Powerzone welcomes Sarah Matoka to our team of sponsored athletes, and is proud to have the current Ms Bikini Australia and Bikini Universe on board as a brand ambassador. Sarah has been competing in Fitness and Bikini events for a number of years now, with 2014 being her ultimate achievement to date, winning the Overall Ms Bikini Australia title and earning Pro Status. She will be heading to Las Vegas to make her Pro debut at the 2014 Fitness America Weekend over the 20-22 November.
How did it feel to capture the 2014 Overall Bikini Australia Overall Title and earn Pro Status?
Winning Ms Bikini Australia and earning my Pro Status was one of my proudest moments to date. I have been competing for a few years now and this was my first ever win and I am so grateful to have been able to win at a world class event and win at the prestigious Musclemania Australia event.
Do you feel the new Fitness Model categories have provided more scope for aspiring fitness enthusiasts that wish to get onstage for the first time?
Yes the fitness model categories definitely provide more scope for other to pursue fitness modelling or get into bodybuilding for the first time. I started at Bikini and now working my way to Fitness category and is a great stepping stone. It also has created great exposure for the bodybuilding and fitness industry and it is growing every year as it is something that other people can aspire to or find it more attainable.
Your stage presence is always superb. Including your choice of attire. How important are the finer details when it comes to presenting a winning package at a fitness modeling or bikini competition. Any advice you can offer for those looking to compete for the first time?
Picking a theme, costume, bikini and your stage presence is one of the most important in a bikini competition.
Usually your fitness and bikini categories you need to display an overall package. You can diet and train the hardest, be the leanest on stage, but if you can’t show it off what you have your wasting your time. Pick a costume, bikini style or theme that complements you and your personality. Also know which angles complement your body best.
I practice my posing and stage presence in the gym once a week leading up to my competition. I now offer personalized contest preparation for Bikini and Fitness Competitors with a great deal of focus on stage presence, how to walk correctly, hold yourself to enhance shape and help choosing the right attire including bikinis, theme and clubwear.
Were you or are you still involved in any other sports outside of the gym? Do you feel activities like sprinting, athletics, gymnastics or dance assist with overall body condition or stage performance?
I was involved in Netball which is a great social and competitive sport. I believe it is good to get away from your usual training. I think it’s always good to try different things or mix up your training, your body will respond to the different styles and not plateau if you were doing the same thing for too long.
You have appeared as a Cover Model on Natural Bodz Magazine. Can you offer any advice for girls that are new to photo shoots on how to project and display themselves to their maximum potential when taking part in a professional shoot?
The Natural Bodz Photo Shoot was only my 2nd ever photo-shoot. Like I said before practise! Know what angles work for your body. It may seem vain but I did practise a lot in the mirror. Go buy some copies of the Natural Bodz Magazines see what looks and poses other cover models have done. It always helps to get comfortable in front of the camera and it can’t hurt to book a professional shoot.
How can girls get in touch with you for your Personal Training and Contest Preparation services?
Check out my BIO on this site it includes my facebook contact and instagram pages. Click here to View Sarah’s Athlete Profile.