IFBB Women's Physique Pro Eva Pogačnik interviews, IFBB Female Bodybuilder Pro Brigita Brezovac!
I rem
ember it as if it were yesterday. In 2001 I went to Koper to see my first fitness and bodybuilding competition. There was Brigita Brezovac, competing in the fitness category. Her performance was impressive and I knew she had a big career ahead of her. I knew that woman whose performance I saw was about to do something that no one in this sport ever had!
Brigita Brezovac is without a doubt the biggest name of European bodybuilding today. She's the one writing the story of this sport in Europe. Today, when my Pro card is in my hands and while I'm preparing for the biggest test of my career, I have the honor to be acompanied by Brigita Brezovac and her partner Zmago Karner, as my official two coaches.
After one of our trainings in Maribor, I was able to interview Brigita Brezovac. Read what Brigita had to tell about her career, biggest achievements, happiest moments, and also about her plans for the future.
In this interview you'll also learn about some situations we are facing during my preparations for my Pro debut at the 2014 IFBB New York City Pro in May.
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Eva Pogačnik: Brigita, for the few who have not heard of you yet, how would you represent yourself? How did your career as a competitor begin?
Brigita Brezovac: My first encounter with weights occurred when I was 14 years old. I saw a poster of Cory Everson and I knew I wanted to have a body as fit as hers. I read all the issues of Karate bodybuilder magazine in which the biggest legends of bodybuilding like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbo, Sergio Oliva, Tom Platz and others were talking about the basics of it.
At that time I was training in karate and was also visiting the gym, which helped me to have good results in karate. At the beginning of my studies I ran out of time for martial arts, so I focused on fitness and aerobics only. But I never even thought about competing until I met my husband and coach Zmago Karner, with whom we won the title of world champion in pairs bodybuilding.
The first solo contest I attended was in 2001, when I competed in the fitness category. However, after 2004 my career was heading towards bodybuilding category and in the following years I attended a few contests of various federations and won nine world titles.
After years of effort I got the opportunity to perform under the auspices of the IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships for women where I won second place, which gave me the right to receive a Pro card. I became a Pro in 2010 and won two titles in a row, then attended the biggest bodybuilding contest (Ms. Olympia) in the same year. And well known Flex magazine announced me as a newcomer of the year. I then attended four Ms. Olympia and two Ms. International contests in a row.
Eva P
ogačnik: Without a doubt you're the biggest name of European female bodybuilding – the woman who changed history with her results. Which one of your performances made the biggest impact on you?
Brigita Brezovac: Of course, the most memorable performance that gave me indescribable feelings of happiness was the first one, I felt like I'm dreaming. Many European female bodybuilders then congratulated me, because they didn't believe an European female bodybuilder can achieve something like that in USA.
In addition, I was happy because my performance and my result motivated and inspired so many others. However, without a doubt, my favourite medal is bronze one from Ms. Olympia, which – for me – was a proof that dreams actually do come true if you put enough effort into achieving them.
Eva Pogačnik: After all those excellent results, you decided to end your career in competitive bodybuilding. Of course, that doesn't mean you won't stay present in the sport.
Brigita Brezovac: The continuation of my career will definitely stay linked to sport. I will participate at contests as a judge, and I am also working with some young competitors who I want to share my knowledge about this sport with. In the years of my career I have gathered a lot of knowledge that I want to share with others and therefore making their path towards success easier.
Besides, I now have much more time and energy to devote myself to others . Zmago and I have a group of promising young competitors with whom we work, so I am staying involved with this sport through young people. I also work with a number of people who don't have competitive ambitions but want to achieve the desired shape in a healthy and long-term successful way.
I'm very interested in nutrition and knowledge about food supplements, old Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, natural medicine. When you gather all this in a meaningful whole, it can help people to achieve better health and life in general.
Eva P
ogačnik: At Maxximum Open, late last year, I met Zmago with whom we discussed the possibilities of our cooperation in the preparations for my first appearance in the Pro League. What did you think about this idea when you first heard of it?
Brigita Brezovac: Yes, I was in United States when Zmago called and told me you discussed about our cooperation. This idea coincided with the end of my career as a competitor and with desire to continue working with the competitors. We agreed about that possibility immediately. Since we knew each other for a long time, we met for a coffee and decided we are all in for it.
However, I must admit your idea of picking New York as your first contest in the Pro League surprised me, since ''physique'' represents new category of it and since you have a wide range of events that you might choose to debut at. Therefore, my advice for you is simple. After IFBB New York City Pro attend a few other contests, because only like that you'll get realistic assessment of your form and performance, and of course the possibility of qualifying for Ms. Olympia.
Although, I think all of that is going to be very stressful so you've got to be ready. Remember: your goals and attainable results are important.
Eva Pogačnik: There's a Pro League ahead of me, a new world. How would you explain the differences between amateur and pro competitions league?
Brigita Brezovac: The differences between amateur and Pro League is primarily in cash prizes that are given at all IFBB Pro competitions. Pro League has received financial support, there are many strong sponsors of these events. Americans are very good at taking advantage of everything they do. For example, an invitation to the Arnold or Ms.Olympia for competitors means a free plane ticket, accommodation, daily payment, and a series of other benefits.
It's true that in this sport judge decisions are often questionable, but it should be clear that the total score in the Pro League, along with the form, presentation and media recognition, belongs to a certain group, sponsors, etc. Due to a number of competitors, training and dieting are not enough to achieve the success. It is necessary to expand the vision of this sport as well as popularizing it and attract support of certain circles.
Eva Pogačnik: Okay, what does that mean specifically for my case? What is your advice?
Brigita Brezovac: The most important thing for you is to be as present as you can be on social networks, to gain a certain recognition and to actively engage yourself in the internet communication on many levels. You have to be successful in promoting physique category emphasizing your femininity, healthy and fit lifestyle and advising women who have decided to engage in this sport.
What I've noticed in your current activities is the lack of publication of a little more personal nature – pictures of everyday situations, without weights and workout. What is required are nice abs, but also highlighting the sexy curves, of course, without exaggeration.
The easiest way for you is to follow other American competitors, because they are very good at promoting themselves and are also familiar with situations and requirements of the contest, although they sometimes seem excessive on photos.
However, keep in mind that Europeans are much more closed and less communicative and that you should be aiming to arouse the attention of your appearance in New York.
Eva Pogačnik: What would you say are my characteristics that can be used as an advantage at my Pro Debut?
Brigita Brezovac: Without a doubt, your characteristics that give you a great advantage are the commitment to the sport, but also your performance and dedication to training. Also, you've got a great figure for this category, and when your make-up and hairstyle are done, we'll have a superior contestant!
You're disciplined and obedient at training, yet demanding. Due to the great experience you have, you easily learn and feel the muscles we want to ac
tivate during certain exercises. At the same time, you continue to train too much and we need to stop you sometimes – this is what will be difficult for you: switching from heavy and long bodybuilding trainings to customized training suitable for physique category.
That's one thing we completely disagree about, but I understand that after so many years even, you don't want that someone is convincing you in something completely different. However, what you need to keep in mind is that for a good result a proper training is required, only your instinct is not enough.
Your goal is to achieve contest requirements and standards, and this is only possible with optimal training. This type of training is less suitable for your mind, but it is necessary to work by the book and check the results regularly.
Eva Pogačnik: I am happy because there is the whole team by my side during my preparations: coaches, posing coaches, promoting managers, sponsors and many others who are keeping me motivated. How did you feel during preparations for your Pro debut?
Brigita Brezovac: Well, It was hard for me, because I didn't have anyone by my side. I alone was preparing myself for USA and even I didn't know what I was getting myself into. Honestly, I didn't worry too much because I really didn't know what's waiting for me out there, and even my expectations were not that high.
Zmago had to stay at home because of work, so he was sending me advices through Skype. I didn't have a clue what's the contest like so I was just carefuly absorbing advices and with a smile on my face followed other competitors. I will always remember my first contest, not just because two titles won in a role, but also because it was not easy travelling around America with two huge suitcases and two cups after winning two titles.
It will be easier for you. Slovenia is now well known in USA, and I will also stay in touch with organizers and main judges to receive as many informations about criterias in your category as possible. Besides, I will be by your side in New York, and I also know the city very well so it will be much easier.
Eva Pogačnik: Okay, what do we have to work on in the following weeks? What is still waiting for me?
Brigita Brezovac: Your figure has to stay elegant, your waistline slim, your shoulders need to become bigger and we need to work on some details on your back and biceps. At the same time, we have to be careful about your lower part of the body, we just need to shape it, but not in any way make it larger, since we need to keep your body in right proportions.
Your goal is to shine femininity and elegance and self confidence on the stage. All of that must be also felt by the judges. Remember, your competition will be strong and numerous, so we have to be careful about every little detail that can be judged at the end.
Eva Pogačnik: At the end, I was wondering about something else. Do you have any special superstitions or rituals during your contest preparations?
Brigita Brezovac: I never had any special rituals on a day of the contest. In fact, I was always busy and nervous about getting my hair and make-up done as well as about applying my competition tan. A few years ago, my bioenergetic [coach] taught me how to get the best focus with meditation, so I am always relaxed and I'm always talking to other competitors before my performance.
Eva Pogačnik: Yes, the decision to attend New York Pro as my first contest is like playing with fire... I know it will be hot and that I might get burned. I heard there are a lot of politics involved in final decisions as well as there might be a chance I won't be called in a first callout as a newcomer. However, my goal is to reach my peak form, to have the best motivation, best team and top coaching. Thank you for the interview, support and understanding, Brigita!
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