Karma Nelson

My name is Karma Nelson and I am so grateful to be a stay at home mom of three beautiful children ages 1, 5 & 6.  I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and will begin my Masters in Holistic Nutrition soon.  I have exercised my entire life and understood the importance of good nutrition and physical activity.  It also felt great to exercise throughout each of my pregnancies.  Last fall, after nursing my third baby for a year, my trainer talked me into competing in my first figure competition.  I placed second place in my novice figure class at the OCB Midwest States natural bodybuilding and placed forth in the open class.  I was thrilled with my success and very proud of my hard work and dedication!  I am officially hooked and am planning to compete again.

Status:  35 years old, 5"4, weight: in season 116, off season 124

My competitive experience goes way back to my days of playing sports in high school, competing in beauty pageants and showing horses.  I played volleyball, softball and showed Quarter Horses at a national level.  I strived to be the best, do my best and if I give 100%.  In addition to being athletic, I began my modeling career at the age of 13.  I have won the title of beauty queen, modeled for editorial and print and have been in many commercials.

My very first commercial was for a national chain grocery store.  I remember the butterflies I had as they prepared to film me... so exciting!  Although the butterflies have disappeared, the excitement to go to a new location and work is still the same.  Just last week, I did a hot tub photo shoot and had to ask myself... I get paid for this?  

My favorite exercise is a class of plyometrics.  For an entire hour we do a number of plyo moves.  My favorite move is where you throw a weighted medicine ball straight down with all your might, catch and repeat for 45 seconds.

My favorite body part to train is my upper body.  It is rewarding to see those biceps pop out when you put all your power into it.  Also, my husband says there is nothing sexier than a woman with super toned arms!  

I am not sure I have been doing this long enough to have a philosophy, but everyone who asks me for advice knows that I am a strong believer in a good, clean diet.  Not only will you build a strong, lean body with pure healthy foods, but you will also keep your body at an alkaline level to resist illness and disease... eat good, feel good!

My hobbies include family vacation where we can relax, soak up some sun and have fun as a family.  I also enjoy reading, shopping, working out and volunteering at my kids school.  I am also involved in several not for-profit organizations where I volunteer my time, help organize fundraising events and teach resume building and job interviewing skills to women re-entering the work force.  I am also co-chairperson of my children's school walk-a-thon.  We encourage families to get involved, get active and do physical activities together.  It brings great joy to me to be able work on a project that involves other like-minded individuals, who encourage children to be active.

Karma Nelson: karmanelson@mac.com

Natural Bodybuilding at its Finest, Lift for Life.com