World Physique

Interviewed by Tammy Renee'
Photos by: Fit World

Sara Schumann started lifting when she was 14 years old for cheerleading and haven't stopped since. That was over 18 years ago. She began reading everything she could on lifting and nutrition. That's when she came across Monica Brant. Sara was amazed by the beauty of Monica’s muscular yet, feminine physique. This caused Sara to imagine what it would be like to be a competitor. Being from a small county town with not a lot of money at all, Sara couldn't fathom anyone like her could ever reach the level of someone like Monica. So, in Sara’s mind, it was just a dream, but she continued to lift for her own desire.

Sara has a very driven personality and was determined to make something of herself. She wanted to contribute to her life in some way. She wanted to contribute to her life in some way.

She got involved in as many things as possible, such as in school sports and organizations. She kept her grades up and decided that she was going to be the first person in her family to go to college. She not only went to college, but she graduated with a degree in Medical Social Work and Psychology. She started her career, got married, had a baby and just felt she wasn't where she wanted to be, fully. She still did not feel fulfilled.

Years later, while still working out in the gym, she said to herself, "Why not do figure competing? Why couldn't I do it?” She knew there was nothing in her life that she didn't set her mind to do and not do it.

With her experience in the gym already, she started training even more intensely for her first show. She ended up winning her National Title in the first show she entered!

Now, she decided to do what she has always thought was just a dream and she is competing, currently, to earn her Pro-Card. While doing this, she now works as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Planner.

“I know big things are ahead of me. I feel it inside me and believe in myself enough to follow that feeling. I have determination like no other and I will work with every ounce of my being to continue to work in the field of fitness. I will earn my Pro-Card and continue fitness modeling. I will live my dream”, says Sara.

WP: I am so proud to be interviewing our May 2009, Ms. World Physique. Sara, after hearing your story and your determination in this industry, you have really impressed me. You are not only pretty, talented, and have the perfect physique, but, you're also down-to-earth and smart. What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

SS: Thank you, Tammy. I am honored! I had to earn my National Qualifying title to compete in Pro-Qualifying shows, which I did in my first show. In order to earn that title, you have to place in the top three of a NPC National Qualifying show. I feel that if you believe in yourself enough, and want it badly enough, you'll find a way to make it happen. You have to trust that you can achieve your dreams in life if you're willing to put the work into it. For some people, success falls into their lap for many reasons. For most other people though, you really have to have patience and perseverance. You have to be willing to accept starting from ground zero and working your way towards the ultimate goal.

WP: That's amazing how you qualified in your first show. Not too many athletes or competitors do that. What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?

SS: I have always been active since a young age and ate relatively healthy, as well. When I started training for my show, I really buckled down on my nutrition and I did notice that I had to work even harder than I already was prior, once I turned 30 years old. My metabolism had to be jolted, again, just to keep myself in competitive shape.

WP: That is why those that compete after the age of 30 should really be proud! With age comes a slower metabolism, which makes it harder for them. What show have you done in the past year? Are there any that were most memorable or most exciting?

SS: I've done 10 shows in the 2008-2009 year thus far. I have to say every show has been memorable in some way, whether it was the caliber of show down to the lasting friendships I've made. Some of the most exciting and memorable however, was the Europa Super Show in Texas, the North American Pro-Qualifier, Nationals Pro-Qualifier and the Arnold Classic Pro/Am Show. All are an extreme honor to compete in and some of the best-of-the-best are in these shows. The Arnold Classic is my all time most memorable so far! I was honored to be invited to an invite only show and then to receive 4th place in my class was the ultimate thrill for me!

WP: That's a lot of shows in a year. Are you planning to compete again in the future?

SS: I am now training for the North American Pro-Qualifier in August, 2009. I will, then, head to New York in September, 2009 for the Team Universe show, and finish 2009 with National's in November.

WP: What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?

SS: I love being outside as much as possible, since I spend so much time training myself and my clients. I love going for a good run in my neighborhood. I enjoy a good baseball game at the ball field and cheer on the Cincinnati Reds, listening to live bands on the river, going out for a great dinner with my family or a great group of friends, seeing a good comedian at the comedy club. I pretty much can have a great time doing anything!

WP: Tell me about your family. In addition, are you married, single, or dating?

SS: I have an amazing family. I am married and have one beautiful boy, who is almost 7 years old. My husband, my sister, and her finance have been to nearly every show of mine. They have given so much emotional support to me. When I see them in the audience cheering for me, it makes everything I've worked so hard for all the more worth while.

WP: I'm glad you mentioned how your family makes you feel when they go to the shows and support you. I've been to show where most of the competitors have no one to show up to support them. That, to me, is heartbreaking. Most of these competitors pour their hearts and soul into competing and it's like their family could care less. People! Get out there and support your family!

Okay, sorry I veered off from the interview, but that really upsets me! On with the interview. What has figure competitions taught you thus far?

SS: It's taught me how quickly it drains my finances since I'm not sponsored yet; which I'm praying changes very soon! Ha-ha! On a serious note, it's really taught me a lesson each time I do a show. Anything from what is really necessary to pack or not pack. What I need to continue to improve on in my physique, what to do different in my training or keep doing the same, what to change or keep doing in my nutrition. The most important thing it has taught me is to focus only on my physique. Many competitors make the mistake of comparing themselves to others they will be competing against. Everyone’s body is different. Everyone responds differently to their own training, everyone’s body responds differently to their own nutrition plan. You have to stay focused on your own body and work on making it the best that you can. Come in at what your best is!

WP: I have found that doing "Tier Sponsorship" helps a competitor out. I first tried it with Ava Cowan and it has been a success every since. We can hook up after the interview and I'll explain in detail. Maybe it is something you would be interested in trying. What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started competing?

SS: My intensity of training increased, I was even more strict with eating clean, not missing a meal, balancing my training with work and my family and dealing with the financial strain is by far the most difficult. Since I'm Nationally Qualified and trying to turn Pro, I am traveling a lot further for shows, which sometimes requires flying. Then you have hotel costs, food expenses, entrance fees, tickets for your guests, etc. That's not even including your specialized diet food bills, supplements, tanning, stage paint, hair, makeup, suits, shoes, jewelry. The list goes on and on. I am contacting as many companies as I can to get sponsored soon, hopefully. Contact me! I'm available to represent you!

WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

SS: I am used to eating very clean and small frequent meals, so the diet does not affect me like what I hear it does for most competitors. The part that is difficult for me the most is when I start my water cutting right before the show. The dehydration is not my friend! It's funny because when all of us competitors are finished with prejudging and backstage talking about what we're going to eat; my first response is always that I'm downing a cold diet coke.

WP: I would love to have a video going, taping everything during and after a show. I bet that would be so interesting. What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

SS: I focus on what I need to improve on the most. I really want to gain size in my shoulders and a little more in my legs, so I train my shoulders and legs twice a week. During my off-season, I lift very heavy and lower repetitions with 3-4 days of interval training. The closer I get to my shows, I lower the weight with higher repetitions to bring out the definition. I also increase my interval training to 6-7 days a week.

WP: How has your training changed over the years?

SS: My training has evolved over 18 years and continues to be a learning experience. You have to be willing, open and want to continuously learn. Just because I have 18 years of experience lifting doesn't mean I know all I need to know. I can't get enough of reading everything I can about different ways to target a muscle or work my diet. I feel a new energy when I have learned new exercises to incorporate when I change up my routines!

WP: What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.

SS: Other than receiving my National Qualified status and my 4th placement at the Arnold show, I feel like the doors are opening with my career in this industry. I did a model shoot with Fitworld, LLC for their clothing line, I was bodybuilding.com's ‘Figure Athlete of the Week’ and I'm doing a training video for Probodybuilding.com next week to be shown on their website! In addition, I am represented by a well known talent agency known as Heyman Talent in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio and finally, I feel honored to be a finalist for this website in World Physique’s May Model Contest! I know I have so much more exciting things to happen a head of me! I am determined!

WP: Well, thank you! Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

SS: I see myself with my IFBB title, continuing doing more fitness modeling and being sponsored by a company. I can’t imagine my life not including being in this industry in some way.

WP: What photographers have you worked with or would like to work with?

SS: I’ve worked with Tanner Johnson of Twenty53 and Matt Mook. Both are amazing photographers in both talent and personality. Dan Ray of Muscular Development and I exchanged emails trying to do a shoot together when I was at the Arnold, but we couldn't get a time coordinated to work for both of us. I really would enjoy working with him soon.

WP: I have yet to see a photo that Dan Ray has shot that I didn't just adore! He's really good! What supplements do you currently take?

SS: I have a "less is more" mentality. What works for me is flax seed, amino acids, quality protein powder and Glutamine! Add that with a quality clean diet and smart training program and you're good to go!

WP: What are your pet peeves?

SS: My pet peeves are people who have a lack of integrity or lack of respect for others. Also, people who have no sense of humor or who are judgmental. Follow the golden rule of, "Treat others as you would want to be treated".

WP: What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

SS: Being with my family and my friends would be on the top of my list. In addition, taking care of my own emotional and physical well being is very important to me. Doing so, makes me a better person for my family and friends.

WP: I agree! Taking care of yourself ensures your family that you care. How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

SS: I have had a lot of obstacles in my life that have tested my ability to be strong, but I've proved through everything how really strong I am. It's given me I believe great character, great sense of humor, respect for what I have in my life and for others, loyalty and humbleness. I have higher expectations than what I used to. I don't settle for what I normally would have. I have a greater sense of self worth and feel that I've earned the right in my life to be treated with nothing less than respect and have happiness. I voice my opinion or stand firm on what I believe in without be confrontational.

WP: Any shout outs?

SS: Oh my, there are so many people to give a shout out. If I omit any names, I apologize. First, World Physique for being interested in interviewing me! My husband, my son Samuel, my sister Lara and her fiancé Ron, and all of my wonderful friends who keep me motivated and support me everyday. Also, I want to thank Ginger Nunamaker for her belief in me. Brian "Beano" Wallace for his continuous support, friendship, and encouragement and who, as well, has 110% belief in what I can do in this industry. Finally, all of my fans! I will never take it for granted having fans! I feel so humbled when people write fan mail, ask for autographs or pictures with me! I’ll always appreciate that!

WP: Give me an example of your workout.

SS: I hit legs and abs on Monday, Tuesday is back/biceps/interval training, Wednesday is chest/abs/interval training, Thursday is shoulders/triceps/interval training, Friday is legs/abs, Saturday is back/biceps/interval training and Sunday is a rest day.

WP: Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

SS: Off-season, I eat more calories with an increase in complex carbs, fibrous vegetables, and lean meats; which would be lean sirloin. I eat about 6-7 meals a day.

Pre-contest, I scale back the complex carbs portions and go to very lean meats, such as fish and chicken eating about 6 meals a day. Meals consist of small portions and three of the 6-7 meals are protein drinks

WP: Before this interview closes, could you tell me about your future projects?

SS: My upcoming project is with probodybuilding.com, where I will be doing a training video for their website. Very honored and excited about being asked to do this! I'm hoping to do more fitness modeling, as well. I really love doing photo shoots and have had great experiences so far with the ones I've already done.

WP: Oh, wow! I would love to see that video myself! That is outstanding! What are your stats such as height, weight?

SS: I'm 5'1". My off season weight is 116lbs and pre contest weight is 110. I’m hoping to add another 5-8 lbs. of mass before my next show.

WP: 5'1"? Your pictures do not reflect that. That is so precious! One final question before we go. I forgot to ask this earlier. Where do you reside?

SS: I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and now live in Northern Kentucky. I ended up staying in Kentucky after I graduated college because the area was so beautiful and so central to everything!

WP: I had to get that question in this interview because I could see all your fans hunt me down just because I didn't ask it. Sara, I would love to do some work with you with our print magazine. You know we're doing a swim suit issue. I'd love to line you up with one of our photographers and get you in this layout! So, this will give us something to talk about after the interview. Good luck in all that you do and I hope you best of luck in everything! I know you will get that Pro-Card. Just keep reaching!

SS: See you at the next competitions, everyone!