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DON:
What other interview, besides this one of course, are
you most proud of? Any recent ones?
BETH: I am most proud of the interview that I did for
Muscle and Fitness' premier collegiate athletes issue
in late 1997. I believe that an educated mind is everything,
and once it is accompanied by a healthy body, the combination
is unbeatable. The most recent interview was done for
George Mason University which is where I just completed
my master's degree in molecular biology. It was done
for the campus radio station and paper and talked of
balancing an education with athletics.
DON:
Was fitness your first choice in this field? Got any
funny stories?
BETH: I was a national level bodybuilder who was well
on the way to becoming a professional. At 20 years of
age I stood 5'6 and 163 lbs. (shredded) competition
weight-----185 lbs. in the off-season. I had won the
D.C. Regional show, the Virginia State show, Collegiate
Nationals, and even placed in the top five at the 1998
NPC Junior Nationals! I had to lose allot of the that
muscle to trim down to a streamlined fitness physique
of 138 lbs. I also broke my left lower leg on March
first of this year practicing my routine, and was in
a full leg cast for sixteen weeks! I did not miss one
workout though, and even maintained my diet through
the whole ordeal.
DON:
That sounds like the worst thing that could happen.
What is the best so far?
BETH: The best experience in the fitness world was obviously
winning my pro card. The worst was breaking my leg doing
a trick that I had been doing for years---a lay-out
step-out. I was a gymnast for thirteen years and never
had one injury---I could not believe what had happened.
DON:
Who actually constructs your routines?
BETH: Fortunately for myself, I have always had proper
guidance from professionals when it comes to my training
and diet. My boyfriend King Kamali, who is a professional
bodybuilder himself, has always helped me from my very
first show until now. I am also fortunate enough to
have the help of Chad Nicholls.
DON:
What is the current routine now that you are doing fitness,
not bodybuilding and what has changed?
BETH: My favorite exercise routines are my quad and
hamstring workouts----done separately. When I was a
bodybuilder, I loved to blast them. Now that I am fitness
I have to do tons of supersets and very high repetitions
with moderate weight. This way I do not become too muscular.
I have to do full upper body workouts--meaning the entire
upper body---in a circuit fashion so as
not to become too muscular once again. My last session
consisted of a total body workout in a circuit-like
fashion with abs following the weights and an hour of
cardio following abs. I get very muscular, very fast,
so I must watch how and when I train with weights. Gymnastic
keeps my upper body tight and in shape also----which
is done three times per week.
DON:
What was the last movie you saw, video you rented, CD
you bought, concert you went to and last facny meal
you ate?
BETH: The last movie I saw was The Cell--because Kim
C. has a part in it. The last video that I rented was
Blade because I loved the soundtrack. The last CD that
I bought was a New York DJ mix because I used part of
it in my fitness routine. The last concert that I saw
was Prince, and the last fancy meal that I ate was with
King and Nasser at Matteo's in Hawaii when we all three
were guest posing.
DON:
What supplements work?
BETH: A simple vitmain, a mineral, good fats and protein
powder are all must haves!
DON:
What got you into this? Why did you start paying attention
to diet?
BETH: I was a gymnast for thirteen years. Upon receiving
an academic and a vocal scholarship to UVA, I was forced
to quit since the University did not have a gymnastics
team. I soon discovered the gym and began lifting, and
quickly saw results, which started me on the competitive
path. I have always paid attention to my diet---between
gymnastics, bodybuilding, and fitness, I have never
had a choice!
DON:
What's your crowning achievement? Who has or hasn't
cheered you along?
BETH: My one crowning achievement would have to be ----well
a few---all of my degrees (4), and my pro card, as well
as my own business. All of my friends and family and
of course, King, have always cheered me on. A few negative
people had doubted me but I obviously proved ALL of
them wrong!
DON:
What is your day job? Any interesting jobs before this
one?
BETH: I am a business owner: Better Bodies By Bethany,
Inc. It is a personal training that goes into people's
private homes. I have owned this business for two years
now. My first and last job working for someone elae
was as a mananger of a G.N.C. for three years.
I also sing professional opera at various functions:
weddings, funerals, etc.--or the National Anthemn at
various events.
DON:
Anything you want to promote?
BETH: I would like to plug my website: www.bethanyhowlett.com
. It is unique because it contains over 120 pages of
information ranging from diet to supplementation to
training. There are over 200 pictures, and one can purchase
autographed photos. You can also download diets and
training regimens. A members pay section will be up
in about three weeks as well.
DON:
Your favorite good and bad foods are what?
BETH: My favorite diet food is egg white omletttes,
and my favorite cheat food is chocolate frozen yogurt.
DON:
What's on the horizon?
BETH: Look for me to make my pro debut with a BANG!
I will come in at my best with an amazing routine! I
promise!
DON:
How does a fitness babe meet a man?
BETH: I met King Kamali in a nightclub in D.C. He came
up to me and asked me to join him for breakfast and
I said no! I later met up with him through mutual friends
and we began dating.
DON:
Who are you?
BETH: I am my own boss----that is the best way to have
it---I am a control freak---I have to be in control!
DON:
Tell me about this extensive schooling you have.
BETH: I tied for valedictorian of my high school with
a 4.40 G.P.A. and graduated at age sixteen. I went to
UVA and then transferred to Georgetown where I finished
my B.S. in molecular biology, my B.A. in music with
a specialization in opera performance, and a minor in
Spanish. I then completed my M.S. in molecular biology
from George Mason University and am now earning a certificate
which will allow me to teach biology on a secondary
school level---just as a back-up. I hope to be in medical,
pharmacology, or physical therapy school by next Fall.
I also have tons of personal training certifications
and such. I love the human body and working with people--which
is why I own a personal training business and am looking
to go into the healthcare field.
DON:
What exercise equipment do you prefer and what is the
most frequently asked question you get these days?
BETH: I am constantly asked the question: Do you workout?
And I prefer Cybex and Hammerstrength exercise equipment.
DON:
Drum roll... You favorite 5 websites are...
BETH: My top five favorite websites are: 1.
of course, yours---DonLemmon.com! 2.
of course: www.kingkamali.com 3.
of course, mine www.bethanyhowlett.com 4.
www.iwon.com cause I like to read the news on the web
and 5. www.ifbb.com
DON:
How cool to mention me. For bodybuilders, is yours or
King's more appropriate?
BETH: Please visit www.kingkamali.com for great bodybuilding
tips and info.
DON:
What makes you cringe, what makes you smile?
BETH: Jealousy and negativity both make me cringe, while
seeing my clients achieve their goals makes me smile!
DON:
You seem well rounded intellectually speaking, yet also
talented. What are your goals for the future?
BETH: I hope to become a very successful fitness pro
and positive role model for the sport. I also hope to
earn my M.D. status as well as own a few gyms one day---with
King Kamali of course. I also hope to release a music
CD----either opera or jazz or both. And of course do
some modeling and acting.
DON:
Now that you are a pro, what needs changed in the sport?
BETH: In the fitness industry a lot needs to be changed,
but mainly the fact that they need to document certain
fitness guidelines that they expect and desire and judge
the shows accordingly.
DON:
Thanks Beth!
BETH: Take care! God
Bless and Good Health, Bethany Carter Howlett
See more of Beth at www.bethanyhowlett.com
Don Lemmon's Nutritional and Exercise Know How