Where and when have you been born? I was born in Bienfait, Saskatchewan on February 19, 1967. Where do you live now? I now live in Estevan, and have been here for 8 years. What is your profession? I am a clerk sterno at the Leisure Centre in Estevan. I also teach aerobics and fitness. What kind of activities/sports did you do before you started lifting weights? I did everything thing from hockey, figure skating, track/field, softball, volleyball, aerobics, biking, you name it I am sure I tried it. How and when did you get involved into lifting weights? I started weight training late in 2001 as I injured my knee, and on the advise of my doctor he suggested I start. Knowing not a lot about the sport a local body building took my under his wing and showed me the rights and wrongs. From that day on I was hooked. Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? I never really gave it much thought. The body changes were incredible as well as the mental boost. It was probably a local lady body builder (Andy you know her, Shelly Yak) that pushed me to start competing. Thank you Shelly for the push. I always did want to look like those girls in the mags, even when I was very young. Which competition has been your first one and how did you place? My very first competition was on April 12, 2003 in Regina, Saskatchewan, I won the Masters Women and the Womens Open. And which contest has been the biggest success for you yet? I think the first won was the biggest success as I finally accomplished something that was very rewarding and important to me. During the time that I was training I was (and still am) going though a divorce. The stress was unbelievable, but I know that the workouts kept me strong and focussed during that time. Shelly my trainer still can’t believe how I actually made it though that competition as well as the other two I competed in after April. Could you please add a history of all contests that you have entered so far? Track/Field: won 8 years in a row during school years. Softball: 1995 Canadian National Slopitch Champions in Niagra Falls, Ont. Firgure Skating: Moose Mountains Games 1976 second place. Body Building: 2003 Provincials 1st Masters Women, 1st Middleweight Women, 1st Over All Women. 2003 Nationals 7th Masters Women 2005 CBBF World Qualifier - Regina, Canada, 3rd Middleweight Women Please describe a typical day in the life of Carla Smith. I usually get up early, work out with my son at the gym. Work my shift. Come home to house work. Do the family thing. Weekend are watching hockey as my youngest plays competitively here in Estevan. Please tell me something about your daily training routine. I do all my cardio in the morning, which I do at least 5 times a week, closer to competition I will do it 7 times a week. Depending on my sons schedule is when lifting is done either in the morning or after work. I have gotten him trained to work out and be a spotter. How often do you train in a week? I try to train at least 5 times a week depending on the kids schedule. What are the main differences when you train for a competition and in off-season? When training for competitions I really focus on the “this must be done” during the off season I am working out for more of the health side of the sport. If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)? I really don’t have a best lift, I am more concerned with the proper technique rather than how heavy. Competition weight 123-128pounds, hips 34inches, waist 27.5inches, calves 14inches, thighs 20.5inches chest 35inches. Off season weight 135-140pounds, and everything increase at least a inch to inch and a half. Ucky, be it is healthy. Which bodypart is your best in your opinion? I would have to say it is my legs, as all the ladies want them. I really like my arms. What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much? My favorite is arms, well actually I like all upper body. I not too thrilled about working legs. My son would if he had it his way do arms and legs all year round. Judging in Women’s Bodybuilding has always been criticised in one or the other way. But please tell me your honest thoughts about today’s judging in Women’s Bodybuilding. Since I am really new at the sport, I don’t really know too much about the judging world. However from looking at the pictures from 2003 Canadians I would have to say they seem to look for the biggest and not the leanest/ripped look. Oh well, you and I can’t change their minds so just go out there the best YOU can be. Please tell me about what else you are doing when you don’t work out (profession, hobbies, etc.) I like to bake, and eat cookie dough, I enjoy knitting, crocheting, playing sports, gardening and just hanging out. What are your future plans for 2004/2005? I would like to find a drug free competition to compete in. However if not available I plan to compete at the 2004 Canadians in Edmonton, Alberta. I would like to see my pictures in a before and after story in a magazine. Just to let women know that we are strong and we really can make a difference. I want to open the eyes of other woman (who like me, went through messy divorces, and other stressful life events) to show them that fitness/exercising does help, both physically and mentally. Hey I can honestly say if it were not for this sport I would be a basket case. Please note: Carla does not not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!! |