Keith Kern to Compete in Reno Bodybuilding Show
The 47-year-old fitness trainer takes the stage in the NPC Mother Lode on October 17.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Body Building
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Redwood City resident Keith Kern travels to Reno on October 16 to compete in the NPC Mother Lode bodybuilding show. The 47-year-old fitness gym owner will take the stage on October 17 in the Men's Physique and Masters 45+ categories.
Why it matters
Kern aims to demonstrate that high-level athletic performance remains possible in his 40s, with a long-term goal of earning a professional bodybuilding card before turning 50. His appearance in this national-qualifying event represents a key step in that progression.
Kern enters the competition at 165 pounds and 3% body fat following a 20-week routine consisting of five weekly lifting sessions. It remains unknown how he will place among the field of national-qualifying competitors.
The players
Keith Kern
A 47-year-old gym owner from Redwood City who is training for the national-qualifying NPC Mother Lode show.
The details
Kern, who opened ObstaCourse Fitness in 2017, follows a regimen of 90-minute to two-hour weight lifting sessions supplemented by 20 to 30 minutes of daily cardio. Participants must complete registration and spray tan requirements prior to the October 17 event in Reno. The competition serves as a qualifier for higher-level national shows as Kern pursues his professional status.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: Keith Kern travels to Reno.
October 17, 2026: The NPC Mother Lode competition occurs.
The Truckee Meadows View
The NPC Mother Lode competition serves as a regional pipeline for athletes seeking to advance toward professional status. Kern’s appearance continues a local trend of Reno hosting qualifiers that draw competitors from across the western states.
Local bodybuilding fans can attend the NPC Mother Lode event on October 17. The competition features qualifying athletes, with potential traffic and parking impacts near the event venue on the day of the show.
The takeaway
Followers of the sport should watch the upcoming results from the Reno stage to see if Kern hits his goal of national-level qualification. Tracking competition outcomes is the best way to gauge how individual preparation translates to success in professional bodybuilding.
Further reading
For more on the regional fitness scene, visit Body Building.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Redwood City Pulse.
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