, the primary focus is size and shape. Not too concerned with explosive movement or agility. With martial arts, it’s the opposite and more of an athletic requirement. The training is also entirely different from bodybuilding in the sense that the bigger you get as a martial artist, it may actually hinder you by requiring more oxygen to accommodate the muscles and slowing you down, making you less agile. (Not saying that a bigger guy can’t do martial arts.) Mentally, you have to remain completely focused, calm and learn how to channel your body’s energy.

I’m a musician but I’m also, an athlete and I enjoy various training styles. I want to continue to progress and challenge my body so I’ll train martial arts for a few hours and then go lift some weights in the gym directly afterwards. I believe its important to be well rounded.

DC: Ha Ha Thank you. I don’t know? Not much sleep and lots of energy drinks! No, I guess I just have certain goals in life. I’m very ambitious and I know what needs to get done so, I just go for it. I’ve never been a stranger to hard work and I believe that’s what it takes to get where you want in life. I try to find a certain balance as much as possible but ultimately, music and fitness are a passion of mine, so I really don’t mind.

I’m the type of person who needs to be busy. If I’m not, then I tend to feel like I’m not working hard enough. I do get some down time and relax a little bit here and there but life is too short, so I try to just live and experience it as much as possible. If things ever get to a point where it seems like I just can’t handle it, then I have no problem taking a step back and resetting. But as of now, I don’t see any signs of slowing down though.

DC: I’ve been deemed an “edgier” athlete in the industry, I believe, because my exterior look and musical backround. I’ve always kind of been that “punk rock ” kid in a band who is just rebellious by nature and you wouldn’t expect to be into fitness. I tend to do things a little differently than the norm. For example, I’m a total gym rat and fitness has been a part of my life since as long as I can remember, but I’ve never had any interest in being a bodybuilder. 

People often associate the idea that just because you go to the gym and eat healthy that your trying to be a bodybuilder. I respect the work and dedication that those guys put into it but that look has never appealed to me. I’ve never had any desire to compete professionally, either. I just enjoy keeping my body strong and healthy. The gym is another way to release; I call it therapy. Although, recently I’ve been told a lot that I should compete in the physique category. Again, no desire yet to do so, but who knows? Maybe with enough convincing.

I have a lot of respect for those in the industry and I think it’s awesome to see how far fitness has come. Personally, I don’t want to be another generic G.I. Joe look that we’ve seen for so many years now in the industry. I tend to feel like so many are copying a specific style or look as if fitness has become just a “cool” trend. I know it’s a hell of a lot more than that, so I’m not afraid to voice my opinion. I dare to be different and bring a new approach to the industry.