Sarah Brockner Interview

Sarah Brockner decided to compete because she felt it was a way to make sure she stayed on track. Several competitions with some first places later, it is hard to imagine she would ever have a problem staying on track. Her goal is to get her Bikini pro card and if she keeps at it, it will be a goal that is achieved.



Q: First, Sarah, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Thank you so much for choosing me to participate!

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I live right outside of Syracuse, NY with my husband Aaron and Bichon-Poo Cooper. I am currently a full time student while working part time in accounting and modeling on the side.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: I have always been athletic. My father is a huge sports fan and he encouraged my sisters and I to play sports while growing up. I ran track and played field hockey.

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: I have always been a big runner but I started really hitting the gym after high school to stay in shape during the winter. I hate running outside in the cold!

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: I think I picked up weight training fairly easily but I didn't start seeing serious results until I combined it with a stricter diet.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I used to watch Kiana Tom's Flex Appeal and the Fitness America Pageants on television when I was younger. One day I just decided I wanted to try to get to that level and compete. I thought it would be a good way to motivate me to stay on track.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: I have amazing family and friends who are very supportive! I think some of them were a little nervous at first but once they saw how much I enjoyed it and the results I was able to achieve they came around. I am grateful for all the encouragement I get.


Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: I think results can sometimes not go the way you think they should. You just always try to be the best you can be, take the good with the bad, and be positive and proud of what you have accomplished no matter what.

Q: Can you share your contest history
A:
*2011 INBF/WNBF Northeast America-6th
*2011 NGA Natural Northeast Bikini class-2nd place
*2011 NGA Can-Am Competition Bikini Class overall winner
*2010 NPC Rochester-Bikini class short-2nd place
*2010 NGA Natural Northeast competition-Bikini class short-2nd place
*2010 NGA Can-Am Competition-Bikini class-1st place
*2010 INBF/WNBF Northern States Super Natural-Best Body Bikini class-2nd place
*2009 INBF/WNBF Mr. & Ms Super Natural- Best Body Bikini class-1st place
*2008 INBF/WNBF Northern Sates Super Natural-Best Body Bikini-2nd

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: Probably my abs because I get the most compliments on them.

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: I have really been into training my legs and butt lately. It is hard for me to put on muscle there so I think the results are finally starting to show.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I eat a high protein diet with lots of vegetables and fruit. I try to stay within 4-5 pounds of where I am for competitions. I model and you never know when something is going to come up so it is best to stay on top of it. I am more relaxed on the weekends though and allow myself some foods that I crave. My training routine is always different but generally about half my time is spent on cardio and half on weight training. I do more cardio and lower weight/higher rep exercises leading up to a show and I also really tighten up the carb intake.


Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: I almost always get positive reactions but I sometimes get questioned why I compete. I do it because I love the challenge and motivation it gives me.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: That I don't eat or general comments about what I am eating! I wouldn't be able to train hard if I wasn't fueled properly. I just know what kind of foods work for me and my body in order to maintain my physique. I eat small meals every 2 1/2-3 1/2 hours and I eat things that I really enjoy. I think sometimes people act like I am torturing myself but I feel good when I eat healthy.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: I think people need to realize that we all have different goals & ideals in life. Although some woman may have physiques that not all people can appreciate I think it is amazing to see the hard work they have put in. We all work hard because we want to reach our personal goals and that is what it's all about.

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: Sometimes the motivation is hard to find. Music helps a lot! The best part is the feeling at the end of a workout and seeing your hard work make a difference.

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: I admire a lot of people. Sonia Gonzales, Jamie Eason, and Jessica Paxson-Putnam to name a few. I think they are beautiful and I hope to someday reach some of the goals they have achieved.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Pizza! Cupcakes, gummies, and anything coconut are also pretty awesome in my book.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Do not give up. It is easy to give up but if you stick to it you will see changes. It will be worth it if you persevere.


Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: I have definitely noticed more magazines promoting weight training for woman and personally seen many more woman using weights or weight machines. It really is necessary to getting a nice toned physique.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love spending time with my friends and family. We always have so much fun doing crazy stuff. I also like to create and cook new healthy recipes.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Sarah Brockner.
A: I usually have breakfast, go to work and/or school, hit the gym, prepare and eat dinner, and then relax before bed. On the weekends I am usually doing some kind of modeling or meeting up with friends or family so I go to gym first thing in the morning so I get it out of the way.

Q: Describe Sarah Brockner in five words.
A: Fun, Crazy, Caring, Silly, and Energetic!

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I am easily amused and hate feeling bored! I know people that know me know I love to be doing a million things but I can seem quiet/shy if people do not know me well.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I am competing again in June and will also compete again in the fall. My goal is just to keep doing better and eventually get my Pro Card in Bikini.

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: I am a spokesmodel for www.ignitionation.com and I also blog for them. It is a great bike/car enthusiast website that promotes events and all things related to cars and motorcycles. I also have a personal website www.sarahbrockner.com if anyone wants to check it out.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Sarah Brockner the athlete and competitor>
A: I would LOVE a sponsor! A sponsor would get someone who puts in 110%, is reliable, trustworthy, and fun and easy to get along with if they chose me. I can be reached at Star44snave@yahoo.com

Q: Sarah, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: I appreciate you choosing me and all you are doing to promote woman and their hard work.