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DON
LEMMON ASKS: Who was the first person to tell you getting
into your industry was a crazy idea?
LAURA MAK SAID: My parents. They thought because of
my bowed legs that I would never place well in the physique
rounds. Not until after I competed in a few shows did
they realize that I wasnt penalized for a genetic trait
that I cant change. They are also my biggest fans too,
especially now!!
DON LEMMON ASKS: What directed your attention to the
industry itself as a profession and how did you originally
see your part in it?
LAURA MAK SAID: I was attracted to it because of the
routine round. I didnt have to share the spotlight with
anyone and I could perform whatever I wanted however
I wanted. With having an elite level and collegiate
gymnastics background with 15 years of dance and hip
hop under my belt, I couldnt think of a better way to
express talents.
DON LEMMON ASKS: Your 5 favorite websites are:
LAURA MAK SAID: lauramak.com; donlemmon.com; astrology.com;
oxygenmag.com; and bodysport.com
DON LEMMON ASKS: Got a secret you want to share? Tell
us something nobody knows but only because they havent
asked.
LAURA MAK SAID: I am very close to my parents and last
year was the toughest year for me because my dad's cancer
became active and he was unable to go out in crowds
cuz he couldnt fight any type of infections and two
months later my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer
and two weeks later had a masectomy. Both of them were
going thru chemo at the same time! But the good news
is my dad is in remission and my mom is a fighter!!
On a lighter note, I was in the movie "American
Anthem" back in 1985, with Janet Jones (Wayne Gretsky's
wife) and Mitch Gaylord (US Olympic gymnast)
DON LEMMON ASKS: What's your craziest experience while
just out looking for a good time in the sport or maybe
witnessed happen but didn't participate in?
LAURA MAK SAID: I learned that a lot of the competitors
are taking anti depressants.
DON LEMMON ASKS: Anything embarrassing ever happen when
you were trying to look cool? What?
LAURA MAK SAID: During my first pro show I hit an oil
patch and almost slide into a split when I was supposed
to do a quick foot movement. I guess it wasnt too bad
unless you knew my routine, but it sure was a "cover
up" for me!! At least I didnt wipe out totally!
DON LEMMON ASKS: Your biggest lie ever is:
LAURA MAK SAID: It doesnt bother me that I havent competed
in the Olympia yet. I have been knocking on the door
for two years. I would like to open it this year!!
DON LEMMON ASKS: What's the grossest thing you ever
ate? Was it because some one said "Hey, taste this!"
Did you get even?
LAURA MAK SAID: I like to try new foods and all, but
one time I tried this sushi that looked like peanut
butter, it sure didnt taste like it! I cant even remember
the name of it right now either. No, I didnt get even.
DON LEMMON ASKS: What's the hardest and yet easiest
part of getting into the sport?
LAURA MAK SAID: The routine! Sometimes you dont know
if the judges want a gymnastics routine or not. I mean
we are not little 12 year old gymnasts so my philosophy
is not to emulate one. I have recently added more since
it seems to be what is the entertaining part of the
routine. Just glad I have a background!
DON LEMMON ASKS: Your most frequent question is what
and what question makes you crazy, but you somehow manage
to remain composed when asked?
LAURA MAK SAID: "How did you get those legs?"
is most frequently asked.
"How did you get so big?" I cant think of
too many women, other than bodybuilders, that like to
be referred to as "big". I prefer other words
such as muscular, lean, hard, tight, strong, etc, anything
but big or thick. So now I just fill in what I think
the person is asking, and tell myself they really mean
it in a positive manner.
DON LEMMON ASKS: Is there a job or a gig that you were
offered but passed up in the past that we would find
interesting?
LAURA MAK SAID: Wrestling. I have been approached about
wrestling, it doesnt interest me
DON LEMMON ASKS: How does it make you feel to see people
less talented or not in as good of shape as you are
handed something overnight? Does it give the wrong impression
to those on the outside looking in?
LAURA MAK SAID: There is politics in every type of job.
There is some in fitness too. I dont think that the
overnight thing happens that often. This sport looks
more for longevity it seems.
DON LEMMON ASKS: Your crowning achievement will hopefully
be what?
LAURA MAK SAID: Placing in the top 3 at the Fitness
Olympia two years in a row
DON LEMMON ASKS: Tell me a joke:
LAURA MAK SAID: Knock Knock
Who's there?
Orange
Orange who?
Orange you glad I am a fitness competitor and not a
comedian?!
DON LEMMON ASKS: Favorite music album of the year so
far and what do you listen to most?
LAURA MAK SAID: I would have to say Destiny's Child.
They have had a few of my favorite songs!! Survivor,
Independent Women. Good themes that are powerful. Plus
I like there clothes I listen to hip hop and R&B
as well as New Age and Jazz. Pretty versatile, it depends
if I am getting pumped up or trying to relax.
DON LEMMON ASKS: Besides that, what is your favorite
probably regarded to as BAD music or an album no one
else likes but you love anyhow? You know, something
a bit embarrassing but you just don't care!
LAURA MAK SAID: George Michael!!! I used to think back
in HS that I would go to London and be sitting outside
at one of those cafes having coffee and George would
see me and come sit down. It would be love at first
sight and we would marry and live happily ever after!
I still have almost all of his tapes/CDs!
DON LEMMON ASKS: Tell me something about the industry
you are in people forget.... and something they do not
realize....
LAURA MAK SAID: When we compete we make it look so easy,
but the reality is it takes sooo much preparation and
time to compete. Time for weights, cardio, nutrition,
routine, elements, posing, etc. Most people getting
started do not understand and think they can just get
ready in a short period of time, after a few weeks they
will quickly realize and have a whole new appreciation
for the sport and its preparation.
DON LEMMON ASKS: Once that is off your chest, what other
thing would you change about your industry if you could
without hesitation?
LAURA MAK SAID: I would make a book that lists all the
elements that can be in a routine and make sure all
the judges have an idea of the different level of skills,
presses and gymnastics. I would also limit the gymnastics
moves and make requirements in the two minute routine.
It seems that it would better suit the athletes if it
was more objective and less subjective. It would make
preparing to compete much easier and organized!
DON LEMMON ASKS: Who is the most intriguing person in
your business?
LAURA MAK SAID: It is hard to pinpoint one person, each
show has been great as far as getting to know more competitors,
and the longer you compete the more and more you meet
new people. I have really enjoyed the friendships that
I have built from the industry, and that are continued
with out the industry too
DON LEMMON ASKS: Tell me the last good movie you can
remember in a long time that you saw in theaters, and
the last video you rented:
LAURA MAK SAID: I am a hopeless romantic and the last
theatre movie I saw was The Wedding Planner, and rental
was Bring It On.
DON LEMMON ASKS:What is your favorite movie ever and
video most watched?
LAURA MAK SAID: Favorite movie would be and most watched
recently would be Charlies Angels - I liked the special
effects
DON LEMMON ASKS: How often do you see concerts and what
was the last one attended? Ever slept through one?
LAURA MAK SAID: Janet Jackson, The Velvet Rope tour!!
Excellent, I am hoping to go see this one and Madonna's
concert too! I love to watch the performers and steal
new cool guy dance moves!!
DON LEMMON ASKS: The TV show you most watch is:
LAURA MAK SAID: Sex in the City
DON LEMMON ASKS: Tell me what you ate yesterday (or
today for that matter):
LAURA MAK SAID: Protein drinks, 1/2c oatmeal, Spinach
salad with chicken and soy nuts for crunch, green tea,
protein pudding, 1/2 sweet potato chicken and brocolli
mixed together, 2 rice cakes. Yum, getting ready for
the Jan Tana in two weeks.
DON LEMMON ASKS: What type of aerobic schedule do you
keep? Do you go for speed, time or distance?
LAURA MAK SAID: I go for time, I will do the treadmill
on an incline, or the eliptical, or a recumbant bike.
If I am not training for competition, I will take hip
hop classes and keep up my endurance and have fun with
out the pressure of performing perfectly!
DON LEMMON ASKS: What is your workout routine split
i.e. weight training program consist of?
LAURA MAK SAID: Cardio in the am, Routine practice at
noon, Weights in the afternoon, cardio in the pm
DON LEMMON ASKS: The worst pickup line you ever heard
was:
LAURA MAK SAID: Do you work out?
DON LEMMON ASKS: And did that pickup line work? What
one did?
LAURA MAK SAID: NO, I just say I have good genetics
if the person is being really goofy! And then they look
at me with amazement.
DON LEMMON ASKS: If you were anyone else who would you
be (even just for a day, a good day) or who did you
emulate growing up? Do you still emulate or try to be
like them now?
LAURA MAK SAID: I really wouldnt want to be anyone else,
but I would like to hang out with Madonna for the day
and see how and where all her creative juices come from.
She is such a success in her industry and reinventing
herself. I also commend her physique especially after
two children. I would emulate my dad growing up. He
was a great public speaker and captured the attention
of others. He has a very kind heart. He can find something
to talk about with any type of person. When I was little
I used to tell my friends that he was the smartest man
on the earth, they would respond by asking why hasnt
he won a Pulitzer Prize then? I said cuz he doesnt need
that to prove he is smart, he just is being nice a letting
someone else win it. It seemed logical at the time.
I am very blessed to have two wonderful and loving parents
who support me. The older I get, the more I realize
how fortunate I am.
DON LEMMON ASKS: Are you sure that's all?
LAURA MAK SAID: OH!! I forgot to mention, most importantly!!
I have a new clothing line cominng out at the Jan Tana,
Aug 4th and will be on the site by then too. It is the
Mak Attack Sexy Fitness wear. It is all very unique
clothing made with the best quality of supplex material
and bright colors too! Also I have my 2002 Mak Attack
Sexy Fitness Calendar coming out which will have shots
in swimsuits, lingiere, and with exotic cars and bikes!!
It is a 13 month calendar! A portion of the procedes
are going to the American Cancer Society in honor of
my parents and finding a cure for cancer!! Please get
your calendar!! It will be out by The Olympia, Oct 22
but I will be taking orders before then to reserve calendars
for people.
See more of Laura Mak at www.lauramak.com
Don Lemmon's Nutritional and Exercise Know How