Cover Story: Kari Miller
COUNTRY DANCING, GLOBETROTTING & THE LIFE OF AN IPL PRO ATHLETE
PHOTOS BY BEN YOSEF
In this edition of SEAM Magazine, we sit down with Kari Miller, a remarkable athlete whose journey in the IPL (International Physique League) has been nothing short of inspiring. From securing three Pro Cards to gracing the cover of this issue, Kari’s dedication and passion for fitness and competition have propelled her further than she ever imagined. But her story goes beyond just bodybuilding—she also thrives in country dancing, explores the world as a travel enthusiast, and continuously challenges herself to push boundaries. In this interview, Kari shares her journey, the importance of community, and her advice for women embracing new challenges, proving that age and experience only fuel her drive to succeed.
"...now that I am three Pro Cards later and a cover…it’s just both shocking and surreal. I have gone farther than I ever imagined."
SEAM MAGAZINE: Kari, congratulations on making the cover of SEAM Magazine! How does it feel to have your hard work recognized in such a prestigious way?
KARI MILLER: Honestly, it’s surreal. I wasn’t sure how well I would do entering the August show. I didn’t feel lean at all, so I was shocked at getting ANY Pro Cards from that show. So now that I am three Pro Cards later and a cover…it’s just both shocking and surreal. I have gone farther than I ever imagined.
SEAM: You’ve had an incredible journey in the IPL so far, securing multiple Pro Cards in different divisions. What drives you to keep pushing?
KARI: Winning keeps me pushing! The fact that I have done so well is just motivating in itself. And it just makes me want to keep going to see how far I can go!
"I would say Go for it! Women our age have so much to be proud of and all our accomplishments. Our bodies have been through a lot..."
SEAM: You’ve mentioned how supportive the IPL community has been. Can you share more about how the league and its people have helped shape your journey as an athlete?
KARI: There are just so many amazing athletes and everyone is so nice. I can reach out to any of them with a question and have an answer within minutes. I would say Marc played a significant role in my journey as he suggested Athletic for me. He told me he could help me with posing and he did just that. I never would have been able to do this division had it not been for his help. This is just one example of the support.
SEAM: Competing in both Masters and Open divisions, you’ve faced off against athletes much younger than you. What advice would you give to women 40+ who are hesitant to enter Open divisions because of age or experience?
KARI: I would say Go for it! Women our age have so much to be proud of and all our accomplishments. Our bodies have been through a lot more and have bounced back due to hard work and discipline. We should go onto the Open stage with our head held high.
"...and country dancing has been another one of these passions. On a Friday or Saturday night, you will more than likely find me out at a local country bar."
SEAM: Sooo, Country Dancing! What can you tell us about this passion of yours and how did you get into it?
KARI: When I first moved to Arizona, I saw they were doing classes at a dance studio in Tempe and thought why the hell not? Like bodybuilding I just love to find new passions that I’m good at and country dancing has been another one of these passions. On a Friday or Saturday night, you will more than likely find me out at a local country bar.
SEAM: Do you compete in country dancing or are you just having fun with this passion?
KARI: I do not compete with country dancing. It’s something I just want to do for fun.
"Traveling just gives me a change of scenery and a break in routine so to speak. I love seeing different places."
SEAM: Rumor has it that you are a travel buff. Where does this desire come from? And what’s the coolest place you have ever travelled to? What was the worst? And what is your number one “must visit” locale on your bucket list?
KARI: Traveling just gives me a change of scenery and a break in routine so to speak. I love seeing different places. My best vacation was probably in Jamaica. It was the most relaxing vacation I had been on. Just taking in the beach and the sun and not a care in the world. The worst was probably spending a month in India for work. It was just a long time and not really a vacation. It did give me way more appreciation for my life here. The romantic side of me would love to visit Greece! It just looks like paradise!
"I would like to do more traveling...I’m sure by the end of the year the stage will be calling my name yet again. We will see what 2025 brings!"
SEAM: How does the excitement of the stage compare to other passions in your life, like country dancing and travelling?
KARI: The stage is all me and my accomplishments. It’s exciting cause nobody else can do it for me and unlike country dancing it’s all me and my efforts depending on nobody else. Nothing really compares to the stage.
SEAM: As this interview goes live, we are just one week away from the new year. What can we expect to see from Kari Miller in 2025 with dancing, travel, and competition?
KARI: I would like to do more traveling in 2025 but no solid plans yet. As far as competing I’m taking a mental break now but I’m sure by the end of the year the stage will be calling my name yet again. We will see what 2025 brings! SEAM
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