Pumping Metal: Karnivool Drummer Steve Judd Discusses His Gym Routine

Good things come to those who wait, like a new album from Karnivool! The band released their latest record, In Verses, last month via Cymatic Records and The Orchard. To fans of the band, the release of the album comes with much excitement, accumulated over the last decade-plus. This is the first new full-length from the Australian prog-rockers since 2013’s Asymmetry. That’s a long wait, but a worthwhile one, with the band again affirming their position as one of their country’s most influential hard rock and metal acts. In Verses was a pretty significant undertaking, with longtime collaborator Forrester Savell again along for the ride. The album is meant as a showing of appreciation to the band’s loyal fanbase, who have consistently supported them, even through long hiatuses.

Featuring ten new tracks, In Verses deals with collective feelings of frustration, catharsis, and a rediscovery of identity. The band members spent a long time on this record, relentlessly experimenting with Savell in their Perth studio. The album is a nice combination of new and old, a reintroduction to the group for old fans, and a salute to newcomers. In Verses comes at a good time, after they have spent many years expanding their fanbase. The band has played in far-off locations like Moscow, Sofia, Pune, and more. They have also played significant shows in London, South Africa, and Dubai.

Outside of the drums, Karnivool’s Steve Judd is an avid gym goer. He joins us for a Pumping Metal interview to discuss his routine, gym playlist, staying fit on the road, and more.

What’s your weekly routine, or an average workout for you?

Steve Judd: “My weekly routine varies depending on what I am focusing on. Sometimes it’s an upper/lower split, sometimes push/pull/legs, sometimes bro splits, but I try to get in four to five workouts a week, no matter what. I’m currently running a strength program with a deadlift focus, so 2 × deads sessions per week, and two other push days around that.”

Weights, cardio, callisthenics, CrossFit, MMA… What’s your jam?

“Weight training is definitely my pick. I did some callisthenics training a few years back and really enjoyed that too, but mainly just weight lifting these days. I find the solitude of the experience and the pace of the training really allows my mind to find some peace and quiet and focus on the movements, and not much else.”

Karnivool drummer Steve Judd // Pumping Metal @ 2025. photo courtesy of Steve Judd

Do you ever listen to your own band’s music when working out?

“No. I find it a little cringe. The only time I ever listened to my own stuff at the gym was when Forrester was sending first mixes through for songs off the new album. I counted that as a special occasion cos I couldn’t wait to hear it. I stopped working out, though, and had extended rests. Other than that, it’s a hard no from me (laughs)!”

Gym playlist: top three tracks for when you have to dig deep.

“My gym playlist is pretty much made up of R&B slow jams! I like to keep it pretty relaxed while I’m in there. Top four songs at the moment:

‘The Dreamer’ – Common
‘Surrender’ – Jhene Aiko
‘Folded’ – Kehlani
‘Take It Easy (live)’ – Stan Walker”

Karnivool ‘In Verses’ album artwork

Being a touring musician, how do you stay fit on the road?

“These days, it’s pretty easy with the amount of gyms around. I’m pretty organized with this stuff. I usually look up the closest gym options and the best coffee around each venue, and have it all mapped out prior to getting there. That way, once we arrive, it’s have coffee, breakfast, get to the gym, and get more coffee (laughs).”

Morning, noon, evening, night… When do you like to exercise? Does it even matter?

“It really doesn’t matter to me. I’ll work out at any time that works for m y schedule/activity that day. I find I will often work out at night earlier in the week, then when my nights are busier, I’ll do morning or lunchtime. It really doesn’t make a difference for me, as long as I can fit it in.”

How do you find your healthy lifestyle impact your music and/or live performance?

“Obviously, for longer tours, it makes a world of difference. It helps with my stamina for shows, general conditioning and reducing the chance of injury. It also has a huge impact on my mental space while on the road and my perception of things as they unfold on stage. If I can get a sauna in for recovering at some point, too, I’m feeling great!”

Do you balance the “rockstar” lifestyle with being fit/ healthy? Or is it one or the other for you?

“I do my best to try to find a balance. You can obsess too much about these things, which starts to skew towards the unhealthy, which I have definitely done. But allowing yourself a bit of time to unwind if you need to, without feeling guilty, I think, is super important. As long as I can maintain consistency with my gym program, I don’t stress too much about how things unfold outside of that. Always trying to find a healthy balance that works for me.”

What’s your ultimate goal for yourself in terms of fitness and health?

“My goal is really just to stay in shape and stay functional for as long as I can. I also have Type 1 diabetes, so to be able to better control that through exercise is another one. But as an overall target, to control my diabetes and to be able to sustain playing drums for as long as I am able to.”

Karnivool drummer Steve Judd // Pumping Metal @ 2025. photo courtesy of Steve Judd

Karnivool drummer Steve Judd // Pumping Metal @ 2025. photo courtesy of Steve Judd