Road Racer And Model Stacey McMahon Talks To Muscle And Strength

* Sponsors: WhiteTiger.com.au, BRP Racing, Shoei, SIDI, Teknic, Two Wheels, Live to Ride, ALPHA Magazine, Draggin Jeans, Melbourne Motorcycle Fairings, Ugly Fish eyewear.

What is your athletic background and how did you get involved with fitness and racing?

I have always been heavily involved in competitive sport since I can remember. I started out as a swimmer until I discovered my natural talent as a runner. Middle distance running was my forte, winning Australian National championships in the 5000 / 3000km event as a junior. I never focused on the modeling side of things until I was asked to shoot for the ‘Pumped Up Down Under’ Calendar. I received such a great response I decided to continue in that direction and my fitness modeling took off.

It was modeling that actually gave me the opportunity to Road Race motorbikes! I was signing Calendar’s at the 2006 Australian motoGP when I was approached by the main sponsor at the time GMC (Glogal Machinery company). They were looking for a brand ambassador for the ’07 GP and I jumped at the opportunity!

It was their idea to have me actually COMPETE in the support race at the 2007 MotoGP Phillip Island. To help me get up to speed they had an ex-professional racer teach me how to ride. I am so fortunate. I never would have imagined I’d be racing motorbikes. It really is an AMAZING sport. The adrenalin rush is unbeatable!

What are some of your major racing accomplishments?

National Champion at middle distance running as a Junior. Started racing motorbikes (National series) at 27 years of age (3 months after I learned to ride). I consider my first year of riding/racing to be a major accomplishment.  Second season of racing I finished 8th in the state championships. Still a long way to go!

What keeps you motivated?

The desire to always be at my best is what keeps me motivated. I love the feeling you get from being physically fit and looking good.

How often do you perform cardio?

I train 5 times a week. My training consists of running, pilates, skipping and body weight resistance training (dips/pushups etc). I don’t have a strict routine. I listen to my body and train accordingly. In my opinion nothing beats running and skipping when you want to tone up and drop fat. I love cardio. Anything that makes you sweat! If I’m not sweating I’m not training hard enough! I believe running works best outdoors. I don’t get the same benefit from running on a treadmill.

What are your thoughts on fasted cardio?

Big fan of fasted cardio. If your goal is to stay ripped or lose fat, I believe you get results quicker if you train as soon as you wake up, on an empty stomach (coffee allowed!).

What are some of your best training tips for someone who wants to look good and ripped?

To stay ripped a mix of cardio; resistance training and good eating habits will do the trick! I’d recommend cardio at high and low intensity. Fartleck for example (a mix of jogging and sprinting. variation in pace). Keep resistance training simple. Push-ups, dips, chin-ups are always great and you can do them almost anywhere! Don’t be too strict with your diet. I’d suggest cutting out the starchy carbs like potato; pasta and rice. If you crave something naughty have it (in moderation). Then get back to being good. Don’t beat yourself up about it.

What are your favorite meals and foods?

My favorite foods are fresh salads and veggie salads with protein. Salmon, chicken, fillet steak, eggs and nuts. Fresh fruit and dried fruit as snacks. Raw veggies like carrots are also great to snack on! Yum! Unfortunately I have a weakness for chocolate :0/

Which athletes do you admire any why?

I admire all athletes at the top level. It takes a lot of dedication (blood sweat and tears) to be the best. Casey Stoner would have to be one of them. He’s succeeding in what I believe to be one of the most difficult sports (mentally and physically). He’s worked hard and achieved so much.

Workout music – Don’t care, or MP3 player?

High NRG! Old school anthems. Anything with an uplifting BANG’N beat!

Do you have any tips for someone who is looking to compete in your sport?

Look up your local race track and book in a ride day. If you LOVE it, join a club and go for it!

What attracts you to competition?

Competing is a way of life. It’s so raw and instinctual. Who doesn’t want to be the best at something? Or at least work hard at being the best you can be?

Movies and TV shows you’ve enjoyed recently?

I don’t really watch much TV but I do laugh SO HARD if I happen to see an episode of Modern Family. Makes me smile just thinking about it. Ha!