Pumping Metal: JACK THE ENVIOUS Bassist/Vocalist Guy “Chuck” Checkarov on Swimming, Staying Fit on the Road, and His Regular Routine

London, England-based post-hardcore band Jack The Envious have been on a tear over the last year and a half, bringing in new fans one by one, each day. The group has always been committed to the DIY mantra which is a testament to their hard-working roots. Founding members Nir Perlman and Guy “Chuck” Checkarov met while serving in the Israeli army and bonded over their love for early 2000s emo and Linkin Park.

After releasing their debut record, Pull You Down, the guys moved to London to focus solely on music in a city that has a strong scene where they could get out and play. Bleeding Honesty is Jack The Envious’ recently released and entirely self-produced new EP. As part of our Pumping Metal series, we spoke with Chuck about his love of fitness, exercise and how he likes to stay in shape.

Why and when did you get into fitness in the first place?
Guy “Chuck” Checkarov: To be honest, I started swimming when I was six years old!

What about exercise, health and fitness makes you take it seriously?
Checkarov: Basically, I encourage the quote “healthy body, healthy mind.” Life’s too short to not taking care of yourself! And besides that, I love the challenge to expand my limits.

“The Rapture” is the latest music video from Jack The Envious, released at the end of October.

Weights, cardio, calisthenics, CrossFit, MMA… what’s your jam?
Checkarov: Oh, that’s a hard one… I love sport! I mean, trying new things is always fun, you can always learn a thing or two and in the worst case, if something doesn’t feel right, you’ll know to look out for other things! I used to swim, do martial arts, cardio, and MMA! I also love playing football and volleyball even though it only happens once in a few years, unfortunately.

Describe your weekly routine and/or an average workout for you?
Checkarov: Nowadays I usually work out four to six days a week, between thirty minutes to one hour and a half approximately, doing mostly street work out, intervals, etc…

What music gets you extra pumped when you’re exercising?
Checkarov: Code Orange and Cyndi Lauper. Kidding… Hmm, usually I only listening to music when I’m running so it’s usually fast music like Sum 41, Architects, Four Year Strong, and even our own songs!

Do you ever listen to your own band’s music when working out?
Checkarov: Yes I do, nothing to be ashamed about!

Being a touring musician, how do you stay fit on the road?
Checkarov: First of all, it’s important to remember that being on stage is also considered working out! (Stretching before and after gigs is super important!) Besides that, you can always find random places to do pull-ups on, core work and such. That is a basic meaning of street workout and always remember, try to eat good healthy food! You’ll need to keep your energy high!

Some people go vegetarian and vegan while others slam steaks, whole poultry farms, and a kitchen sink in regimented six-meal sittings. Where does your diet sit?
Checkarov: Nowadays I’m doing paleo diet which means I’m trying not to eat processed food. I eat a lot of meat, vegetables, and food with high protein and natural fat.

Supplements, yay or nay, and why/why not?
Checkarov: Supplements can be good if you don’t have any other option for your body to get the things it needs. Personally, I would prefer to take the extra mile and find myself some good food.

Morning, noon, evening, night… when do you like to exercise? Does it even matter?
Checkarov: I’m a morning person, waking up early every day so I’m usually working out then. Still, somedays I do noon/evening workouts, although I think it’s a good thing to start your day with a nice hard physical work out.

Some exclusive pics of Guy “Chuck” Checkarov during and post-workout.

How do you find your healthy lifestyle impacts your music and/or live performance?
Checkarov: I find it very very very helpful, to be honest… Being on tour means you have to give 100 percent of yourself a couple of nights in a row which sometimes is just exhausting! If you’re used to working out every day and pushing yourself to your limits every time you’re working out, trust me, touring will get much easier for you, physically and mentally. It also has a huge impact on our music due to the fact that your general feeling is better when you’re working out and the fact that you’re pushing your physical and mental limits while you’re working out makes you do the same thing when you write, record and perform. You always try to be better, not afraid to go harder and push yourself for better results.

Do you balance the “rockstar” lifestyle with being fit/healthy? Or is it 1 or the other for you?
Checkarov: Well, for me being a “Rockstar” isn’t always about the music! It’s a way of life, the fact that you’re “rock” in everything you do, being awesome and wanting to become even more awesome! So basically it all combines together.

Have you ever tried steroids?
Checkarov: Hell no!

What’s your opinion on performance enhancing drugs?
Checkarov: Totally against it. Any kind of drug use is a bad thing as I see it, especially when you don’t really need it!

Ready for a “Walk In The Dark?” Have a look at the band’s recent video.