Leah Berti - IFBB Figure Pro
When was your first show?
I started off as a lightweight bodybuilder in 2004 in the Southern Alberta Bodybuilding show with the ABBA in Calgary. I won my lightweight class and the overall!
When and where did you turn pro?
I turned pro in Laval, Quebec at the Canadian Natural National BodyBuilding Competition. One pro card was given for figure. I won the medium class and overall in 2011.
First thing you ate after the Emerald Cup?
Unfortunately nothing too exotic or fun! The show ended quite late for us. I believe I had a quest bar and since all the restaurants were closed, a big bowl of almond butter and oatmeal!
Favorite Emerald Cup moment?
Being back stage with the other ladies. It was great to catch up with friends in the sport such as Victoria Adelus and Erin Harding. We had a lot of fun that week!
I have been so lucky to travel to great places and meet such amazing, inspiring women. Being on stage is always an amazing feeling and I enjoyed every minute of it!
What do you think is the biggest misconception competitors have about turning pro?
I think a lot of competitors believe that turning pro will open a new set of opportunities, fame and fortune. Unfortunately, if you're in this sport to attain a high paying salary then you're misguided.
New competitors need to enjoy the journey and progress they make and celebrate the obstacles they have overcome and the transformation mentally and physically they have made.
Too many people I feel put so much emphasis on winning that they forget everything else along the way (friends, family, balance). The people I see that last the longest in the sport have a healthy relationship with their body, family and friends and keep a life outside of competing.
I love this sport as it is a personal challenge for me and a new adventure every year. I am continually making improvements and striving for personal goals.
What do you think is the biggest element that separates a pro from a non-pro?
I think it's important as a pro to be humble and gracious. I always remember where I started and try to give back to the ABBA and the CBBF by volunteering and coaching up and coming athletes. Formerly I was part of the executive committee.
The physical differences between a pro and a non-pro can be minimal, especially in Canada with a limited number of pro cards attained yearly. Mindset and experience is a big difference between a pro and a non-pro as well as maturity in the sport.
What do you do for your "real" job?
I am a proud police officer in downtown Calgary as my "day job." Currently I am a member of the mountain bike team patrolling the city core. Shift work is challenging with training and at times the job can be stressful, but I'm lucky to have a great partner and team that supports my goals.
Leah, 30-years-of-age, is 5-4 and competes around 120lbs to 122lbs. Off-season, she is 135lbs. She describes her heritage as Italian.
Leah finished 16th in pro figure. Visit Craig Productions for full results.