In theory, bodybuilding could be a fairly socially distant sport. The athletes can exercise, diet, and otherwise prepare on their own, while judges can assess their physique from a relative distance. 

In other words, bodybuilding shows for 2020 haven't been completely shut down, and some are still scheduled for later in the year. This mean's Estevan native Chad Kerr's quest to be the best in the nation is still a go for this year. 

"I was preparing for a show in June, obviously that's not happening now," said Kerr, who owns and operates Studio C, a 24-hour gym in Estevan with his wife CeaAnna. "As far as competitions go for myself, there's one in October that I'm currently getting ready for. It's still a go and I'm sure it will be." 

The October show is the Canadian National Pro Qualifier, which goes on October 17 in Toronto. Kerr took part in it last year. He brought home a bronze medal but felt he could've won gold and is shooting for nothing less than the highest spot on the podium this time around. 

"I'm definitely going back to win," he said. "I've kept myself in pretty good shape, right now I'm probably in the best shape I've ever been in. I'm hoping for the best and hopefully, I can get it done this year." 

Kerr still has twenty weeks of hard preparation ahead of him, including strict dieting, to get ready for the event in October. There's also an event immediately after in November that he said he's considering attending, depending on how the first one goes. 

COVID-19 has derailed plans for a lot of athletes, but Kerr has managed to stay active in his time off. He'll tell you himself it's a good thing he did for his mental health as well as his physical fitness.

"I've actually been doing fairly well, considering everything that's been going on in my life," he said. "I've had a lot of things happen. My father passed away. It's been hard. The gym is probably the only thing that's kept me on track, to be honest. I am still preparing."  

Kerr isn't the only competitive bodybuilder who calls Studio C home. Lampman's Cody Lischka has been competing in recent years as well, including last year, when he brought home some hardware after two second-place finishes at the Regina Regional Sask Classic at Casino Regina.

"I've talked to a couple of people," said Kerr. "I know Cody, he went out and spent a bunch of money, as I'm sure a lot of people did, and he's got a little home gym at home in his basement. A few other people I've talked to that are definitely hardcore lifters, they've been doing what they can."

For all that, however, Kerr is looking forward to getting back into the gym on June 8. "It is actually kind of motivating to see people every day in that regard."