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Published on Sunday, 21 October 2012 22:52
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Written by Jasmin Sanchez
Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Jasmin Sanchez
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: 03/13/1980
Hometown: Sacramento, CA but have been in Denver for 20 years (eek! That ages me! Haha)
Career: I am currently unemployed, but had been working as an HR manager, however, I am making moves to go into business for myself which is VERY exciting!
Competition history:
2011 Max Muscle Mile High, 1st place open class A, 1st place novice class A
2011 North Americans 14th place class A
2012 Omaha Hardbody.com Duel of Champions 1st place class A
2012 USA’s 16th place class A
2012 North Americans 16th place class A
Next competition: 2013 Jr. Nationals
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing?
I was very active growing up but after having kids and settling into marriage and my career, like most women, I found myself putting ME last, which included my health. I also found the gym intimidating, not knowing what to do etc. etc., finally I had an opportunity to join a friend in her fitness journey, which gave me the push I really needed, she counted on me and vice versa. My life today is practically unrecognizable! I forced myself to become educated about
my health and fitness and got over the anxiety of being in a gym full of men, which has been one of the most empowering things ever! I am now aware of the things I put into my body and feed my family, I know how we should be eating and am able to educate my kids about their food choices as well; THIS knowledge is one of the best things that has come out of choosing this lifestyle!
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
This is something that I really struggled with when I first started competing. People still think that I am crazy because I have so much going on all of the time; with having 4 kids, working and going to school full time, and then making the decision to start competing – it was like I went from 0-100 practically overnight! The first thing I had to do is find time to get to the gym that didn’t take away from my family time, so am up at 4am to get my first workout and cardio done, then if my plan calls for a second round of cardio, me and the kiddos head to the gym after dinner and homework; they love to rock climb or play basketball while I hit the stairs! The kids also love cooking with me so I include them every chance I get; I use them as my gunie pigs ha ha! I will make healthy versions of their favorite food and deserts, sometimes they are a hit and others not so much and they aren’t afraid to tell me when its bad - they can be brutal!
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change places with anyone. I believe we all have our own trials and tribulations and it is very personal to each individual. I absolutely love where I am in life. I have accomplished and overcome so much to get to where I am today; I love the
woman I’ve become!
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you.
My inspiration comes from my life experiences rather than a person. I had a very challenging childhood; growing up we were a family of little means, and my parents addiction caused home life to be chaotic. As an adolescent I was forced to make many difficult decisions. Life gave me an opportunity and at a young age I headed out on my own. This is what inspires me everyday. The thought of my children experiencing any of the things I had to frightens me to death, and I REFUSE to allow that to happen. I have had to bust my ass every day of my life to get to where I am today, I had a choice to make; let my circumstances mold my life, or become a success, no matter how hard the fight. I chose the ladder. I want my kids to know anything is possible, and that they should is excel in whatever they do. I believe that you should work hard for what you want, FIGHT if that’s what it takes! If you can envision it, it can be yours! Regardless of where this industry takes me, I am living my dream, right here, right now. I have an amazing family, friends, I am healthy; and am lucky enough to be able to continue my education. I have accomplished things in the last year that I NEVER thought possible - it truly is surreal.
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without. 
My new favorite is Gaspari Nutrition’s Myofusion Cookies and Cream protein, mix it with about ¼ cup of ice and blend –tastes just like a blizzard!! SOOO good!
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
Right now I am in my “off season” so its building time!!! Legs have been the hardest body part for me to build so I train legs twice a week, and I recently incorporated yoga into my training plan, which has been…lets just say, interesting! Here is one of my favorite leg/glute day routines:
Superset:
4x15 weighted reverse lunge
4x15 wide sumo dumbbell squats standing on two benches and letting db go below the bench
Superset:
4x15 Single leg leg press
4x15 Single leg leg extensions
4x10 (each leg) weighted swing lunges
4x12 (each leg) glute machine
4x15 stability ball leg raises
4x20 stability ball scissor kicks
4x15 (each leg) side leg lifts
In closing, who would you like to give a shout out to? First and foremost - my amazing husband who is such a great supporter, he puts up with so much and loves me in spite of it all! My mentor and friend Allen Watkins of Armbrust Pro Gym, and my training partner and one of my closest friends Adrianne Martinez, she keeps me accountable, shoves me when I need a push, and tells me I’m beautiful when I’m dripping in sweat HA HA, everyone needs a friend like that!
