By Nigel Maxwell

Former P.A. woman prepares to take on the terminator

Nov 14, 2014 | 5:41 AM

Karma Schopp, who grew up in Prince Albert, will represent Canada at “The Arnold” in March.

“The Arnold” is considered one of the largest and most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the world.

“I have always been fascinated with bodybuilding because before I even got into Olympic-style weightlifting I was stealing my brother’s bodybuilding magazines, going through them, and pretending to pose in front of the mirror and all that kind of stuff,” said Schopp.

As a teenager Schopp would compete with Team Saskatchewan, and would become a three-time silver medalist. At the age of 15 she received her first coaching certificate.  Later she would become a two-time national champion.

Despite those accomplishments, Schopp said qualifying for this competition is by far her biggest achievement.

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

18h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

18h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

18h ago

“I have three big goals in my bodybuilding career that I want to achieve. I want to turn pro in the IFBB, which is The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness. I want to be a world champion someday and I also want to compete at the Olympia,” she said.

Schopp has the opportunity to achieve two of those goals at “The Arnold” in March in Ohio.

There will be athletes from 80 countries at the competition, essentially making it a World Championship. On top of that, the overall winners in their individual categories receive pro status. Achieving pro status would open up a lot of doors for Schopp, including endorsement deals and sponsorships, she said.

If Schopp does finish first in her category she will also have the opportunity to pose in a picture with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Despite the added pressure, Schopp said she is determined she will not mess with her training — and that involves listening to her coach.

“Whatever he tells me to do, he is very good at making adjustments to either my nutrition or my training to bring my body and my conditioning to the next level,” she said.

In addition to her passion for bodybuilding, Schopp has also written for and been featured in a number of magazines including Musclemag, Muscular Development Magazine, and Inside Firtness. She also works as a personal trainer and coach.

She said the most common advice she gives is that you have to work hard and be consistent.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are an athlete or someone trying to lose weight, it’s just something you have to work at,” she said.

Schopp now lives in southern California.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell