Kirsten Haug

Birthdate: 04/15/1977
Hometown: Born in Colville, WA and now live in Seattle, WA
Height: 5’8”
Weight: competition:150 offseason: 170+

Maximum lifts:
I don’t usually do 1 rep maxes, but I consider the weight I lift for reps to be a lot, I would say I’m fairly strong. I make sure to control the weight and go full range. I’ve trained with guys who are incredibly strong and know what weights they can lift. When I see other amateur women bodybuilders with stats that are mind boggling, I know they are not doing a full repitition with the weight they claim to lift. So, what I lift is not done by cheating in any way!

Flat Bench-205 lbs x 8 reps
Flat Dumbbell Press-70lbs x 8 reps
Dumbbell Curls-40 lbs x 8 reps
Barbell Curls-90 lbs x 8 reps
Squats-245 lbs x 6 reps

Profession: Program Assistant, Dept of Pathology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

Hobbies/Interests: Good times with family, friends, baking, reading, movies.

Favorite movies/ music/tv shows: I mostly enjoy dramas but do like some fun movies or the occasional kid flick too. One of my all-time favorite movies would be Shawshank Redemption.
I listen to R & B mostly...I like the old and new stuff. I don’t really watch too much TV (I guess lack of time), but I end up watching BET comedy and the food channel (the latter mostly because of my boyfriend’s love of good food!).

Athletic background: Junior Olympic Gymnastics for most of my childhood/teenage year’s. I tried swim team one year, and liked playing softball/track in PE. I can say I have some hiking experience too, thanks to my mother.

On your motivation as an athlete: To keep seeing improvements with strength as well as the change in my physique. I’m very critical and like to challenge myself. The whole concept of competing while dealing with physical, emotional and mental aspects of training is such a compelling reason why I do bodybuilding. Getting to the end is a reward in itself.

The impact fitness/weightlifting has had on your life: An appreciation for the health I have, the inner strength I have, and the support I have around me from family & friends. An increased awareness of mind/body connection. And there is the reward of a complete stranger approaching me at the gym and saying I inspire them to reach their fitness goals.

Your strongest/weakest muscle groups: I feel okay with my upper body strength, but I’d like my legs to be stronger and my calves to be more developed.

On people’s reaction to your physique: Mostly good things-some have even said that I’m an inspiration to them. I like having a muscular shape and I also like the fact that it takes such dedication to be a competitive bodybuilder. I like that the more important lesson-that if you feel passionate about something, you should go after it with all you have. It will take sacrifice, and there will be tears, stress, but there will also be satisfaction, and joy.

Future goals: Right now I’m at a stage where I’ve been thinking a lot about my future with competitive bodybuilding. Do I want to be Pro? Do I want to be Ms. O? I have a lot to think about, but for now I can say that I want to keep improving. I don’t think I have reached my potential.