Karmen Mets: fitness and sparkle on stage

Karmen Mets came to fitness after a long background in rhythmic and group gymnastics. Karmen’s story shows well how much work, diet, fatigue and sheer determination lie behind a smile on stage.

For Karmen, fitness is not just about physique. It is the physique round, a dance-and-acrobatics freestyle routine and a chance to truly shine on stage.

Karmen Mets and the appeal of fitness

Karmen competes in fitness, a sport made up of two parts: a physique round and a dance-and-acrobatics routine. It is the second part that makes the sport special for Karmen. In some other fitness categories, what mainly counts is the shape of the body, but here you also have to show the audience movement, emotion and stage presence.

Karmen enjoys the applause and the attention. That doesn’t mean it’s all easy. Before competitions, the gym becomes a second home. Strength workouts are long, with aerobic work and freestyle routine practice on top. During the diet there is little energy, but standing on stage with a medal around your neck, the effort seems worth it.

As Karmen’s coach Natalia puts it: “Fitness is the hardest, but also the most beautiful sport!” For Karmen, that sentence sums up the sport quite precisely.

Karmen Mets in training and on stage

The interest began a couple of years ago, when Karmen saw Kristina Koroljak’s competition photos online. Then came the videos and the thought: I’d like to try that too. Karmen had previously done rhythmic gymnastics for 13 years, so flexibility, coordination and stage confidence were already there.

The start, however, was not under a coach right away. Karmen went to the gym alone and worked out as well as possible. Meanwhile, Karmen followed competitions as a spectator and felt more and more clearly the wish to truly join that world. In the end, Karmen mustered the courage and approached Natalia Nazarenko-Kiivikas.

According to Karmen, Natalia is direct, demanding and understanding at the same time. At their first meeting, Natalia said honestly that Karmen probably doesn’t really enjoy going to the gym. That was startling, because Karmen was happy with their own shape. Later it became clear that this kind of honesty is exactly what helps you move forward.

As a coach, Natalia gives plenty of encouragement but says straight away when something isn’t up to standard. Karmen sees Natalia as a great role model and as someone with much still to learn from.

Karmen Mets: background and achievements

Sport has been part of Karmen’s life for a long time. Karmen started rhythmic gymnastics in kindergarten and kept at it for almost 13 years. Then came the world of dance. Karmen has danced for 6-7 years, studied at several studios, worked in a show group on various Baltic Sea cruise ships and graduated from a 2-year program at the DanceAct College dance school.

The list of achievements is already strong for such a short fitness career. In rhythmic gymnastics there was 3rd place at the Tallinn Cup, and in group gymnastics Karmen became Estonian champion several times over. In fitness, Karmen has 2nd place at the Latvian Open Cup, 1st place at the Estonian Cup and 1st place at the Baltic Match.

Nutrition, rest and goals

For Karmen, training and nutrition go hand in hand. In competitive sport you can’t rely on strong willpower alone. The day has to be planned in advance, meals prepared and containers carried around. Before competitions, Karmen sometimes even ate in the MyFitness locker room. It sounds awkward, but competition shape demands its own rhythm.

Karmen eats 5 meals a day. The morning starts with coffee. Favorites are porridge with sweet quark or protein pancakes. A snack might be fruit or quark, and lunch is chicken/fish, rice and vegetables. After the workout comes a protein drink, fruit or a protein bar. Dinner is eggs and salad.

Karmen doesn’t really give up sweets, at least not during regular periods. Once or twice a week, Karmen allows something tasty. During the diet it is harder to say “no” to chocolate, but stage shape demands discipline.

As for supplements, Karmen uses a protein drink after the workout as a shake, BCAAs and creatine. In addition, as needed: magnesium, omega, iron, vitamin D and vitamin C.

The goals for the future are clear. Karmen wants to compete at the European Championships and dreams of a World Championships medal. You don’t get there by accident. It takes work, patience and the belief that you can get closer step by step.

Rest is as important to Karmen as training. When there’s time, Karmen visits grandma and grandpa at the summer cottage, walks the dog and spends time with friends and loved ones. A simple truth: you can’t have a good workout with a tired body.

FAQ: Karmen Mets and fitness

What makes fitness special for Karmen?

Karmen likes that in fitness a good physique isn’t enough. The freestyle routine offers a chance to use dance, acrobatics and emotion.

Who is Karmen’s coach?

Karmen’s coach is Natalia Nazarenko-Kiivikas, whom Karmen describes as a direct, demanding and very supportive person.

What does Karmen recommend to beginners?

If you want to try it, it’s worth trying. At the same time, everything should be done sensibly: training, nutrition, rest and mental balance have to work together.