Rachel Zeskind is not only an actress and writer but she’s also a rising star in the NPC Bikini division. She finished her the 2010 comeptitive season with a class win at the Excalibur. She has her sights set on the NPC USAs in Las Vegas this summer but has a number of things cooking before then. Find out more about the woman who has worked along side the likes of George Clooney.
Born in: Washington DC
Currently Reside: Los Angeles, CA
What did you want to be when you grew up (as a kid)? Wonder Woman
How many questions does it take before someone asks you “what do you do” when first meeting them? Usually 2 unless they forget to ask my name and then it’s the first question.
Any hidden talents that people may be unaware of? I love doing stunt fighting, jumping off things and generally acting like a bad ass. I do my own stunts!
Guilty pleasure? Pinkberry!
I’ve gotta check this place out, I keep hearing about it.
What brought you to Hollywood? The entertainment industry.
What was your first “big break” in LA? Working with George Clooney on his HBO show ‘Unscripted’, my character was cut out but that experience opened a ton of doors.
What’s been your favorite role to date? I love them all, they are like your children…loved and unique in their own ways. Of course there have been a couple that were more like a red-headed step child 🙂
Do you prefer writing or acting more? I love them both! I find that the more I act, the better of a writer I become and vice vera. I am currently writing a fitness and nutrition book as well as a book geared towards fitness pro’s.
How did you get into competing in the NPC? Crazy story! I actually had a serious injury and the doctors told me I would be in pain forever if I didn’t have surgery. I was determined not to go under the knife so I began getting acupuncture as well as Laser Ouch One treatments. As soon as the pain was manageable I did resorative yoga and then started lifting. Coach Khanjo Hakeem saw how hard and consistently I trained and recruited me onto his bikini competition team! He introduced me to this amazing sport and I fell in love with competing!
You placed first at the Excalibur that had to be pretty exciting. What was the key to winning your class? I think it takes all the tools in your tool box to win. It’s the hard work and discipline to bring the right package, your support system, your posing and confidence…a lot of it is mental.
Was that your first show or what other shows have you done? My first show was about 5 1/2 months before the Excalibur. I took 4th at the West Coast Classic and that’s when I really got the passion for the sport. I saw what I had to do and went for it. I rebuilt my whole body since I had no glutes or hamstring (my previous injury had created a dead zone). So I had a lot of work to do! I put on 10 pounds of muscle in that 5 1/2 months.
Has competing helped or hurt your acting career? It has helped, in many ways. Also there has been some cross over between the two lately. I am currently working on an exercise DVD series.
When working out what’s jamming in your headphones? I am a serial monogamous when it come to my workout jams. I will put one song on loop and listen to it over and over during my workouts for a few months before moving on to a new song. My current favorite is ‘Like a G6’.
Workout solo or with a training partner/trainer? I train with my coach Khanjo Hakeem three days per week and then I train two more weight lifting days on my own and one yoga day. I also teach and coach now when I have time so it seems like I spend a ton of time in one gym or another!
How do you juggle the schedule of filming and competing? It’s very very challenging at times! Right before my first competition I did two films back to back. The first wasn’t to difficult because it was filmed here in LA. However, the second film ‘Lake Death’ was shot on location in Big Bear so I actually dragged weights, bands and ALL my food with me!
Are you a jugger? (carry around a gallon jug of water): Absolutely! I actually am a big fanatic about hydrating. I drink a minimum of my body weight in ounces every day of alkaline water from Harmonious Waters in North Hollywood, I go through about 10 gallons a week! That water is amazing though, it ph balances your entire system!
What advice would you have for other women who have a hectic schedule? No excuses! If you really want your body to be different then your habits and lifestyle will have to change. Put in the work and stop believing the lies in side your head that keep you from becoming the very best version of YOU!
What’s next for you – competing and acting wise? I’m in talks regarding an action film and looking forward to playing some very strong characters in the near future. As for competing, I’ve been talking to some sponsors and getting ready to begin my work for the NPC USA’s in July!
Where can people find out more and keep in touch with you?
Twitter: www.twitter.com/rachelzeskind
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelzeskind
YouTube: www.youtube.com/therachelzeskind
