Beth "Venom" Horn's beginnings in the sports arena was rough, but even with four knee surgeries, the seasoned personal trainer, author and NBC's American Gladiator, was able to find the diamond within. Her recent interview with John Hawley of BodybuildingFitnessFigure.com explains the triumphant story of Horn's athletic prowess in gymnastics, which led to several knee surgeries and to every opportunity she could imagine.
Horn's history of injury only added fuel to the fire for the American Gladiator and author of The Natural Way: The Holistic Guide to Total Mind Body Health & Fitness. Due to a torn ACL injury Horn found a way to grow as an athlete. How so? With this injury Horn spent nine months doing physical therapy and learned the importance of being strong; an aspect of life she has carried with her for every opportunity.
Her previous injury could have been a reason for Horn to sit back on her haunches; instead she made an amazing transition as an IFBB Pro Fitness Competitor. After three third place wins in the NPC, she was ready to rise to the occasion for Nationals when she broke her foot twelves weeks before. Even with a broken foot, Horn's motivation, drive and will was more than enough to get her through Nationals and strong enough to win an IFBB Fitness pro card.
During 2001-2003 Horn competed in several bodybuilding shows including the Night of Champions and the Jan Tana Classic. She also competed in Hungary and earned a five year contract from Joe Weider. Though she stopped competing while under contract, Horn stayed fit and continued to be a spokesperson for Weider.
Since her competition days, Horn has gone on to create a variety of opportunities; most of which some people can only wish to do. One such opportunity was the creation of American Gladiator's character Venom. Horn's audition for Gladiators was held in Chicago, but once in the auditions she realized she wanted to be a gladiator and not a contestant. As hard work would have it, Horn got her way. Horn was with NBC's American Gladiators from 2007-2010 and loved every minute of it. When asked by Hawley "What did you think of your time as a gladiator?" Horn's answer was genuine "I was living my dreams and kicking butt on television."
Between the years of being a fitness competitor and an American Gladiator Horn continued with her work as a Certified Personal Trainer and has worked with the USO, Professional Fitness Institute and written a book with Jim Rosenthal. Horn's book The Natural Way: The Holistic Guide to Total Mind Body Health & Fitness is another facet of Horn's real life experiences with fitness. She explains that this book is based on her findings in the fitness industry and is a "holistic" concept because it's all about you, working out and trying to be as healthy and happy as possible.
Many often ask what is Horn's secret to paving a positive path and Horn admits "I think the most important thing is to believe in yourself. So many of us are up-down,up-down, doubting. You constantly, constantly have to stay focused and believe you can do this." And, Horn was right, she could do it.
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