Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Figure Competitor: Sarah Thielen
Category you compete in: Figure 
Date of birth: 8/11/83
Hometown: Butte, MT
Career: Personal Health and Wellness Coach for Humana Inc.
Competition history: I competed in 2010, getting 2 1st place placing’s and 2 overall placing’s, and also had an appearance at the USA's for hopes of a pro card. I wanted to compete in 2011, but had many health issues that I had to battle through first. I am on track and excited to compete in 2012!
Next competition: Emerald Cup, Team U, USA’s… I’m hungry for my pro card and will do whatever it takes to get it this year!
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? I feel that the biggest struggles I face while contest dieting is finding balance in my life and the emotional roller-coaster we go through. I feel at times my relationship with others suffer somewhat when I am getting ready for a show. I want the people that are close to me to know how much I care about them, but at times this is difficult to portray during contest prep. I’ve learned to accept the things I cannot change and drive to give 100% every day. When I know that I’ve given 100% today (my workouts, diet, relationships, career etc.) , even if it’s not the same 100% as yesterday; I know I’ve done the best I can and I have no regrets no matter the outcome.
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? I took a year off due to an illness. I wanted to compete and tried to contest prep, but my body had enough. With that said I gained a ton of weight and now have a crazy workout schedule because of it. I currently do 60 min. of fasting cardio (7days/wk), followed by an afternoon workout with weights (3-on, 1-off, 2-on, 1-off), and another 60 min. of cardio (7days/wk). On my “off” lifting days I incorporate high intensity training with weights to keep things fresh instead of my 2nd cardio session.
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? Hmm none…If I would have to choose it would be my sense of taste. Dieting would be glorious if I couldn’t tell the difference between cheesecake and chicken!
If you could change one thing about this sport what would it be? I would like to see it not so divided and clique-ish. It takes the heart of a champion to commit to contest prep, we are all in this together and have so much to learn from one another!
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? My Atari! Does anyone know what that is anymore?
What is your favorite vacation spot? Growing up we didn’t have a lot of money to go on vacations, so we did it in our back yards (it is magical I might add)! Camping/dirt bike riding/hiking in Montana during the summer and snowboarding/snow shoeing the hills in the winter is my escape from reality. Nothing better!
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding? I would tell them DO IT! Don’t be bombarded with that little negative voice of doubt. As women we are forced to wear so many hats, we are wives, mothers, professionals etc.; give yourself permission to achieve your goals. I guarantee once you break past the imaginary walls of doubt, you will be surprised by what you learn about yourself and how much you can achieve.
What is a day-in-the-life of Sarah like? I am a night owl so I roll out of bed around 8 and do my 60 min. of fasting cardio. Then I head home to get ready for my day, eat, and work (I work from home). After a few meals down, I’m off to the gym to get my weight training and cardio in. I come home and eat, play with my Boston Terrier “Dude” for about a half hour, and it’s back to work until bedtime.
Favorite Motivational Quote: No excuses, just results!
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? I want to say “Thank You” to my loved ones and family for all of your support and understanding, my coach (and good friends) Tad and Bernadette Inoue – I don’t know where I would be without you both, and Gail Auerbach – girl you are an inspiration in every sense of the word! I also wanted to give a "shout out" to Darren Alexander. He is my number one fan, and biggest support system I have when it comes to competing. I truly don't know where I would be without his strength at times!
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