Fitness Celebrity Interview
Laura Mak
By Jason E. Cohen, Esq., WNBF Pro Bodybuilder
The buzz around the fitness industry is that you are the fastest rising
"star" in fitness competition. What do you think you have that some of the
other new pros don't?
Laura:
I didn't realize that was the buzz going around, (Laura Mak being one of the
fastest rising fitness stars!) but I will take it!! I can think of two things
that separate me from other competitors. First, I think I am one of a handful
of athletes that have a masters degree. It is even in exercise science. Right
up my personal training alley! The other aspect is the fact that I have been
weight training since 1987. Most people do not know that. One of my
gymnastics coaches got me started. He was an Olympic lifter and at the time I
was suffering some back pains, so we began training with clean and jerks and
then he showed me how to snatch. Before I knew it, I was getting stronger. I
even became good enough to compete. I competed in a state Olympic
Weightlifting show and won my class. Then I went to the Nationals that year and
won my class! What a shock. Gymnastics was always my passion, so I didn't
pursue it any more until my junior year in college. I did another state show
and then I was second that year in the 1991 nationals. So I think a combination
of mature muscle, and the fact that I have a game plan, separate me from many
of the other competitors.
Instead of the same old boring questions, let's mix some controversial
ones into this interview. Is there anyone who you just, flat out, don't like in
this business (other fitness girls, judges, etc.)?
Laura:
Quite honestly I can't think of any one I really don't like. I may not always
agree with the judges decisions, but I don't take it personal. It can't be
personal in this industry or we would always be beating ourselves up. It is
just business. I think all of the athletes are awesome. I have been able to
hang out with more and talk with more after the shows so that makes it even
more fun. Although we all do similar preparation, it is interesting to learn
how others get to their current point. There are so many that stand out as
fun and nice. Kelly Ryan, Jenny Hendershott, Cynthia Bridges, Stephanie
(Worsfold) Sladek and Stacey Simons are a few that stand out in my mind. I
think I have had an opportunity to talk more with these people and build an
"outside of fitness" relationship. That is the nice part.
How prevalent do you think performance enhancing drugs are becoming with
the fitness girls?
Laura:
I think there are a lot of athletes using some sort of enhancing drugs. Some
are more obvious than others. I believe the reasons they are doing it is to
be competitive, because with out the years of training and muscle maturity,
it just won't happen. Fitness has such a strong physique round and that is
why athletes are doing more and more. I think if the fitness priority was the
routine rounds beating out physique rounds that would be a different story.
It is evident the athletes who are weaker on the routine rounds and stronger
in physique will inevitably end in the top.
It has been about 2 and a half years now since you turned pro, has
anything changed or were there any let downs?
Laura:
Actually I have been a pro since winning the tall class at the 1998 Nationals
in Atlanta. I have done three shows a year for the last three years. I have
suffered a broken foot in 2000 and made a come back this year. I competed in
all five shows!! I think I must have been crazy! What was I thinking! There
are only two other girls, Kelly Ryan and Jenny Hendershott, that did four. I
wanted to qualify for the Fitness Olympia 2001, and I did!! Then I went on to
compete in Budapest, Hungary. What a great trip. The host, sponsor, judges
made it such a great time for all of us. It was much more laid back than
shows here, it was quite fun. All the girls had real good attitudes too. We
had a nice mix over there. As far as let downs, I would say I have had a lot
of changes in my life in the last few years. I was with a particular manager
until 2000 when we parted paths. It was an amicable separation in the best
interest of each of us. I have been able to do so many things since then. I
have done more writing for magazines, modeling for articles, and even been a
cover girl! I always try to focus on the positive. I will try to find the
goodness in a situation and make the best of it.
It seems to be getting more competitive year after year on the women's
pro fitness circuit. What are you going to do to try to compete with the top
girls this year?
Laura:
I will keep training hard and making a few more changes in my physique. I
think this last year I did make some good changes in my upper body. I would
like to see my back get a little fuller. As far as the routine, I will
continue to increase difficulty. It is exciting that I have been able to be
the first to perform a few moves like the one arm handstand I have been doing
for the past three years. Now other girls like Susie Curry and Beth Horn have
also done it. I also performed a new move this year, a one arm straddle
press. It is great when I get the respect of top routine girls like Kelly
Ryan and Jenny Hendershott and they recognize the strength involved in that
skill. We shall see if any one tries it in 2002. I may come up with another
new trick. You will just have to wait and see.
What advice would you give a girl who told you she wanted to turn pro?
Laura:
I always ask girls why they want to compete before I even help someone. It
has to be for the right reason, certainly not for financial gain. If someone
tells me to win the Olympia, then I would say I can't help them. But if it is
a personal goal or they have an idea of a game plan, then that is when I like
to help. There is a lot of politics that can't be overcome. It can be hard on
a person could really blow someone's self esteem out of the water. We as
competitors can only control so many variables and the rest is out of our
hands. If there is an overall game plan, and winning is not everything, then
anything is possible. It is a business, like any other business.
Most of the fitness girls tell me there is no money to be made from
fitness. Do you have any plans to try to make fitness a career choice for
you? Do you plan on any modeling or any other fitness related endeavors?
Laura:
I don't think any one could live on competing alone, not comfortably anyways.
I have heard of stories of people barely making rent so they can get ready
for a competition. That isn't my style. I have definitely made fitness my
career choice, but not competing. I use that as an avenue to go to my next
stage in life. I enjoy doing the writing and modeling for different
magazines. I like helping new people get started. I will continue to do all
of these things until I am no longer able to. I will plan to compete only a
few more years. I have enjoyed it, but will look forward to my next adventure
also!
What are some of your hobbies or things you like to do? Tell us
something personal about yourself that your fans probably wouldn't expect to
hear?
Laura:
Since I am a Michigan State alum twice over, I try to help out with the
alumni chapter here in Atlanta. Our main focus is to raise enough money to
send a Georgia student to Michigan State on scholarship. We sent one last
year! I follow Michigan State Basketball and some football. I still keep in
touch with my former MSU gymnastics coach too. I would say one of my
favorite pastimes is watching basketball. I like the teams with former
Spartans and my Atlanta Hawks, although, they are having a few challenges
this year. One day I would like to say I saw all the top players play in
their respective arenas. I have been to seven arenas so far.
Is there anything else you'd like to comment on, promote or relay to our
readers?
Laura:
One of my latest endeavors is starting the Mak Attack Fitness Wear line. It
is workout wear for women. It is a high-end product with great colors,
unique patterns, supplex material, and top-of-the-line stitching. I offer
several pieces to mix and match. I also have incorporated a few pieces as
street wear. I like to have a variety of choices. I have been promoting it
through my website, lauramak.com
and also at the shows. I also have a few
sales people opening accounts at gyms and retail stores. I will be in
Tanaland at the Arnold Classic, and the rest of the shows will be posted on
my website. Although my life has become twice as busy now, I still have a few
constants in my day to day activity. I always start my day out with a great
fat burner, like the PBL's
Thermogenic Activator Plus,
and cardio on the treadmill.
Take care!
Laura Mak :)
www.lauramak.com
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