Spotlight On NPC Womens Physique Competitor: Karen Holliday

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Published on Friday, 13 December 2013 17:48

Written by Karen Holliday

Spotlight On NPC Womens Physique Competitor: Karen Holliday

Category you compete in: Woman’s bodybuilding but transferring to Woman’s physique in 2014
Date of birth: September 8th.  1962
Hometown: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Career: Pediatric Dental Assistant

Competition history:
 A few 1st and 2nd placings in local Virginia shows in early to mid 1990’s.  Finishing up with a win at the 1995 Jan Tana.
2011 returned to win the overall at the Virginia Gran Prix.
2011 4th at Masters Nationals
2012 5th at Masters Nationals, 2nd and 3rd at North Americans
2013 2nd at North Americans, and 5th at Nationals

Next competition:
2014 Masters Nationals in woman’s physique division



What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep?
I feel the worst thing about contest prep is packing each and every meal no matter what, even if you are just going to get your hair done because you never know what may hold you up.  Now, after saying that, I strongly believe that it makes the difference of placing or not placing. And I certainly don’t have to worry about what I’m going to be eating the next day!

Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule?
I weight train 4 to 5 days a week.
Monday I like to train shoulders since they are my weakest body part and I believe that you are fresh and strongest after a couple days rest.
Tuesday I train legs, mostly because everyone else trains legs on Wednesdays.
Wednesday I train biceps and triceps usually trying to superset the two.
Thursday I train back and rear delts.
Fridays I train chest.

If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why?
Difficult decision.  If I lost my sight I would never again see my husband’s face, my dog, or the sun shining.  If I lost my hearing I would never hear the voices dear to me or the sound of the ocean.  If I lost my touch I would never be able to touch and pet my    dog, or feel my husband’s skin.  If I lost my taste I would never be able to taste delicious foods.  All that being said, if I lost my sense of smell, although I would never smell a flower,  I would also never have to smell Tilapia.  Therefore, I think that would be the one I could get along without.


If you could change one thing about this sport what would it be?
If I could change one thing about this sport it would have to be the misconception of the average person thinking that the people involved in this sport are selfish and conceited.  Although this can be a self absorbing sport, especially during contest prep, it does not mean that we do not have concern for others.  I have met some wonderful caring people since I have been involved in the bodybuilding community. 

Also when competitors look at themselves in the mirror at the gym most people don’t realize that they are looking at what they need to improve on not how great they look.

If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why?
I would put my favorite picture of my father who passed away when I was fourteen years old.
I would also put my husband’s favorite cologne in, because when I smelled it I would be reminded of him.  (that is if I don’t lose my sense of smell)
My favorite CD “Summer Breeze” because it reminds me of such great times.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Favorite vacation spot would be Jamaica because my husband and I have had such awesome vacations there.  However, a close second would be the Outer Banks of North Carolina because I have had such fun times there with my two closest friends.

What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding?
I would tell them that it is not as easy as it seems.  The workouts and diet play equal parts, and you have to be extremely focused on both.  I would tell them that their spouse, or significant other, has to understand what they both are getting involved in, and that one may have to sacrifice for the other.  I also think they need to have their family supporting them.
If all that is in place I would highly recommend that they get a good competition coach whom they respect, and admire, and who they would put 100 percent of their trust in.
 
What is a day-in-the-life of Karen Holliday like?
Well, during contest prep. It would involve getting up early and doing fasted cardio.  Then, eating meal 1.  Go to work for 8 hours, including getting in meals 2, 3 and 4.  Then, the gym.  Meal 5.  Home, and meal 6.  Then prep and pack both mine and my husband’s meals for the next day.   Then bed time. The weekends may be a little more relaxed but usually pretty close to the same.

During the off season it is also very similar, however, there are some days I don’t pack all my meals, and even though I still eat pretty clean I eat a different variety of food.   I definitely make sure I get in all my protein.

Favorite Motivational Quote:
I have quite a few, but I try to live my life similar to the words of Tina McBride’s song, “I hope you dance”
Especially the words; “If you get a choice to sit it out or dance …. I hope you dance.  Never settle for the path of least resistance.”

In closing, who would you like to give a shout out to?
Of course my husband, Kevin Holliday, who also lives this lifestyle and helps keep me focused. My old coach, IFBB pro Denise Gerard, who passed away this past spring, who inspired me beyond belief.  My father who always taught me that if I enjoyed doing something to give it my 100 percent, and if I did that I would never be disappointed in myself.

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