Interview With The Tomboy Princess Karma Schopp

Karma Schopp is a pro figure competitor with the WBFF. She is also a 3-time silver medalist in Olympic style weightlifting with Team Saskatchewan, and has competed in kickboxing. Karma currently works as a freelance writer and personal trainer. For more information on Karma Schopp, please visit her website, www.karmaschopp.com.

Muscle & Strength: You've competed in Olympic weightlifting and karate. What was your childhood like? Were you very active? And how did you get involved with those 2 intense sports?

Karma Schopp: I've always been active.  From the moment I can remember, I was moving!  I played a lot outside as young child.  Running around, doing various activities...I'm sure I drove my parents nuts as I also had no fear.

When it came to organized sports, I participated in swimming, T-ball/softball, jazz dancing, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, rugby, cheerleading and gymnastics.  There were two sports though that I excelled at - Olympic style weightlifting and kickboxing.  Why did I take up those two? First was the lifting.  It started when I saw a picture of a girl in the local newspaper who had won an award at a competition.  When I saw it - I said to myself, "I can do that...and I can beat her!"  I started training with my hometown Olympic lifting club, and a short time after was a Team Saskatchewan member that went on to Junior Nationals winning 3 silver medals.

After a few years off from competing in any sort of sport - I decided to try kickboxing.  Initially, I didn't plan on fighting competitively.  I just wanted a way to stay in great condition at the same time learning some self defense.  A few weeks after I joined, my Sensei asked me if I wanted to step in the ring for a sanctioned event. Never backing down from a challenge, I said sure!  Boy, was I in for a surprise.  Even though, I got a standing eight count in my first fight, I was determined to continue on.

Now, I'm a WBFF pro figure.  This past July I finally realized my childhood dream to become a pro athlete.  After 4 years of competing in figure - my dieting, training and dedication was rewarded and recognized.  So awesome!

Muscle & Strength: Tell us about the road that lead you from novice lifter, to pro figure competitor...

Karma Schopp: The road from being a novice Olympic style weightlifter to WBFF pro figure athlete was a long one with many bumps and detours. There’s an almost 20 year span between the two sports....yes,  I said it – 20 years!  It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working out for that long.

I competitively lifted all throughout high school.  Then I moved onto various other sports.  As different life experiences came my way, I would either be more intense about my athletic endeavors or take time off.  Not training for anything specific doesn’t work long for me. I always have to be working towards a goal.  It gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

After moving to Calgary from small town Saskatchewan, I knew I had to do something that would renew that sense of competitiveness within myself.  It was then that I decided to enter the realm of figure shows.  After stepping on stage for the first time, I was hooked! Four years later, I earned my WBFF pro figure card when I won the Tall Class as well as took the Overall trophy.

It’s an exciting journey that continues to this day.

Muscle & Strength: What is the hardest thing about competing in figure, and what is the most fun aspect?

Karma Schopp: The most difficult aspect of competing is being able to fit in everything I need to get done in a day. It starts from the moment that the alarm clock goes off – then it’s out the door for the first cardio session, home to get showered and ready for work, off to the gym to train clients and somewhere in between do my own weight training, then after the work day is done it’s the second cardio session, and home to get ready for the next day. Somewhere in the midst of it all – I have to find time for my loved ones and also meal prep.  Eating in itself is almost a sport!

All of the sacrifices that are made are well worth it.  It’s so much fun meeting the amazing people who are involved in the fitness industry.  I’ve made great friends with those who are at the gym, attend various seminars and also competitors backstage.  There’s a common bond amongst us all as there is a great appreciation of what it takes to get to show day.

Muscle & Strength: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishments have been "on stage", and "off stage"?

Karma Schopp: On stage, my greatest accomplishment happened this season at the 2009 WBFF Alberta Championships.  I trained hard and dedicated myself to be nothing but the best.  And, it paid off big time!  I won 1st place in the Figure Tall Division as well as Overall earning my Pro Card.  What a thrilling moment that was.

Off the stage, maintaining and flourishing in a long distance relationship with my fiancé has been an accomplishment that I am most proud of.  He’s a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marines and his job has had him deployed overseas for the past two years.  We’ve managed to keep our love and friendship strong regardless of what is put in our path.

Muscle & Strength: Have things changed mentally or motivationally for you since receiving your pro card? Do you now feel like, "this is for real, I better work harder?"

Karma Schopp: I still look at my training and nutrition in the same light as I did before I earned my pro figure status.  My biggest competition is myself.  So, I’m always striving to improve on what was previously achieved.

The biggest difference for me since I turned pro is having a greater sense of responsibility.  I’m not only representing myself, I’m representing The WBFF.  This very honorable title has brought me more exposure.  Therefore, there are more people paying attention to what I do.  I want to ensure that I’m setting an honest, positive example for my friends and fans.

Muscle & Strength: Let's talk about the WBFF. What made you pursue a pro card in the WBFF and not another federation?

Karma Schopp: The WBFF is phenomenal.  I had heard and also seen what The WBFF does for its athletes – which goes far beyond any other organization - and I knew it was the place I wanted to call home as a pro figure card holder. They really do give back to the men and women that grace their stage.

In the pursuit of my pro card, I accomplished many other goals as well as made some amazing fitness friends.  The sense of family and genuine pride of the sport in The WBFF sets the standard for others to follow.

Muscle & Strength: What weight training exercises do you feel should be staples for all beginners?

Karma Schopp: Squats and leg curls for legs along with weighted walking lunges – all great for the lower body.  Of course there are variations of the squat and walking lunges that can be more targeted for specific toning/building – depending on individual goals.

As for the upper body – shoulder press, push ups, dumbbell bicep curls (hammer grip as well), bench tricep dips, lat pull downs and dumbbell chest press are fundamental moves that beginners can start with.

Each person has a different body, goals and timelines to work with – the best approach is individualized and should take into account any previous injuries as well as their strengths and weaknesses.

Muscle & Strength: If you could change one aspect of the way competitions are handled or judged, what would it be?

Karma Schopp: The only thing that I would like to change about competing is the length of the shows.  It can make for a very long day not just for the people in the audience – but also for the athletes who have to spend hours backstage waiting to have their time in the spotlight.

Muscle & Strength: Tell about any training or diet quirks you have that others might consider odd...

Karma Schopp: I actually do like dry oatmeal with steak mixed...add a dash of sweetener and some cinnamon....yum!  Yes, sounds like a really odd combination.  But, I enjoy it.

As for training, I have to do abs at the beginning of my workout rather than leave it to the end.  If I wait until I’m done, I can guarantee that I’ll forget to do them.  I guess I must get distracted with what I have to do when I leave the gym that I walk out and miss hitting the six pack!

Muscle & Strength: What are your goals for the next several years?

Karma Schopp: I have a variety of goals that I would like to accomplish.  The first of those being marrying my fiancé James.  This 2 year deployment has been a challenge at times and it would be nice to have him back.  I want James to come home so we can have our life together on the same continent.

In regards to fitness, I want to get a job working with the Marine Corps training those who are enlisted.  As well, I’d like to start a group training and one on one training system for Marine wives.  This would act as a positive outlet and support group for the spouses who have their loved ones away serving their country.

When it comes to shows, my goal is to compete at the 2010 WBFF World Championships.  I want to completely transform my physique this year.  So, when I hit the stage in September, I will not only wow the judges and the audience – I will exceed my own expectations.