Interview With Beth Schneider
Next-In-Line Pro Competitor Feature - May 2010
Interviewed by: Angie Courduff
Why do we call it our Next-In-Line Pro? These competitors are the ones we feel will become a Pro soon. They have great accomplishments in this industry and we feel they will be the ones' to watch in the coming months.
In just one year, Beth Schneider has achieved many accomplishments most new competitors only dream about; stepping on stage for the first time, competing in 6 shows, placing 1st in three competitions (being named Overall Champion!), and gracing the stage at the Arnold Amateur International Championships! This is just the beginning for this super-motivated, hyper-driven bodybuilding competitor!
“It really makes a difference when you bring all the components together to reach the level you want to achieve."
WP: Hi Beth! Thanks for doing this interview! Let's start off with having you tell us about yourself.
BS: I recently moved to Dallas, TX to pursue my passion in the fitness industry after having lived in Oklahoma my whole life. I had been a realtor and trainer there for the past 10 years and when both kids went off to college, I decided it was time for a change for this single mom! My two children, Eric, 21, and Haley, 20, are my pride and joy and the most awesome kids in the world! They are both amazing and on their way to great things in life!
Sometimes, saying good-bye to the past is a second chance at new opportunities. Instead of your desires being dreams and instead of putting limitations on yourself, or letting others put limitations on you, embrace the changes in your life and find the courage to move on. Find a way to make it happen because no one will do it for you. Then, you can be strong and set the example for others! Realize you can move mountains and accomplish things you never thought were possible.
Adversity brings opportunity. It is our choice and our attitude about how we choose to look at the adversity that allows us to find the opportunity. It is empowering to take charge of your life and your health and do the things you thought were dreams and make them a reality. Don't let anything keep you from doing what you truly desire in your heart to do. When you surround yourself with successful people, good people, and believe in yourself, good things happen and anything is possible!
WP: You just began competing in 2009 but already have an extensive list under your belt! What was your motivation to start competing?
BS: I had been asked so many times if I competed! When I was living in Oklahoma, I went to a show for the first time to see a friend compete. I remember thinking, ‘there is no way I would ever get on stage in a tiny bikini in front of all those people’! The seed was planted though, and I thought it would be great to get in contest shape. When I moved to Dallas, I began hearing the same ‘if I competed’ question, so I thought maybe I should give it a try. I found one of the best trainers here in Dallas, Sagi Kalev, and I thought I would just do one show to see what it was like and to learn about the nutrition and workouts to make me a better trainer. That was my motivation: To make myself better and to set myself apart as a Certified Personal Trainer.
WP: Can you tell us about your experience of stepping on stage for the first time?
BS: I was really excited after seeing my transformation after working with Sagi for 10 weeks. The first time he met with me, he suggested I compete in bodybuilding. I said,"No way! I want to do Figure!" Well, I came into the first show all lean and muscular and finished 11th and I thought, but I have all this muscle and separation and abs! They said, "Yes, great if you were in bodybuilding, but not figure!" Moral of the story: Listen to your trainer from Day 1! All the same, it was a fabulous experience. I loved it and I was hooked! I thought I should make the switch to bodybuilding after that though!
WP: Better late than never to start listening to your trainer! Can you give me your contest history?
JG: My competition history is as following:
3rd Place, Open Lightweight Women's Bodybuilding. Columbus, Ohio
Top 10 in country, placed 9th in Lightweight Class for first National appearance in Hollywood, Florida
Overall Champion & 1st Place in both Lightweight & Masters (TX)
1st Place in Lightweight & 2nd Place in Masters (Dallas, TX)
1st Place in both Lightweight & Masters, Received Best Female Poser (TX)
11th Place in Figure A & 13th Place in Masters Figure (TX)
(switched to bodybuilding after this!)
WP: You recently competed, and placed third, in the 2010 Arnold Amateur International Championships! How exciting! What was it like competing at that show?
BS: It was the thrill of a lifetime! It was huge! It was so exciting to see so many people from all over the world with the same purpose and to have one language understood by everyone: hard work, discipline and determination. To be amongst the best of the best from all over the world was unbelievable and I couldn’t believe how lucky I felt to be there! I remember getting ready to step on stage at the finals and looking out into a sea of thousands of people and saying to myself, "This is awesome!"
WP: What an incredible experience! What other competitions do you have lined up for 2010?
BS: Next on my agenda is the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 24th. I’m on my quest for that Pro-card!
WP: Has your training changed at all since your first show?
BS: Yes, it has changed. I am trying to put on more size since I am on the small side of the Lightweight Class. I have been training much heavier, doing more drop sets and I have seen some good changes as a result. It varies quite a bit though depending on how far out I am from a contest.
WP: What advice would you give to someone interested in competing for first time?
BS: First of all, do it for yourself, not for any other reason or person. That will drive you through to the end. Be disciplined with your nutrition and do it right. Keep people in your life that support your goals. It really makes a difference when you bring all the components together to reach the level you want to achieve. Always be prepared with your food ahead of time and love every minute. It is an incredible journey!
WP: How do you stay motivated to keep up such a rigorous competition schedule?
BS: It is a lifestyle and just becomes part of your everyday living. I have been fortunate to be able to surround myself with people that have the same goals and beliefs in fitness. When you have such a great support group, you can draw from their motivation and inspiration when you need a boost! I think to myself, if they are up doing cardio even when they don’t want to, then I can do it, too!
WP: Can you tell me about your diet? What do you normally eat in a day?
BS: Of course, my nutrition will vary depending on how many weeks out I am from a show, but I start my day with 6 egg whites, 1 whole egg and oatmeal. My diet mainly consists of eggs, chicken, tilapia, ground turkey, and brown and white rice, veggies, sweet or white potatoes for carbs. I vary the amount of carbs as well; some days are high, some are low. My protein is always high, around 200g per day.
WP: Is there any difference between your on-season and off-season diet?
BS: Yes, I have more carbs to try and put on a little more size and a cheat meal on the weekend. It is hard as a woman to think I need to get bigger when most women want to lose weight. But, it is great to see the process take place when you start leaning down and find that you have put on quality size and not fat with the extra few pounds.
WP: What is the hardest thing you have had to deal with when it comes to your diet?
BS: I moved to Dallas last year and started competing shortly after. I seem to always be getting ready for a contest and there are so many amazing restaurants here that I want to try and haven’t been able to just yet. I definitely have found a few favorites though when I am in between contests!
WP: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
BS: Oh, yes! Anyone around me will be able to tell you that I am crazy for pancakes with loads of syrup!
WP: What supplements do you take? Do you have a favorite product?
BS: I am pretty basic with the supplements. I take my glutamine and BCAA's pre and post workout and sometimes Arginine. I also take my vitamins E and C, calcium, omega -3, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and I like to have a pre-workout drink like Superpump 250, Shotgun or Myoshock.
WP: What does your weekly training routine look like? Can you give me an example workout?
BS: Sure! My training routine looks like this:
I do abs at least 3-4x a week and cardio 6 times a week; cardio time varies according to the number of weeks out I am from a contest.
For example, my chest, tris and calves workout may include the following:
Chest:
Incline Hammer Strength - 7 sets, light weight, little rest between sets;
Bent Arm Dumbbell Pullovers supersetted with pushups (with feet on bench) - pyramid weight up on pullovers from 20, 25, 30 lbs. and drop set;
Dumbbell Flies (slow up and slow down) - pyramid weight up from 15 lbs. to 25 lbs., 4 sets then drop;
Pec Deck - 4 sets; and
Barbell incline press 30, 40, 50 lbs. for 15, 12, 10 reps.
Triceps:
(Giant Sets of 3 sets x 15 reps of the following exercises):
Rope Pushdowns
Reverse Close Grip Pushdowns
Dumbbell Kickbacks
Calves:
Standing Calf Raises (on a step) with 20 lb. dumbbells; and
Seated Calf Raises with a 35 lb. plate - 6 sets of 15 reps.
Abs:
Roman Chair Straight - Leg Lifts;
Ball Crunches;
Oblique Crunches; and
V - ups.
WP: That is a serious routine! You spend a significant amount of time in the gym training. How do you motivate yourself on days you just don’t feel like going?
BS: I look at pictures from previous competitions or read posts from friends on Facebook that are doing the same thing and that really motivate me! When I see how hard everyone is working out, it makes me want to get in the gym and get it done, too!
Again, support from people with the same goals and aspirations are key on rough days
WP: You are extremely fortunate to have such a supportive and motivating inner circle. Ok, let's switch gears. Can you tell me about your family? You're a mother of two!
BS: Yes, I am a very proud mom of two beautiful and awesome children! Eric is 21 and majoring in Civil Engineering at Oklahoma State University. He is going to Italy this summer to study abroad! My daughter, Haley, is at Texas Tech University and is pursuing her degree in Allied Health and Nutrition. She is planning on being in the sports medicine field and is currently working at the Lubbock Sports Clinic. She is getting ready for cheerleading tryouts at Texas Tech as well! I am so blessed to have such talented and focused children that have set their goals high and are both on the path to achieving their dreams!
WP: They definitely take after their super-driven mom! Do you find it difficult to juggle time with your kids when they’re home and your competition training?
BS: Since they are both away at college, I have time to get to the gym. My juggling is with my finances with two kids in college!
WP: That is certainly understandable, and also very admirable that you encourage them to pursue furthering their education and achieving their dreams! What are your favorite activities to do with your kids?
BS: When they come to visit, we shop, go out to eat, hit the gym, and just enjoy our time together. They love Dallas and we have so many fun things to do here together when they are in town!
WP: How advantageous that your kids share your interest in fitness! Who do you admire most in the fitness industry? Who are your idols?
BS: There are so many people to admire in this industry that it is difficult to name just one. I admire everyone who has a passion for fitness and those who want to improve their own health as well as others by inspiring people to adapt a healthy lifestyle.
Some of my idols in the women’s bodybuilding arena are Nicole Ball, Cathy Lefrancois, and Heather Armbrust.
WP: Do you have any projects in the works?
BS: I am currently preparing to compete at the Masters Nationals in July. I am also considering a new job that would bring all of my past sales skills in the business world and my passion for fitness all together into one career.
WP: Getting to hone all of your skills would be a tremendous opportunity! Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?
BS: I would love to still have a career in the fitness industry and still be in great shape! Also, to be enjoying life as it presents endless opportunities every day! When you have your health, you have everything!
WP: Any shout outs?
BS: I would love to give special thanks to my trainer and nutritionist, Sagi Kalev, the most inspiring and knowledgeable coach ever! He has made some amazing transformations to my physique in just one year. Through his guidance, training, encouragement, and his belief in me as a person and an athlete, I have found a passion that has given me the opportunity for a renewed outlook on life and to accomplish things that I never dreamed!
WP: Thank you again for this interview, Beth! It’s been a pleasure! Good luck with your upcoming competitions and in all your future fitness endeavors!
BS: Thank you so much for allowing me to share my story! I hope anyone reading this will believe that is it never too late to be what you want to be and to do things that you dream of doing!
