One day Kara Conradie is holding a flawless down-dog. The next, she’s smashing PRs on the bench press. She’s an all-round fitness powerhouse who pushes past her limits. And she’s inspiring everyone around her to do the same.
At first glance, yoga and bodybuilding might seem like total opposites. While one’s all about balance and flexibility, the other’s about raw strength. But according to Kara Conradie, they’re a match made in fitness heaven.
‘I believe that yoga keeps me flexible, focused, and centred, while bodybuilding builds my physical power and resilience. Together, they’ve helped me not only sculpt my body, but also strengthen my mind.’
Kara was born and raised in Zimbabwe, and her fitness journey only started when she moved to America at 18. She landed a job at 24 Hour Fitness, one of the biggest corporate gyms in the world. And, let’s just say it didn’t take long before she was hooked.
‘From the get go, the experience shaped my passion for fitness and wellness and taught me everything about the industry and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.’
Turns out, she was a natural. Before she knew it, she became the youngest gym manager in the industry, running the largest gym in California and overseeing a massive 4,000-member community on a daily.
And since she was spending so much time at the gym, she might as well have made the best of it, right? She first tried yoga at 20, but it wasn’t until her 30s (after moving back to Zim, getting married and having two kids) that she truly embraced it. Learning from incredible teachers along the way, her passion for the practice only deepened, which eventually led her to Goa, India, where she completed her first yoga teacher training.
‘I started with just one client … a truly special lady who’s still with me today. Since then, I’ve met hundreds of amazing people who’ve enriched my journey. I’ve now taught over 10 000 hours of yoga here in Pretoria.’
And she’s not stopping anytime soon. After years of teaching in different Silverlakes venues, she’s now building her very own yoga studio, expected to open later this year. You might want to watch this space!
Then came her second love. Bodybuilding. Six years ago, a close friend convinced her to step on stage at an IFBB Gentle Giants bodybuilding competition. At first, she wasn’t sure. But once she took the stage, it fitted her like a glove.
‘I fell in love with the challenge. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to competing and coaching, constantly pushing my limits and growing as a bodybuilder.’
Her hard work paid off. Two years ago, she became a Protea athlete, repping SA at the Fit Model World Championships in Lithuania, where she placed second. Then, last year, she took home first place at the South African Championships, along with the overall Fit Model title.
The most incredible part though, is that she achieved all of this after turning 40 … all while juggling life as a wife, mom, and entrepreneur. Proof that age is just a number when you’ve got the passion and dedication.
How does she juggle it all? Well, she wakes up early and makes every moment count. ‘I truly believe in being an early bird. It sets a positive tone for the day. Plus, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet incredible people along my journey, who inspire me to strive for better every day.’
Two of these being her lovely daughters … 11-year-old Lily and 16-year-old Sienna. Who, as a matter of fact, have very different interests. Lily is a dedicated tennis player, and Sienna an incredible artist. She’s not too worried about them following in her fitness footsteps, but she leads by example, showing them that with drive and focus, anything is possible.
And when she’s not training, coaching, or being a supermom, she’s all about organisation (it brings her peace of mind) and self-care (nothing beats a long, relaxing bath at the end of the day).
For Kara, the real motivation isn’t just winning medals. It’s the constant pursuit of becoming a better version of herself. ‘Every year brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. Knowing that I can keep evolving, setting goals, and crushing them keeps me inspired.’
And honestly, watching her do it all makes the rest of us want to roll out a yoga mat, hit the gym, and chase our dreams with just as much fire.
Details: yogawithkara.co.za, csbbodyfusion.com or @yogawithkaralyn on Insta and @Yoga with Kara on FB
One message for women seeking to improve their health?
You are not alone in this journey. While it can be challenging, having the right support and guidance can make it much more manageable. I encourage everyone to be open to taking leaps and stepping out of their comfort zones, as that’s where the true growth happens. It’s essential for us as women to learn more about our bodies and to cultivate a sense of comfort and confidence at every stage of our lives.
Something that will always make your day?
Getting into my nice, comfortable bed after a long day. There’s something incredibly rewarding about that moment when I can finally unwind and drift off to sleep. Sleep is so important to me. It rejuvenates my mind and body, allowing me to tackle the challenges of the next day. A rested Kara is a happy Kara.
Your hidden talent?
I have a passion for dance. I dedicated 17 years to ballet and modern dance, and it was a significant part of my life. Although I haven’t danced in many years, I often think about how I’d like to incorporate it back into my life.
Your secret, less-healthy indulgence?
I have to confess that I’m known as sweet tooth, for a reason. I absolutely love sweet treats. However, since I’ve shifted towards a more balanced and nutritious diet, my cravings for sweets have significantly decreased. That said, when I do indulge, you can bet it’s with Haagen-Dazs peanut butter ice-cream. My absolute favourite.
Your life motto?
You are one yoga class away from a good mood. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how challenging the day may be, engaging in any form of exercise (be it yoga, running, gym, or even a dance session) can turn things around. Movement has a unique way of shifting our mindset and lifting our spirits.
What’s next for Kara?
Well, on a personal level I’m challenging myself by confronting a long-standing fear of heights. At the end of the year, I’ll be climbing Kilimanjaro with my husband. I believe sometimes we need to take a leap of faith to grow and evolve. Professionally, I’m excited about the opportunity to work with my online clients and expand my business. My goal is to empower both lifestyle and bodybuilding clients to reach their full potential, just as I have by winning South African overall titles and qualifying for international competitions.
