Interview with Karen Konyha, IFBB Fitness Professional
02/11/2002
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I first met Karen Konyha about six years ago doing a photo shoot for a fitness calendar. I was fortunate to be featured on the cover with her. Since that time I've gotten to know Karen very well, and what I found is that she is not just another pretty face. She's an intelligent woman who is also very disciplined.
Karen has been involved with sports most of her life, and had a track and field scholarship to college. It is no surprise to me that she has gone on to be a successful fitness competitor, model and spokesperson. As you'll see Karen is the total package -- she's got the personality, the charm and definitely the looks.
Mike Furci: Where were you born?
Karen Konyha: Cleveland, Ohio.
MF: How many brothers or sisters do you have?
KK: Two sisters and one brother.
MF: Did you play sports in school?
KK: Yes, Track and field, and basketball.
MF: What sparked your interest in weight training and being fit?
KK: I think being athletic and competitive all of my life. Once college was over it seemed like something I would love to do.
MF: How many days a week do you currently train?
KK: Right now I train four days per week. This changes however when I'm training for a competition. At that point I have to add in days for gymnastics and time to choreograph my routines.
MF: I know that you are a personal trainer in Columbus, Ohio. With the time you need to train for fitness events, it must at times be pretty hard on your personal training business.
KK: It can get a little hectic at times. In order to get the time in I need to train for events I only schedule five people per day. I would like to have more clients, but I just can't fit them in.
MF: What is your favorite body part to train?
KK: Shoulders
MF: What is your least favorite body part to train?
KK: Calves
MF: When I first met you, you already looked great and had been training hard for a while. You talked about competing in fitness for a few years. What was it that eventually got you to compete for the first time?
KK: I was finally at a point in my life when I was mentally and physically ready.
MF: It didn't take you long after your first show to turn pro. At what show did you finally get your pro card?
KK: I turned pro at the 1998 IFBB North American in Detroit.
MF: Have you done a lot of modeling since turning pro?
KK: Yes I have. I hope to do a lot more.
MF: What magazines have you been in?
KK: Flex, Muscle and Fitness, Muscle and fitness Hers, Oxygen, Ironman, MuscleMag, Women's Physique World, Muscle Elegance.
MF: What do you like most about being a fitness competitor?
KK: Traveling, exposure, and meeting new people.
MF: What do you like the least about being a fitness competitor?
KK: Lack of TV exposure, and the lack of money at the competitions.
MF: What are some of your other hobbies?
KK: Traveling, skiing, and professional sporting events.
MF: Do you feel a lot of men are intimidated by the way you look? Being more muscular and more fit than the average woman.
KK: Yes, definitely
MF: What kind of guy turns you on the most?
KK: Guys that are real and honest. I like guys that are secure, confident, stable and fit. I like a guy who has a hard attitude, but still sensitive.
MF: What kind of guy turns you off?
KK: Phony, immature, unsociable, unfit, jealous, and guys that are scared of life.
MF: What is the best piece of advice you can give guys on approaching women?
KK: Be honest and respectful. But most of all, be yourself.
MF: What's the number one philosophy you live by?
KK: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Favorite Food: steak
Favorite car: 500SL Mercedes Convertible
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 118
Measurements: Sorry guys
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