Cathy Savage Interview
Fitness Champ Choreographer

First of all, what is a day in your life like?

Cathy Savage: A day in my life? I have two children ages three and 17 months so I spend a great deal of my time during the day chasing them around! I also spend alot of time at my studio, returning emails and phone calls and simply trying to juggle as much of this all as I can!

What would you say is the highlight of your life so far and how does it compare to your overall goals?

Cathy Savage: Well, the highlight of my life was giving birth to my first child Ryan. I quickly realized that it wasn't about me anymore....darn! Fitness wise, Wendi West winning the Fitness Universe in 2004 was quite a highlight as well as she and I have been working together for so many years and she finally was recognized as the worlds' best. Honestly, it seems that there are so many more highlights and each time, something incredible happens, it makes me worker to achieve even more!!

Who was the first person to tell you getting into your profession was a crazy idea? At what point did you agree (even if it was momentarily)?

Cathy Savage: Well, I think my parents were a little confused at first as I graduated with honors from Boston College with a degree in Marketing with an incredibly high paying corporate job. I think they thought I was throwing it all away and trying to just be a "gym rat" (not that there is anything wrong with that!!). Being a business owner in this industry, has far exceeded anything I could have done, while working for someone else.

Have you made contacts using the internet that you know you wouldn't have made if it weren't for the web being so accessible?

Cathy Savage: oh yes!! The internet has allowed many athletes to explore my services in depth and in return, I also spend a great deal of time on message boards, and various related sites as well!

We grow up wanting to be firefighters or nurses, then due to the glory of media, rock stars, actors, or millionaires and then reality sits in... We always end up being ourselves... Good or bad... What's your story?

Cathy Savage: Well, I always say at my camps, (CAMP SAVAGE), that competing is the chance for you to be the Rock Star you have always wanted to be! I say strive for whatever dream you have. Most people who have made it big will tell you that they had to take a risk at some point. However, I always say, don't quit your day job until you have made it clear that you can make a living at this dream you are pursuing!! I think this is why our sport is so great-You can have the reality of a job and steady income but then you can get up onstage in front of a huge audience cheering for you!! Now that's what its all about! It should be a hobby if you are competing as its rare to make a living as a competitor-again, don't quit your day job!

What one thing haven't you done you would still like to?

Cathy Savage: Take my kids to Disney World. I am trying to plan a magical gatherings trip next year. I have been there a billion times but never with my kids. I can not wait to see the looks on their faces!

Tell me one of the negative aspects of your field you think everyone should know. Do not say there are none!

Cathy Savage: Well, there are a lot of self-proclaimed experts who keep popping up, and sabotaging athletes. Look, just because you have won a show or two, doesn't make you a good coach to someone else. The self proclaimed experts give crap information and also charge a fortune for their services- that sends me through the roof. I don't try to get rich off my girls; I try to make it affordable for everyone!

Tell me something people do not realize about you, maybe it's not a secret, maybe it's not anything special, but it could be something no one else has ever asked you about until now.

Cathy Savage: Well, I was very involved in musical theatre when I was younger, I sang and danced in many groups and at weddings in college to make money. In addition, I was a ranked tennis player on a New England circuit as a teenager.

What's the craziest thing you have experienced in your work? Maybe it's something you witnessed and didn't participate in, but what would shock us, make us laugh or show us another side to things besides the obvious.

Cathy Savage: This whole sport is crazy! Think about it! Wearing more make-up than one cosmetics counter can carry, waxing your entire body, wearing hair pieces...twisting your body in all crazy positions. wearing stripper shoes, spending thousands of dollars on costumes, and swimsuits.....but hey, its a RUSH and once you do it, you are addicted!!

Anything embarrassing happen when YOU were trying to look cool? What? Embarrassing and crazy are different things!

Cathy Savage: Never, I am always cool. (ha!) Actually, it was pretty funny when Wendi won the Universe and my client Alicia Denson and I were so happy that we ran on the stage to hug her and bumped into each other and knocked down the trophies....I still laugh about it a year later.

The biggest lie about your industry ever is (this is not necessarily a negative):

Cathy Savage: The biggest lie is that the girls are all caddy, fake, and a bunch of divas. While the industry has its share of characters, I can honestly say that most of my best friends are competitors. They are caring and genuine and truly look out for one another. If you have been to a show and you see my girls, you know what I am talking about.. They are simply a bunch of friends who share a hobby and have a ball while competing!

The biggest PLUS FACTOR about your industry is:

Cathy Savage: In this world of war, drugs, disease and poverty, we can all escape to this world of glamour and forget our troubles if only for a while. Competing is a nice diversion to the harsh realities of life. On a personal level, it gives women a chance to relive their competitive days of cheerleading, dance gymnastics or any sport and gives them a healthy positive hobby!

Did the people around you change when you went out looking to succeed in this field? Sometimes those who weren't so supportive in the beginning suddenly become supportive or possibly vice versa?

Cathy Savage: Not really. I have been lucky that I have had success for so long. There are very few people who have been in this industry longer than me. Hell, I have been in competitive fitness since it started. So I have not had that reaction. I will say that I hate when people try to kiss my ^%$. Just be real to me.. My husband's support has never wavered. He has seen my business grow each year and his support is the sole reason for my success.

What is your most frequently asked question and/or what question makes you crazy whenever asked but you somehow remain composed enough to answer?

Cathy Savage: Well, I never remain composed. It's who I am...What drives me absolutely crazy is when this gorgeous, perfectly fit girl says-"I feel so fat, what can I do???"...ugh-like nails on a chalkboard...I tell them to go away before I slap them. No really, I do...

Tell me a joke!

Cathy Savage: What Irish and sits out all year??...patio furniture...patty-o'furniture....get it?? Still love that one.

Who is the most intriguing person in your business today besides yourself? Why?

Cathy Savage: My client Alicia Denson. In only two years, she has had several magazine covers and is making her mark in the business. She has the looks of a supermodel and the personality of the girl next door. Watch for her, she is a superstar!!

Anything else you would like to say?

Cathy Savage: Well, I would like to say that having a family and loved ones is the most important thing in this life. Preparing for a show often makes people forget to thank their family and friends. None of this success would matter to me without my husband, John and my kids, Ryan and Tori.

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