This month’s KickAssWoman of the month is living proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and with the right motivation and strength of will you can always pick up a forgotten dream and turn it into part of your daily reality.
One of the winners of Laura London’s recent ‘Fit Mom’ competition, Norma Korpics has more than one string to her proverbial bow and an indisputable ability to cast doubt aside and just do it!
Read on and find out how Norma keeps her glass of life not just half full but overflowing!
You have a pretty impressive background…Registered Dietitian, Personal Trainer, Skin Care and Beauty Expert and of course fitness and figure competitor. What got you involved in the whole health and fitness lifestyle?
“Oh my… yes all of the above! Well, I started as a hairdresser back in the 80′s when I was also weight training, a runner and a Vegan (yes, a true Vegan for 9 yrs!). So I decided to get nutrition advice from an RD in private practice, loved it and decided to go back to school in 1996 and by the summer of 2000 I was a Registered Dietitian!
“My reason for becoming a vegan was to avoid eating animal protein that had hormones and antibiotics in it. Back in the 80′s, finding hormone free meats and/or organic products was nearly impossible. So I dropped the meats, eggs, and cheese and milk products and found an awesome health food store called “The Unicorn Village” and there I purchased all my organic vegan goods for almost 9 yrs that, of course, was until Whole Foods took over….
“After 9 yrs as a Vegan, and hitting the gym 5-6 times/week and running 5k’s, marathons, biking and kick boxing (ok….I was single, but was just as busy as everyone else), I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted as far as building and maintaining muscle , so I started adding fish and chicken and hired a personal trainer. This was around the time when I also went back to college for my degree in nutrition.
“As your readers can see, I’ve always been a very active person and have always believed nutrition does play a huge role in being and staying healthy. Not just exercise alone; it’s a combination of both! You are what you eat!”
When did you actually start competing and what triggered the desire to enter the whole competitive arena?
“By 2001, I was working 4 days/wk as a Dietitian and Saturdays as a Hairdresser. I continued training, eating clean and teaching spinning as well. In 2005, I met a personal trainer that convinced me to compete in a Figure competition.” I did it!” I trained hard with him and I did my own nutrition plan, and placed 5th over 35. Mind you, my nutrition expertise was diabetes and heart disease, not sports nutrition. And so this is how it started.”
What are your most memorable contest moments so far?
“My family and friends support. On my very first show, I must have had just over 20 of my family members and friends out on the stands cheering me on. Their support means a lot to me so that was AMAZING!!! And I could hear them!
My mother had passed away 3 months prior to my competition, which made it extra special to have that loving support.
“Another memorable moment was hitting the stage in 2008. That was after getting married in 2006 and having my twins in 2007. And just over a year after having my beautiful girls, I wanted to show the world that even after having twins at age 41; you can get that bikini back on!”
Of course you recently were one of the winners in the Laura London Fit Mom contest, what would you say to other mothers out there who feel that they don’t have the time to go to the gym far less get involved in competition?
“I have made whole health and fitness my lifestyle. It’s who I am and what I love to do. I would love to motivate other women, and that is my purpose with this interview. Thank you KickAssWomen! I’m living proof. But honestly, it takes effort and time on every woman’s behalf. I guarantee, once you get started ladies, you won’t stop. Make exercise a routine, include it in your calendar. If it’s hard on the weekdays, you have the weekends. 5 hours out of your week, minimum! Your body will love you! Whether it’s walking, biking or a zumba class, get moving ladies!! If needed, hire a personal trainer from your local gym to get you started with weight training. Make it FUN! Hire a trainer with your girlfriend; it’s cheaper, fun and motivating! That’s what I did when I first hired a personal trainer.
“Now competing in figure takes a bit more commitment. Hiring a coach is important; whether it’s a personal training coach or a nutritionist… it helps. It’s a whole different ball game than just eating healthy and exercising. It’s truly a science and requires much more dedication.”
Having a family to look after there must be times when you feel too wiped out to go to the gym…how do you motivate yourself to stay on track?
“It can be hard at times… but I push myself! As long as I get my sleep I’m good. I have a routine everyday, and the gym is one of them; but if I get off it, let’s say, a sick child, or something else unexpected comes up that I cannot control; I don’t sweat the small stuff! I’ll just make it up the next day. And I can honestly say that I motivate myself. You know why, because I do it for me. It’s my body and I want to feel good in it!”
I noticed on your Facebook page that you commented about putting on 5 lbs of lean muscle in one year. Any diet tips you would like to share with our readers?
“I consume 5 meals off season and 5-7 meals when I’m in competition mode. I eat pretty clean. My food staples include, tons of vegetables, whole foods like sweet potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, 2 fruit servings/day, lean meats, and my healthy fats(extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, walnuts, almonds and my favorite “Vegenaise”). I also have been training heavier than ever before the last 6 months. As we get older, we lose lean muscle (so sad) so I was pleasantly surprised to see that I have been able to put on lean mass. That was EXCITING! I still include my cardio 5-6 times/wk), but it hasn’t been as intense as before.”
Turning to your involvement in skin care and make up. I believe you represent a well known company on that front…
“Yes, Mary Kay, a new venture I just started. I started using the products, loved them, and decided to sell them too. Why not! I figured it can be part of my professional package; personal training, nutrition and beauty consultant. I’ve also been a licensed cosmetologist for over 27 yrs, yikes!!”
Do you also offer hair and makeup services for photo shoots and shows?
“That is my plan. I would love to offer my services to competitors for shows and photo shoots. I’ve created 2 Face Book pages with all my information. Look me up under Norma Korpics and my Face Book page Fabulous Fit Moms.”
Since we have just entered a new year, what are your plans for the year ahead?
“Well, I am planning to compete this summer, so I’m currently preparing for that. I am also combining my background in nutrition with my certification as personal trainer with NCFS. I can train my clients and offer them nutriton advice in hopes of motivating them to make a lifestyle change!”
And beyond that?
“I’d like to also offer my services through the internet. It’s my goal this year.”
Finally how can readers contact you?
“normief7@gmail.com, Face Book: Norma Korpics and Fabulous Fit Moms”
“To Good Health Everyone!!! But most of all, I’d like to give thanks my husband for all his support these last 6 yrs we’ve been married. I love you babe!!”
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