Name : Kimberly Franzen Lairet
Height : 5'7"
Weight : (on/off season) compete at 128, off season 135-140
Birthday : December 6, 1974
Home town : born in Nebraska, currently San Antonio TX
Hair / Eyes : Brown/ Blue
What's on your ipod : I love Podrunner for cardio
Favorite diet food : Oatmeal egg-white pancakes (especially with banana – which isn't on my diet!)
Favorite cheat food: Ice cream! Marble Slab sweet cream with strawberries mixed in is my fave.
Current occupation : General Surgeon
Athletic Background: Ballet until age 18, have been a member of some gym or other since I was 16
Latest Accomplishments: (Personal/Athletic) Placing 2nd at the 2009 Arnold Amateur in Figure in my height class!!!
Web site: Hey, my friends just got me to start using Facebook, I'm taking baby-steps …
Trainer/Coach: Patrick Hopkins - Fit Life Studio
Height : 5'7"
Weight : (on/off season) compete at 128, off season 135-140
Birthday : December 6, 1974
Home town : born in Nebraska, currently San Antonio TX
Hair / Eyes : Brown/ Blue
What's on your ipod : I love Podrunner for cardio
Favorite diet food : Oatmeal egg-white pancakes (especially with banana – which isn't on my diet!)
Favorite cheat food: Ice cream! Marble Slab sweet cream with strawberries mixed in is my fave.
Current occupation : General Surgeon
Athletic Background: Ballet until age 18, have been a member of some gym or other since I was 16
Latest Accomplishments: (Personal/Athletic) Placing 2nd at the 2009 Arnold Amateur in Figure in my height class!!!
Web site: Hey, my friends just got me to start using Facebook, I'm taking baby-steps …
Trainer/Coach: Patrick Hopkins - Fit Life Studio
Please tell us a little bit about your background, such as where you grew up, your family, other athletics, when you began weight training, and how you became interested in competing.
I grew up in a relatively rural area in Nebraska. My family isn't particularly athletic, but they always supported my passion for dance. As I grew into young adulthood, I started doing aerobics classes at the local gym. I learned how to use the various machines at the gym, and continued lots of cardio and some resistance training through college. It wasn't until I joined the Army in 1999 that I really started using free weights – and sure did notice a difference in my physique! I met my husband during my residency. He has competed in bodybuilding in the past, and quickly became my favorite training partner. He introduced me to the world of competition and I was hooked! He helped me train for my first show in 2008, where I placed 5th (NPC Lackland). That qualified me for the Arnold this March. I knew I needed to step up my diet some and was fortunate to find Fit Life Studio (www.fitlifestudio.net) online. Patrick designed my diet and coached me with posing (which was sorely lacking at my first show!). Between Patrick and my husband, Julio, they whipped me into the best shape of my life for the Arnold!
I grew up in a relatively rural area in Nebraska. My family isn't particularly athletic, but they always supported my passion for dance. As I grew into young adulthood, I started doing aerobics classes at the local gym. I learned how to use the various machines at the gym, and continued lots of cardio and some resistance training through college. It wasn't until I joined the Army in 1999 that I really started using free weights – and sure did notice a difference in my physique! I met my husband during my residency. He has competed in bodybuilding in the past, and quickly became my favorite training partner. He introduced me to the world of competition and I was hooked! He helped me train for my first show in 2008, where I placed 5th (NPC Lackland). That qualified me for the Arnold this March. I knew I needed to step up my diet some and was fortunate to find Fit Life Studio (www.fitlifestudio.net) online. Patrick designed my diet and coached me with posing (which was sorely lacking at my first show!). Between Patrick and my husband, Julio, they whipped me into the best shape of my life for the Arnold!
What is your academic and professional background? What is your current occupation and how long have you been doing it?
I went to college at Northwestern University with plans to get a PhD and do research. After one semester working in a lab I knew that wasn't for me, although I still had a strong interest in science. Doing some volunteer work pointed me toward my career in medicine. After receiving my bachelor's at Northwestern, I went to medical school at the University of Nebraska and got my M.D. The Army's Health Profession Scholarship paid my tuition, in exchange for serving time as a physician in the military. So I moved to Texas after med school and did a residency in General Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center. After graduation from residency, I was able to stay in San Antonio with my husband, and am practicing as a surgeon with the military.
I did spend a good ten years of my life as a waitress during my educational training, so am a great tipper ;).
I went to college at Northwestern University with plans to get a PhD and do research. After one semester working in a lab I knew that wasn't for me, although I still had a strong interest in science. Doing some volunteer work pointed me toward my career in medicine. After receiving my bachelor's at Northwestern, I went to medical school at the University of Nebraska and got my M.D. The Army's Health Profession Scholarship paid my tuition, in exchange for serving time as a physician in the military. So I moved to Texas after med school and did a residency in General Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center. After graduation from residency, I was able to stay in San Antonio with my husband, and am practicing as a surgeon with the military.
I did spend a good ten years of my life as a waitress during my educational training, so am a great tipper ;).
What is your training philosophy (heavy or light, cardio, lifting)? Any particular body parts that you consider to be strengths, or weaknesses?
I have come to love lifting heavy. It gives me such a rush! I love the feeling of lifting to muscle failure. It has really helped me with definition, although I am definitely careful to avoid injury, so pay close attention to my form. And I have the best spotter a girl could ask for (my hubby!). My lifting routine covers each body part once a week, with one or two days off depending on my call schedule. I try to do some cardio (at least 30 min) everyday. My favorite cardio is the elliptical machine, although I'm coming around on the treadmill and actually running a 10K race next weekend! It's nice to mix it up to avoid boredom.
My husband thinks my glutes are one of my best parts, and I get comments on my back and arms pretty often at the gym. I love how strong my legs are, although I think my back is my favorite part if I have to pick one.
This year in my off-season I'm working on my delts. Would like them a little bigger for next season.
I have come to love lifting heavy. It gives me such a rush! I love the feeling of lifting to muscle failure. It has really helped me with definition, although I am definitely careful to avoid injury, so pay close attention to my form. And I have the best spotter a girl could ask for (my hubby!). My lifting routine covers each body part once a week, with one or two days off depending on my call schedule. I try to do some cardio (at least 30 min) everyday. My favorite cardio is the elliptical machine, although I'm coming around on the treadmill and actually running a 10K race next weekend! It's nice to mix it up to avoid boredom.
My husband thinks my glutes are one of my best parts, and I get comments on my back and arms pretty often at the gym. I love how strong my legs are, although I think my back is my favorite part if I have to pick one.
This year in my off-season I'm working on my delts. Would like them a little bigger for next season.
How did you decide to compete at this show? Have you competed before? And is there anything in particular that you are focused on for this contest?
The Arnold was a HUGE step for me, as it was only my second show. To be honest, I really wanted to do a second show after my first one in November of 2008. I found out I was going to be deploying to Iraq in the spring of 2009, and the Arnold was the one show I could definitely still be around to do. Knowing it was my "one shot" for 2009, I went all out with training and definitely had more motivation in terms of diet.
My goal for that show was to place in the top ten, so I could make it on stage for the finals. Wow – was I surprised when I made the top three first call-out during prejudging! We were thrilled that I earned my qualification for
nationals.
The Arnold was a HUGE step for me, as it was only my second show. To be honest, I really wanted to do a second show after my first one in November of 2008. I found out I was going to be deploying to Iraq in the spring of 2009, and the Arnold was the one show I could definitely still be around to do. Knowing it was my "one shot" for 2009, I went all out with training and definitely had more motivation in terms of diet.
My goal for that show was to place in the top ten, so I could make it on stage for the finals. Wow – was I surprised when I made the top three first call-out during prejudging! We were thrilled that I earned my qualification for
nationals.
Do you have any plans to compete nationally this year? What are your short/long term goals?
I am having an extended off-season, although able to continue my weight training here in Iraq. My husband is planning to compete with me at the state level in 2010, then I plan to do Jr. Nationals and probably Nationals if I feel ready for it.
My short term goal for this year is to put on some lean muscle, and continue to improve my cardiovascular fitness. I don't have any plans for a marathon, but looking forward to running some shorter races this year.
In the long term, I want to continue to compete in Figure as long as it's fun for me. Getting up on that stage is exhilarating, and if it ever feels like a chore or I can't muster the determination to look my absolute best everytime, then I will stop. Of course, if I end up placing at Nationals and eventually earn my pro card, I wouldn't mind a bit J With those malpractice premiums, it might be my second career!
I am having an extended off-season, although able to continue my weight training here in Iraq. My husband is planning to compete with me at the state level in 2010, then I plan to do Jr. Nationals and probably Nationals if I feel ready for it.
My short term goal for this year is to put on some lean muscle, and continue to improve my cardiovascular fitness. I don't have any plans for a marathon, but looking forward to running some shorter races this year.
In the long term, I want to continue to compete in Figure as long as it's fun for me. Getting up on that stage is exhilarating, and if it ever feels like a chore or I can't muster the determination to look my absolute best everytime, then I will stop. Of course, if I end up placing at Nationals and eventually earn my pro card, I wouldn't mind a bit J With those malpractice premiums, it might be my second career!
Do you have any role models in fitness / figure?
There are definitely some women I admire. Monica Brant has an amazing body (we got to see her compete at the Arnold in Ms. International) and seems like a very sincere person with a good sense for business. Any woman who has had children, and then returns to the stage (or steps on it for the first time after babies – like Sondra Hopkins!) looking incredible is a role model to me. We haven't had children yet, but they give me hope that I can be a Hot Mama eventually too!
There are definitely some women I admire. Monica Brant has an amazing body (we got to see her compete at the Arnold in Ms. International) and seems like a very sincere person with a good sense for business. Any woman who has had children, and then returns to the stage (or steps on it for the first time after babies – like Sondra Hopkins!) looking incredible is a role model to me. We haven't had children yet, but they give me hope that I can be a Hot Mama eventually too!
Where do you find the best training and diet advice? Where do you work out and who do you work out with? Is there anyone in particular who you would like to thank, such as a sponsor, significant other, etc?
Initially most of my training information came from the internet and magazines like Oxygen. I still like some of the recipes in Oxygen, and have found new interesting moves there and in Muscle and Fitness Hers. Hiring Patrick as a professional nutritionist really made a huge improvement in my contest prep however. The difference in my body was striking between my first and second shows.
As I got serious about competition training, I also met people at the gym, as well as girls I competed with, and traded tips.
At home I work out at Gold's Gym with my husband. We usually decide which body part we are going to hit based on our schedule – doing chest (which is a quick routine for us) on our longer work days, and saving legs (our favorite but long and tiring routine) for the weekend. I normally do cardio alone first thing in the morning on my way to work.
I definitely have to thank some people for their support. My family and friends, even people at the gym, have been super supportive. My coworkers now know not to bring the potluck desserts anywhere near me when I'm dieting!! But two people really made the difference for me between just being an average competitor and being a nationally-qualified figure athlete. Patrick and Sondra Hopkins were such an incredible asset in my contest prep, designing my diet plan and helping me bring the best presentation possible to the stage. My husband Julio really is the cornerstone of my figure career. He has motivated me to get to the gym when I am tired or cranky. He put up with me while carb depleting… enough said! He even ate the same things I did while I was dieting, and everyday told me how proud he was of me. A woman can't ask for more in a husband – I could never imagine a better training partner!
Initially most of my training information came from the internet and magazines like Oxygen. I still like some of the recipes in Oxygen, and have found new interesting moves there and in Muscle and Fitness Hers. Hiring Patrick as a professional nutritionist really made a huge improvement in my contest prep however. The difference in my body was striking between my first and second shows.
As I got serious about competition training, I also met people at the gym, as well as girls I competed with, and traded tips.
At home I work out at Gold's Gym with my husband. We usually decide which body part we are going to hit based on our schedule – doing chest (which is a quick routine for us) on our longer work days, and saving legs (our favorite but long and tiring routine) for the weekend. I normally do cardio alone first thing in the morning on my way to work.
I definitely have to thank some people for their support. My family and friends, even people at the gym, have been super supportive. My coworkers now know not to bring the potluck desserts anywhere near me when I'm dieting!! But two people really made the difference for me between just being an average competitor and being a nationally-qualified figure athlete. Patrick and Sondra Hopkins were such an incredible asset in my contest prep, designing my diet plan and helping me bring the best presentation possible to the stage. My husband Julio really is the cornerstone of my figure career. He has motivated me to get to the gym when I am tired or cranky. He put up with me while carb depleting… enough said! He even ate the same things I did while I was dieting, and everyday told me how proud he was of me. A woman can't ask for more in a husband – I could never imagine a better training partner!
Kim alongside her biggest fan, Julio Lairet, at the 2009 Arnold Amateur Classic
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