Kara Hardin
Bodybuilding
@vikingqueenstrong
Cedar Park, TX
Kara turned a 70-pound weight loss journey into a full-on lifestyle as a fitness instructor, competitive bodybuilder, and women's coach. She knows what it takes to start from scratch - and she's proof that determination gets results.
Why did you start your fitness journey?
I started my fitness journey in February 2014 after becoming a busy mom of two, working full time, and completely losing focus on myself. After reaching 210 pounds, I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize the woman staring back at me, and when my jeans ripped from my thighs rubbing together, I knew something had to change. I started with group fitness classes at my local gym and tracking calories, and even though I was unsure of what I was doing at first, I was determined to figure it out. Over the next year and three months I lost 70 pounds, rebuilt my confidence, and turned what started as weight loss into a lifestyle that led me into fitness instruction, competitive bodybuilding , and coaching other women to believe they can do it to.
Buy together
Kara's favorite products
Kara doesn't cut corners on her stack, and these three are non-negotiables. Veiniac delivers the vascularity and pumps she counts on every session. Anabolic Recovery gives her muscles what they need to rebuild and come back stronger. And Hydrate One keeps her fueled and performing at her best from start to finish.
What is your go-to healthy meal?
Since I'm a competitive bodybuilder, I am on a meal plan year-round. Cream of rice with a protein shake and half banana is my go to pre-workout meal. The majority of my other meals include plain white rice, kale or spinach, and a chicken or 99/1 extra lean ground turkey.
What is your favorite exercise?
Anything on back day! I love weighted pull ups!
What advice has inspired you the most?
Start simple and focus on being consistent, because you do not need to do everything perfectly to make real progress. Pick a few basic habits you can stick to, stay patient with yourself, and remember that small choices repeated over time are what truly change your body and your life. Don't wait until you feel fully confident or have everything figured out to begin, just start where you are and keep showing up.
