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athlete profile : Karen Harding

Karen Harding, Elite Athlete & Gladiator- Destiny Name Ms Karen Harding Gender Female Marital Status Single Nationality Australian Age 36 Height 181 Weight 65kg on comp Business Profession Sports Physio & Personal Trainer Qualifications Sports Physio Personal Trainer IV

Overview (A Little About Me)

I like to look on the bright side of life and I feel that I'm a very positive person. I always try to encourage others to have a positive outlook as well however, I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a tight network of people who are just that! I find myself learning all the time and I am fortunate to have had guidance and advice from some very knowlegeable and experienced people and competitors.

Interests

I like to be fit and feel healthy so I often run and walk outside alot next to the ocean. I tend to work long hours, so I like to relax doing nothing at all when i dont have to! I like to read motivational, spiritual and developmental books, meditating and creating awareness. My dog Venus is my baby and my love, she helps me to relax and recharge and forget about the world for a while.

Favourites (Food, Bodyparts, People)

I love food and cooking, and especially love cooking for friends and family.
I think my back and structure is good for stage.
I like Valerie Waugaman (USA) and admire female figure competitors who stay in amazing shape year after year- through intense focus and disipline; which is both my short and long term goal.

Motivations (What Motivates Me)

I feel motivated when I watch or see people who are doing what I want to achieve. I try to set high standards and goals for myself and continually review where I am in comparison to where I want to be. In all areas of my life I use visualisations as a method of achieving my goals and keeping me focused.

Training History (Years, Location, Trainer)

Over the years I have played lots of sports like basketball, touch football, baseball, rugby, gaelic football and kickboxing. I started weight training early 2004, but got serious about it in 2005. My friend Tasha sometimes trains with me or otherwise I train alone. Generally though it helps me to train with a good friend and someone that can push me. I train at Fitness First in Southport Central right now.

Training Schedule (Training Style and Tips)

I train to failure and I train hard!! I do drop sets, supersets ang giant sets. Im absolutely addicted to the burn I get from weight training and the feeling of being strong- its very empowering! My biggest tip would be to squeeze, squeeze and squeeze! Make the mind muscle connection and you will not only have a better workout but I believe you'll need less weight. This means less stress on your joints less injuries and a more complete looking muscle.

Nutrition (Examples of My Diet)

meal 1 - oats, whey protein
meal 2- whey protein and fruit, or protein fruit smoothie
meal 3- chicken salad
meal 4- whey protein and handful of nuts
meal 5- fish/seafood and vege or salad
meal 6- cottage cheese tub or protein pancakes (look out for cookbook full of recipes for competition food haha!).
My diet changes alot month to month but this would be good eg of relaxed diet on-season.

Competition History

2005- inba 3rd sportsmodel qld titles. 2005-inba 4th sportsmodel australian titles.
2006- wff 2nd sportsmodel southern hemisphere title.
2007- nabba 1st novice figure southern hemisphere titles.
2007- nabba 1st couples southern hemisphere titles.
2007- wff 2nd athletic figure universe titles (germany).
2007- wff 2nd athletic pairs universe titles (germany)

Goals (Future Plans and Career Expectations)

After filming Gladiators I took some time off though right now I am looking for a personal goal of competing in the close future for anb and nabba either this year or mid 2010. I also would like to be someone who could help inspire and educate others in their lives, to achieve and be the best they can be no matter what their overall health and fitness goal may be.

Media Coverage (Calendars, Magazines and Newspapers)

Sept 2007- Iron Man Magazine feature article. Assorted Gladiator associated media.

Best Advice (Fitness, Health and Training)

Be true to your goals and yourself and never limit your thinking to a "can't" mentality because everyone CAN if their desire is strong enough! Listen to your body and be kind to it, rest when you really need to and get regular massges for greater experience of well-being and ease of movement- this helps with better training and attitude. Dont eat rubbish food too often and train hard!!

Supplements Used

Evolve: Slow Whey (WPC/WPI Blend, Fast Whey (WPI), Xenadrine Super Hardcore, Fusion FUBAR's & ASN protein bars (off-season)!
Next Generation: Megapro, Megamass, Combust, Megaslim Green Tea, L-Glutamine. I also love all of Gen-Tec's amazing products.

My Preferred Supplements (buy online)

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