Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Sarah Parker
Category you compete in: Bikini 
Date of birth: 09-19-1974
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, California
Career: Office Manager in Orthodontic office
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
Super Girl…she has so many powers, (like Superman) and she uses them for good, not evil. She is strong, intelligent, superfit and beautiful!!!
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
When I was 24 I was partying/socializing a lot and make poor food and drink choices. I was getting sick a lot, like the common cold and flu, and I was so tired of feeling rundown and being sick I decided to make a lifestyle change. My mom and I joined the local gym, and starting eating clean.
I felt great and started loving how I was looking, so I took it to the next level and became a personal trainer, part-time, to help others achieve their goals as well. I loved that also, and I knew it would be a lifelong lifestyle for me.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I have tried a few different dieting strategies, and the best for me at this point is carb cycling. I have become much more vascular, in a short amount of time, as well as gotten stronger and a lot more energy overall. I have also not gained any fat during this process, only lean muscle.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
That it’s easy and anyone can do it. I do think that anyone can do it if they put their mind to it, however, it is work and takes self discipline. The diet is especially tough, also having to maintain high intensity workouts and carry out everyday activities such as work, cooking, household, family, social life etc. all while trying to get a good night’s
sleep on such low carbs.
The posing also requires a lot of practice, it’s not as easy as some people make it look, and the cooking is time consuming. I am hooked though and find it so rewarding, and fun!! I am looking forward to my next one :).
What is your most embarassing childhood memory?
When I was a kid, starting at age 7, I used to fly to Connecticut every summer to visit my grandparents. I lived in Arizona and would travel all by myself, (with the help of flight attendants of course). One summer at age 9, I was on the flight and went to the restroom. As I was leaving, the door wouldn’t open. I began to panic, and started yelling and crying for someone to help me!! The flight attendants came to my aid and were talking to me through the door. I kept yelling that I was locked in, and they were saying to undo the latch and push the door, not to pull it. Well, needless to say, that worked and when I stepped out of the airplane the whole entire plane was staring at me as I walked to my seat!! The person sitting next to me asked,” Are you okay”? I was so embarrassed the rest of the trip.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
How tough it is for me on such low carbs. I experienced body aches, especially in my legs and I learned that I am very moody during prep time, with very low patience for people. I didn’t know I was going to be so crabby!! I am going to work on improving that moving forward:)
Who do you look up and admire and why?
Monica Brant has always been my inspiration. I have had pictures of her on my wall for years. She has one of the best physiques I have ever seen, and she works hard for it. I met her at the Mr. Olympia, back in 2002, and she was so nice. She is also beautiful with a smile that lights up a room, and has passion for what she does. She loves horses, and has owned them, which is something we have in common.
Competition history:
Oct. 27, 2011, Border States
5th place in Bikini, 35+
9th place in Bikini open
Next competition:
March 9, 2012, NPC Muscle Contest
Bikini 35 +
Bikini open
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“The only thing that stands between you and what you want out of life is the Will to try and the Faith to believe it’s possible”
Who would you like to thank?
My Fiance, Andy Brown, for being so supportive, My coach Justin Cortenbach, for all his help, My best friend Zadia Danner for all her support, My family for their understanding and support, as well as all of my friends, my boss, co-workers for their support and cheering me on, and putting up with my smelly foods(egg whites), hahaha. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.
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