Exclusive Interview with Fitness Competitor Karen Elliott

Getting to know Karen Elliott Sandri

Karen will be competing at the Ms Fitness Competition in September of 2006. I have had the privelage to work with Karen in the last few weeks to see what it takes to compete at her level. Please support Karen at the Ms Fitness, Im sure she won’t let you down!!

Q. Karen where and when were you born? Where do you currently reside?

Grew up in Moraga, Ca. 7/13/73 I live in Boulder,Co.

Q. Did you compete in Athletic Competitions during your childhood? I grew up as a gymnast, competing for 8 years.

Q. What or who influenced you to become a Fitness Competitor? Saw it on t.v. and researched how to get started.

Q. Where and when was your first competition? How did you feel the 1st time? Bellevue, Wa. I was sick as a dog with a fever of 103…..but I had a great experience and knew that I was hooked. I placed 2nd to last. haha

Q. What was your most memorable competition and why? Ms. Fitness World 2004. I competed on a torn ACL but won anyhow. And my whole family was there to share the experience with me.

Q. What do you enjoy most with Figure Competitions? Do you mean fitness???? Having a reunion in Vegas with the competitors every year.

Q. What does your day consist of when you are not preparing for a competition? Working as a massage therapist, and spending time with my family.

Q. What would you suggest someone who is wanting to begin training for Competitions? Go for it…don’t wait for all your ducks to get into a row. Learn as you go.

Q. What is your ultimate goal as a fitness competitor? i.e where do you see yourself in the future. I want to work with the Ms. Fitness team backstage and behind the scenes…from competitor to promoter!!!!

Q. What do you do outside of preparing yourself for Fitness Competitions? Listen to judge feedback, study the tapes, improve myself from the previous year, and read sports psychology books. Karen Preparing of Ms Fitness USA and World

Q. How many times have you competed in the Ms Fitness Competition? 6 consecutive years

Q. Which was your most memorable and why? The year I won Ms. Fitness World while competing with a torn ACL.

Q. When did you begin preparing for this years Exciting Event? Preparation really takes place the day after the show last year. I ask myself, “how can I come back stronger next year?” Intense physical training started July 5th.

Q. What has your diet consist of for the 2006 Ms Fitness Competition? Egg whites, oatmeal, chicken ,yams, protein powder, protein shakes, salmon, spinach, mixed greens, avocado…and one cheat day a week!!!

Q. What supplements have you been using? Protein powder, glutamine, creatine, glucosamine, thermogenics , HMB.

Q. Your Training; what has it been consisting of? (Cardio, Lifting, etc…) 40 min. cardio 6x/wk lifting on a rotating schedule, arms-back-chest-shoulders and hamstrings-legs I do abs every day. Gymnastics 3x/wk.

Q. Has your training been the same as previous Ms Fitness Competitions? I changes from year to year depending on my goal. This year I wanted to be quick and powerful, so I’ve incorporated a lot of ply metrics on my leg days.

Q. Karen can you tell us the importance of rest and sleep during training? As important as our training. Our muscles recover when they’re resting. Our focus and willpower is stronger when we’re rested. You can’t peak to your highest intensity until you can relax in your deepest rest. It’s the pendulum of life.

Q. What do you believe your Strengths and Weaknesses will be for the competition? I’ve always been adaptable in competition. I’m flexible; With what others may call a huge disappointment and challenge, I may see as an opportunity to adjust my situation to make it work. Another strength is that I’ll never voice any negative or show weakness to the other competitors.

Q. If you were to predict the outcome of the competition, what would it be? I’m confident that there will be a champion, a first runner up, a second runner up and fourth and fifth. hahahahahahaah

Q. Karen I really appreciate your time, is there anybody you would like to thank before heading into the 2006 Ms Fitness Competition? Supplementstogo.com for being my sponsor! Chuck, Dan, and Brian for being so much fun to work with!

Karen I would like to Thank You for allowing me to work with you the last few weeks as you have been going through your final stages of training Fitness. Good Luck!!