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: Karen Yoakum
Category you compete in: Figure 
Date of birth: February 7, 1982
Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Career: Personal Trainer
Competition history:
10/20/2012 Ft. Lauderdale Cup - 1st Place
8/31/2012 North Americans - 5th Place
7/28/2012 USA's - 12th Place
6/9/2012 NJ Garden State - 3rd Place
5/12/2012 Shannon Dey Classic - 2nd place
10/8/2011 Ft. Lauderdale Cup - 4th Place
Next competition: NPC NY Metropolitans on April 6th
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? The worst part is trying to balance your time between workouts, cardio, prepping food, eating, family, friends, household responsibilities, work, etc.! However, now – here in 2013 as I prep for my first show of the year, I am finally in my groove & feel that I am conquering the balancing act. I know many competitors struggle with this as well, and I truly commend those who have children and/or are single parents.
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? I work out 5 days & do cardio 6 days. My workouts are broken up into body parts and I typically hit legs twice per week. Sunday is usually my rest day, unless I missed a cardio session earlier in the week. In that case, I will make it up on Sunday. I have no qualms with being in the gym 7 days a week, as I feel it is my sanctuary and is my time to reflect & dream! This year I started doing cardio first thing in the morning & then go back to the gym sometime in the PM for my workout & more cardio. Currently I am running very often and am thoroughly enjoying the fact that my endurance is in plentiful supply and enjoying the peace that it brings me.
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? Smell! I would not miss the smell of fish. Walking right past a bakery with freshly baked cookies would be a cinch! Of course I would miss the smell of cookies (lol), perfume, and flowers. As a Figure competitor, I need my sight to grab my weights, I need my hearing to listen to my killer playlists that keep me breezing through my cardio, I need my taste for my cheat meal, and I need my touch to show love and appreciation to my family and friends.
If you could change one things about this sport what would it be? I cannot think of a single thing I would change about this sport. I love the person I have become because of this sport. I love challenge, competition, and being active and this sport allows me to experience these things. Mentally I am much stronger now, I have more confidence, I continue to improve my physique, and most importantly, I have learned how to live a healthy lifestyle that will no doubt lengthen my life.
If you 
had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? I would put a journal of travel, of exciting moments, and of lessons learned/quotes inside the time capsule, but unfortunately, I never started that journal! I love reading and sharing quotes/lessons, as they are very motivating to me and I sometimes repeat them to myself and live by them. In sharing them via texts, emails, and/or social media sometimes your words can reach someone in the exact moment when they are feeling weak and are searching for strength.
What is your favorite vacation spot? I am fortunate to have traveled to many exciting destinations. Currently my favorite vacation spot is Vegas! I tacked on a few extra days to my trip when I competed in Vegas for the 2012 USA's. I could not have been in a better spot for a post-show celebration! Killer pool parties, dancing, good food, and shows. However, after a couple days I was ready to get back home to my "normal" food and workout routine!
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding? Grab a seat and grab a coffee because this will take a while! Ha ha. The beginning is the hardest part and the most crucial time to get your physique jump started! Don’t half follow your diet & workouts – you’ve got to give it 100% for the best results. Hire a coach and listen to that coach and no one else. It is wonderful to place well at a show, but I believe you should compete because you want to better your physique, because you love the lifestyle, and because you want to show off your hard work on stage! Don’t worry about what other competitors are doing or compare yourself to others.
What is a day-in-the-life of Karen like? Predictable - Eat, train, sleep, repeat! Well, I also train clients, shower & take photos to post on Instagram ;-) My day usually begins at 5:30am and ends at 10:30pm. I always try and get 7 hours of sleep per night, as that seems to be my magic number! Being a personal trainer is very rewarding work and it also helps me stay in my “zone” when training for competitions. I always have my food with me, I am always in gym attire, and I am always in or near a gym! Staying busy with my business and my own training definitely helps keep me out of my kitchen (the danger zone!).
Favorite Motivational Quote: Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? I’d like to give a shout out to my coaches at Team Bombshell. They have taught me so much, shaped me, and guided me on this journey and I will always be grateful for that. Also, to my Bombshell teammates for their friendships & continued support. Shout out to the NPC for being such a supportive organization for those of us in the sport.
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