Through Zoa Linsey I have become familiar with Tamara Knight. And I am so glad I did. Tamara is one of those people who you instantly respect. Both Tamara the bodybuilder and Tamara the individual. Tamra planned to compete in 2005, but as should always be the case, family came first. So Tamra put it off. She has been on stage twice and has looked amazing in both instances, as her placings verify. She will be competing again this year, and plans to win it, and it would be foolish to bet against her.
Q: First, Tamara, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I'm 41 yrs old and from Vancouver, BC Canada. I'm married and I have 2 boys. One is 2 yrs old and the other is 3 1/2. I'm an ISSA certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist and I work from my own gym in my home
Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: I was always athletic but never in any team sports. I cycled and ran a lot liking more of the individual sports
Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: I was 19, had just moved out on my own and thought that the way to being in better shape was through lots of cardio. Although I did lift weights I never saw much in the way of results as I was definitely a cardio queen!
Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Training did come to me very naturally because I'm a very "Type A" person. Everything has to be done perfectly and better than the last time. Once I started serious training and cut back on the cardio the results came fairly quickly
Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I decided to compete back in 2005 and was training for my first comp. I was also ending my first marriage at that time and during my competition prep started training with my new training partner who also became my new husband lol. I really wanted kids so I decided to put the comp on hold at that point and after my 2nd son was born in December of 2008, I decided it was time to hit the stage. I did my first show when my 2nd son was only 11 months old!
Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: Yes, most of them. Some didn't see why I needed to do that but I did get support
Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: Yes, it was what I expected as I had been through it with my very good friend Zoa back in 2005 when she did her first National show.
Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
*2009 Sandra Wickham Fall Classic - First Place HW, First Place Masters, Best Poser and Overall Champion
*2010 BC Provincials - 3rd Place HW, 1st Place Masters
Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: Hands down my legs/glutes
Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: Anything to do with legs!
Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I usually train 3 on, 1 off, 2 on, 1 off. Right now I'm training arms and shoulders 2x per week. Diet is extremely clean all year long but in the off season I eat more with a couple of cheats one day per week. During contest prep training might change slightly and my food is measured to account for every single gram with absolutely no cheats
Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Positive for the most part.
Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A "OMG, how do I get arms like that?"
Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: I wish people understood that this is about self disciple and being the best that I can be
Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: The best part is the accomplishment of seeing my body change. the worst part is the time it takes away from my family.
Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: But of course! My dear friend Zoa Linsey. I admire all women in the sport as I know the work they put into it
Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Yes, cereal of all things!
Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Find someone to teach you proper form so that you can achieve maximum results without risk of injury
Q: Do you think it is becoming more common to see women working in the gym with the weights and not just doing cardio and things?
A: Yes. As a trainer I have more and more women who have focused only on cardio coming to me because they are realizing the need for weight training
Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: Skiing, snowshoeing, hiking
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Tamara Knight/
A: Oh my! Ok, well there is never a minute wasted. My day starts at 4 a.m. and if the offseason I use an hour to answer emails or do other computer related work (pre contest this is cardio time) I feed the kids and get us all ready for the day. My work day starts at 8 a.m. and I train clients until noon. Then it's time to get the kids lunch, prep food, clean house etc until I train at 3. Training is from 3 to 4:30 or so then it's time to get dinner together and back to work for 5:30 training more clients til about 7:30 or 8:30. Then it's my last meal and off to bed fairly early
Q: Describe Tamara Knight in five words.
A: Stubborn, determined, loyal, independent, perfectionist
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I have a legal background
Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I start dieting in 6 weeks for BC Provincials taking place in July. I fully plan on taking home the overall this time! ;0)
Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: Not really although I will always promote my business www.tzonefitness.com
Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Tamara Knight the athlete and competitor?
A: Sure although finding a sponsor for a woman bodybuilder is almost impossible. They can reach me by email and they would be getting a very determined athlete and competitor who strives to make improvements on a continual basis
Q: Tamara, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Thanks for the interview Jason!
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