As the anticipation builds toward the yea'rs first IFBB Pro show in Phoenix, I thought I would take a closer look at one of the front runners in the women's bodybuilding division. Betty Pariso is 
pretty much a legend when it comes to women's bodybuilding. Her competitive life has spanned decades and her accolades would fill out this article without me even having to ask a single question.
However, rather than simply talk about her achievements in the sport (since I am sure most of you are aware of them anyway) I wanted to get to know a little more about the woman behind the physique, starting with her life before she entered the gym....
As a bodybuilder, I would say you have a pretty interesting background, could you tell us a little about your childhood?
"I grew up in a very small town in Kentucky. My dad worked hard to provide for our family of four kids. My mom was a full time mom and homemaker. Although we didn't have a lot of money, we had a wonderful home life. We lived in the country in a house that my dad built (they still live in the same house), and we did things together as a family. We didn't have a TV until I was in high school! We spent a lot of time outside using our imagination and just being kids. My childhood revolved around the immediate family and extended family of grandparents and other relatives, and I enjoy the memories of the simple things we did to have fun together."
Your life then took you on the path of becoming a minister's wife and a part time model...was there ever any difficulty combining those two lifestyles?
"No difficulty. Regardless of what you do in life, it's important to know who you are, and use wisdom and integrity to maintain the morals and ideals that are important to you."
You took to weights fairly late in life (in your early 30's) was this during that marriage or afterwards? 
"I actually started working out in a ‘women only' gym in Dallas right after the birth of my second child in 1985. The gym turned ‘co-ed', and a guy saw me training one day and asked if I had ever considered bodybuilding. I didn't even know what he was talking about, but I was curious and he took me to a ‘real gym' and introduced me to a couple who worked with competitors at our local shows. I was hooked. Within a year I competed and won my first show. A few years later, I moved to Bedford, Texas and that's where I met Ed."
Did you have any role models at the time?
"As far as role models are concerned, I would have to first credit my parents for showing me that being in good physical condition is very important. I watched my dad do pull ups and pushups almost every day growing up. Today he is 90 and looks and acts like a 70 year old. My parents know that the key to health is staying physically and mentally active. I observed those competitors who have paved the way before me for our sport, but I've never really picked an individual as a role model."
Hope I am not getting too personal, but you do seem to be a very free and independent spirit...do you think that played a part in the failure of your first marriage?
"This question makes me chuckle...I don't believe I've ever been told that I'm a free and independent spirit! Probably the total opposite... at least for the first 32 years of my life. I was a quiet, shy, and obedient (follow the rules) girl. What you see now is another 22 years of growing, life experiences, and the knowledge and wisdom that everything isn't always black and white...there are a lot of gray areas to discern."
How did you come to meet your current husband Ed? You two seem to be a good team.....
"I met Ed at the gym and there was just an immediate connection. We could be together and talk for hours, or be just as comfortable not saying a word. Twenty years later, it's even better! We're a team in everything we do...family, work, play. Whether it's just sitting at home watching TV, working in the office, flying our plane (Ed's a pilot), or riding our Harley Trike, we truly enjoy being with each other."
Actors and actresses often choose people out of their profession as partners whilst many bodybuilders choose fellow bodybuilders or at least people with an interest in the sport and keeping fit. How important do you think it is to have someone with an active interest in the sport as a partner?
"Well, I can really only speak from my own experience, and I'm certainly happy that Ed and I share an interest in bodybuilding and staying fit, but I'm sure that different things work for different people. As long as your partner is supportive of what you do, then you can make it work. However, many competitive fitness enthusiasts can even de-rail a relationship that is supporting them because they don't know how to ‘balance their lives'. Ed and I have so many different facets to our lives, and bodybuilding is only a tiny little part. I'm dismayed at how many competitors (male & female) alienate all the good in their life in order to chase a dream or a plastic trophy. I just don't get it. Many actually brag about giving up all social events, family, clients, and anything that is not 100% contest related, as though this shows that they are more disciplined. When in fact I see this as lacking discipline. I made a commitment from day one, that I would not allow my family or life to suffer because I wanted to compete. Balance and knowing what is really important is the key."
You began competing in the 90's....do you think the competitive arena has changed for the better for women over the years?
"Bodybuilding is what it is...I don't think things have changed dramatically one way or the other for women in regards to competing. Over the years very few women have ever received lucrative contracts. There is very little sponsorship money out there for the female bodybuilder. Every competitor I know comes into the sport believing that she can change the look and attitude of female bodybuilding. It's just not that simple. I do believe from talking with many competitors that most of us are all bigger than we planned on being when we started out...to some degree that's a product of chasing what is winning. I also feel that some women have unfortunately brought a negative element to our sport by their choice of promotion through their web sites, etc. Bodybuilding is an extreme sport, and it will always have its ‘niche', however, we must realize that it will not always be appreciated by everyone."
You have personally done a lot to change things by suggesting weight classes for pro bodybuilders and opening up new divisions...what inspired you to take such an active role?
"When I was asked to take on the position of the female bodybuilding representative, I hoped that I could make a difference. I also found out that change is a slow process. A few competitors have indicated that we need to ‘demand' changes from our organization...that attitude never works. Some of my suggestions have been accepted...some have not, however, I've tried to gain the respect of the committee members, and will continue to recommend ideas that will hopefully benefit the women."
You are currently one of the most ‘mature' athletes competing at a pro level. Do you find it harder to get into contest shape as you get older or easier due to hormonal shifts etc?
"It would be nice to blame any difficulty in getting in contest shape on getting older or hormones, however, I've kept records for 20 years, and I pretty much know when I've messed up and eaten too many junk meals. I actually think it's gotten a bit easier because I know what works for my body. I've always been a "smart" trainer, but as I get older I am even more aware that I must always listen to my body."
How long do you see yourself continuing to compete?
"I'm asked this a lot lately...guess that just comes with the territory when you're the oldest. Actually, I've not put a deadline for when I will stop competing. I've always figured that I would know when it's time by indications such as: too many injuries, low placings, no longer having fun, etc. So far, I'm still having fun."
How would you like to be remembered in the sport?
"I would like to be remembered as someone who was truly a good representative of a female bodybuilder both on and off the stage. Someone who strived to conduct themselves in a manner that would bring a positive attitude to those looking at our sport."
Talking about being remembered, there are some who question the longevity of the women's sport...what are your thoughts on how to keep it alive and thriving?
"The easiest and best thing that women can do for their sport is to COMPETE. Show up and get on stage. We control our own destiny. Every year for the last 15 years we've heard that women's bodybuilding is dying, but we are still here. If the women want it to continue, then they must start competing in more than one show every now and then. As a promoter, I can tell you that it's a business decision. We have to look at what it costs to add a division to our shows and what the return is going to be, i.e. how many competitors will enter.
Although it is a blessing at times, I also believe that the ‘internet' has hurt our sport. Many fans choose to go to a competitor's web site and get whatever photos they want instead of showing up to the shows and seeing the athlete in person. The promoter is concerned about ‘butts in the seats', in order to pay the bills and continue to have the shows in the future. So, for all those fans out there who say they support female 
bodybuilding...buy a ticket and come to the shows!"
Do you think that adding the new bikini division will aid its long term future?
"We'll have to see how that division develops. Again, it's a numbers game."
I am sure you recall the drug testing of events, do you think that will ever return and indeed what are your thoughts on the whole drug issue within the women's sport?
"I don't know if it will ever return, but I wish it would. The drug issue is one of the most negative things about the sport, and the main reason that it will remain a niche sport for both the men and the women."
You have achieved so much in the sport already and now you are kicking off the year with the Phoenix Pro...what are your goals for this year's competitive season?
"I plan to compete in Phoenix, Ms. I, and the Ms. O for sure...I haven't made a decision about the shows in the middle yet. We have three shows that we are promoting this year Orlando, Hartford, and Dallas, and I'll just have to see if I can squeeze in anything else."
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