Name:Mindy Karuk
Height/Weight:5’7 125lbs
Nickname(s): Minders, Mindu, Minderella

Q. How long have you been training?
A. I have been in the gym since around 2001, I started seriously training for competitions in 2005 when I hired my Personal Trainer and Coach Darren Mehling of Freak Fitness. I am still training with him and I am currently getting ready for the WBFF World’s Competition in Toronto September 18th!

Q. What was your body like before you started training?
A. My body was an unhealthy weight, I had not taken care of my body throughout highschool and when I had almost reached my 20′s I was looking at myself in the mirror weighing almost 135lbs, soft no muscle definition and still didn’t have an idea of how to eat properly. I decided to take control myself and walked into a gym and never looked back! I read every fitness magazine out there, Flex, Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness all trying to absorb everything I could to learn how to build muscle and get fit and healthy!

Q. How do you keep yourself motivated and on-track through the grueling dieting in the last few weeks?
A. The last few weeks are the most exciting for me, as dead tired and carb depleted I am my body is running on a high by then with the excitement of finally getting to be on stage! All the last minute things like pedi’s and suit fittings and VLOGS YouTube – MindyFitK’s Channel I enjoy! All I need is some good tunes on my ipod and I’m good to go!

Q. Do you get more attention from the people now that you are in such good shape?
A. I won’t lie I do get more attention, but the advantage of that attention is that I can hopefully show others that if you come from a background of poor eating habits and emotional eating you can do the steps to change it around! I like to help others on their fitness journey and to be able to share my story!

Q. What is the one key piece of advice you could pass on to our readers?
A. Never be hard on yourself and never give up. If you are trying to loose weight and get fit, just remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. We all have had points where it was hard to see light at the end of the tunnel but you just have to keep at it!

Q. What is your favorite energy/pre-workout supplement? Protein supplement?
A. I absolutely LOVE Magnum Nutraceuticals Serum in Grape for my Pre-workout drink, I get crazy focus and pumps and it tastes like kool aid! For my Protein I only use Magnum Quattro in Chocolate Love it has 4 different sources of isolate protein for timed digestion. All of the Magnum line is Pharmaceutical Grade!

Q. How many days a week do you work out?
A. I work out on a 5 day split, and I do cardio 7 days a week when preppin for a show!

Q: How much weight will you normally gain during the off-season?
A: Only around 5lbs in the off season, but fitness professionals know it’s hard to have that “off season” if you want to look your best for shoots

Q. Do you believe in workout programs like Insanity or P90X?
A. Out of all the workout programs out there I believe P90X is the best one. I have many friends who use it and have got great results!

Q. What competitions have you participated in and what were the results?
A. ~WBFF BC Championships 2010 4th Place Bikini Diva Model, Top 10 8th place Fitness Diva Model
~Iron Man Magazine Bodybuilding.com BodySpace Spokesmodel Search TOP 5 FINALIST
~WBFF Alberta Championships 2009 Top 10 Diva Fitness Model Top 10 Diva Bikini Model 2009
~FAME North American Championships Nov 2007 3rd Place Pro Fitness
Model, 3rd Place Pro Bikini Model
~FAME Online Swimsuit Competition 4th Place
~FAME Worlds Fitness Model 2005 Pro Show
~FAME Great White North Championships 2005 1st Place Fitness Model and overall earning Pro Fitness Model Status
~Miss Hawaiian Tropics Canada Top 20 Finalist
~Miss Wild on Winnipeg 2005
~Miss Cycle World 2005
~Miss Molson Indy Winnipeg 2004
~Miss SUNshine 2003
~Miss Molson Indy Winnipeg 2002

Q. Looking back on what you have accomplished so far, what is one thing you would change if you could, knowing what you do now?
A. Knowing what I do now, I sometimes think I should have moved out to the West Coast sooner. But I believe everything happens for a reason and I`m grateful and blessed for everything I have accomplished so far.

Q. What is one of the biggest sacrifices you’ve made, and was it worth it?
A. Well I`d have to say moving away from home. I`ve always wanted to live on the west coast and persue my dreams and I`m fortunate that I have the most supportive family. I miss them tons but my Mom just tells me to keep my chin up! Love you Mom!

Q. What do you feel is the most important thing a bodybuilder/fitness/figure/bikini can have in order to be successful in this sport?
A. A positive attitude. This is the most subjective sport out there and it`s not for the thin skinned. There are so many competitors out there and when it gets down to the wire it`s the attitude and character that will set you apart. The will to learn from others and to be humble and grateful in this sport is something we need to be everyday. We`re blessed to be able to compete and be healthy.

Q. As a new bodybuilder/fitness/figure/bikini competitor, how should one select which organization or event to compete in? And what are the major differences between the numerous organizations out there?
A. Finding the right organization that fits your goals is important and it`s different strokes for different folks. I have competed with several different organizations and when I decided to compete with the WBFF, there was so many things that made them stand out from the rest. Paul and Allison`s welcoming personal contact with their athletes, the top notch venues, supplement contracts, prizes and swag bags, athlete opportunities, and amazing athletes was what was the deal clincher for me.

Q. Is it not very hard to exercise and lift on such a low calorie diet? I am talking about the pre-contest diet. I know you follow a very low calorie pre-contest diet. Don’t you get hungry?
A. Yes energy levels are really low by then and you have to get through it, that`s what makes this such an intense sport. In my last week I`m eating seven times a day and I`m in bed early before my stomach starts to growl!

Q. Does your social life include others that are not into fitness or competition?
A. It does include others who aren`t into fitness or competitions, but all of my friends have a great respect for what I do and I constantly find myself answering questions about it. I love my friends dearly and they have supported me so much! I like to think I have a great balance with my different social circles.

Q. Who is your favorite bodybuilder, fitness model, and/or athlete?
A. Favorites are Arnold, Jamie Eason, Erin Stern, Ronnie Coleman, Ava Cowan

Q. What is your favorite healthy meal?
A. I actually LOVE chicken, sweet potatoes and asparagus! I like baking sweet potatoe fries in the oven with cinnamon, and I eat my asparagus with a dash of garlic salt, SO good!!

Q. What is your favorite cheat meal?
A. I love pizza, chocolate, cereal, gelato, perogies, nachos…..ok I`ll stop haha

Q. What is your favorite exercise?
A. Love doing seated close grip rows!

Q. What is that one body part that you just can’t seem to bring up or make it look like you want?
A. Right now I`m working on my abs

Q. What made you get into Fitness and Competition?
A. I tried it once and was hooked!! Six years later here I am! But seriously I love the dedication in the sport and the discipline it takes.

Q. What is the best asset of your physique/body?
A. I`d like to say my shoulders and my back

Q. What are your future plans?
A. My future plans include getting my Pro Card for Fitness Diva with the WBFF, I have some great things on the burner right now that you will have to wait and see! My long term goal is to be a motivational speaker for young students. I`d like to speak about the effects of bullying, exercising and eating right, following your dreams and the importance of setting goals.

Thanks Minky Karuk for great interview and good luck in your upcoming competition! bodyplaces.com are big fans of your and we will be fallowing your progress and winnings every step of the way.