By Gene X Hwang - August 2007

Karen Zaremba is probably most known now as the first athlete to convert from an IFBB Pro Figure athlete to an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder. She earned her pro card at the 2005 Team Universe.  At 5'2" she stands on stage at 118 lbs. for a show while she moves up to 123 lbs. in the off-season.  Not huge numbers for a bodybuilder, but then she's also a rarity.  

Hailing from Clinton Township, Michigan, she's a board certified cytogenetic technologist, (chromosome analysis for prenatal diagnosis) but since having her two kids she's a stay at home Mom. 

"I have been an athlete my whole life starting at 12 years old.  I ran track, cross-country, played basketball and volleyball. I received an athletic scholorship for college where I continued to run track and cross country. I weight trained for sports and always enjoyed it and always admired female bodybuilders," she says.

"It wasn't until I met my husband at a gym that I started to train hard with weights.  He's a bodybuilder and got me started with a workout routine and the rest is history.  I was hooked. I began as a fitness model being published frequently in MuscleMag, then began competing in Figure in 2004 and in 2005 I earned my pro card in only my third contest, the Team U."

We asked Karen a few questions after her bodybuilding debut at the 2007 Europa Supershow and here's what she had to say... 

My goals are to keep challenging myself to higher levels of training and conditioning.  I want to keep on improving my physique while continuing to present a feminine package.

- In your opinion, what is your best bodypart?
My best body part is probably my freaky abs!  I'm genetically lean so when I'm prepping for a contest my mid section gets crazy!  I also think my glutes are pretty good.

- Do you enjoy performing onstage (bodybuilding routine)?
I absolutely love performing  on stage.  Being in your very best condition and showing it off in front of an audience is a rush for me.  All the hard work for a few minutes in the spotlight is worth it.  That's one of the reasons I switched over to BBing.  I have more to offer than just quarter turns. Doing a routine allowed me to show my individuality and personality.

- Why do you love bodybuilding?
I love BBing because you don't have to hold back in your training.  The sport allows you to present a physique that can ONLY be acheived through lots of hard, brutal training, a very strict diet,  hours of cardio, lots of dedication and sacrifice.  When you get on stage everyone knows how long and hard you worked to get there.

- Tell us what a typical day is like your you. 
A typical day for me is pretty simple.  I get my training done in the morning and the rest of the day is taking care of my family and my home.  Basically "Mom" stuff.

- Do you like to show off your muscles when out in public or do you cover up?
I don't go out of my way to show off my muscle but in the summer I definitely wear clothes that show my physique.  In the gym I wear really cute workout stuff...(smile).  That's just me..glitzy and girlie!

- What kind of stuff would we find in the backseat of your car?
In the back seat of my car you will find lots of McDonalds french fries stuck in the seats...hehehee!!

- What sports do you watch?
I watch almost every Tiger's baseball game and also the Piston's when they're playing.  I also watch golf.

- How has the transition been from figure to bodybuilding?
The transition from Figure to BBing has been so refreshing for me.  I competed in three Pro Figure contests and didn't do that well.  I trained hard and always gave 100% and each show I left wondering what I could have done different and there was never an answer for that.  In a nutshell, it wasn't any fun for me anymore.  I knew I had more to offer than Figure allows so after thinking long and hard I made the decision to be a bodybuilder.  I felt relief after officially making the switch.  I could train like a beast and get my body in the condition it has never been before.  Now that was exciting and for the first time in a long time I couldn't wait to get on stage.  I didn't leave with a trophy but I felt like a winner anyway and had a smile on my face the whole weekend.  I am proud of myself for taking the challenge and having the guts to do it.

- What advice would you give other figure athletes?
My advise to other Figure competitors is to compete because you love and enjoy it.  Don't make it your main focus in life.  It is an incredible experience and  opportunity that will come and go.  You have choices so make ones that are challenging  and make you feel like you've accomplished something when it's all said and done.

Check out a video clip of Karen from the Europa here!

My web site is  www.karenzaremba.net