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Spotlight On NPC Figure Competitor: Alissa Parker
Category you compete in: NPC National Figure
Date of birth: September 26, 1980
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Career: Sports nutritionist and Mother of 2
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why? Well, I don’t know too much about superheroes, but I did give some thought to what powers I might like to have for a day. It made me think back to greek mythology, they’re kinda like the original superheroes, right? Hermes, who was the messenger to the gods, can travel at the speed of light. He has a superhuman metabolism, and a magic wand that can control people and turn objects to gold. In one day I could see the whole world, eat whatever I want on my journey, and turn objects into gold and be set for life. What more could you ask for?
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport? I’ve always been into working out. My mom was an aerobics instructor, so I started going to gyms at a very young age. I really got into competing after I had my first daughter. I had gained a lot of weight during that pregnancy. I used it as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted. (not a good idea) My husband introduced me to some fitness magazines. I told myself I wanted to look like those women, and I since then I was hooked. I can’t figure out what ever made me actually compete for the first time. At the time, I didn’t have any friends who were competing and I just kinda went for it. It is pretty shocking to me now that I think about it.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto? I don’t do anything tricky with my diet. I eat all food groups and don’t cut carbs or fruit. I eat a very balanced diet with all the appropriate macronutrients and calories for my goal. I eat more in my off season, but it is all still planned out.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing? I think most people don’t realize how much work it is. Unlike traditional sports, it really has to be your whole life, not just how you perform during your work out or competition.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory? Oh my gosh, really? Ok, well one event comes to mind...When I was a kid I was terrified of characters (you know, the ones with furry bodies and giant heads) I was especially scared of Chuck E. Cheese. He seemed so tall to me at the time, and I think it was the fact that I knew it was a real person in there, and you just couldn’t see their face. Anyway, we had gone to Chuck E. Cheese and we were sitting at a table. I saw him on the other side of the room hugging and highfiving a bunch of kids. I clearly thought he was not looking anywhere in my direction, with this in mind, I waved to him to prove to my parents I wasn’t afraid. A few minutes later, he walked over to our table and reached out to shake my hand, I let out huge scream, and probably tried to hide behind my parents. All I remember is the guy at the table next to me laughing and telling people what happened. It is funny to me now, and just for the record, I am not afraid anymore.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep? I have learned that I am stronger than I think physically and to continually push myself. After years of competing, I have also learned what works for me mentally. I crave routine!!
Who do you look up a
nd admire and why? I look up to my mom. When I was growing up she did it all. She was a great mom, our house was always spotless, and she helped run a company that she and my dad owned. She is a very strong and beautiful person who can take on any challenge.
Competition history:
2013
NPC Pittsburgh Championships Figure: Class D (2nd)
2012
NPC USA Championships Figure: Class E (7th)
NPC Southern California Figure: Class E (2nd)
2012 NPC Junior USA Bikini: Bikini E (11th)
2011
NPC NATIONALS Bikini: Class E
IFBB North American Bikini: Class D (10th)
NPC Pacific USA Bikini: Class E (2nd)
USA Bodybuilding, Figure, Physique and Bikini Championships Figure: Class E (11th)
NPC Team Universe Figure: Class E
NPC Southern California Figure : Class E (1st)
NPC Cal State Figure: Class E (7th)
2009
USA Championships Figure: Class E (7th)
Los Angeles Figure: Class E (2nd)
2008
North American Bodybuilding & Figure Championships Figure: Class E (15th)
Los Angeles Bodybuilding, Figure & Fitness Championships Figure: Class E (1st)
San Jose Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Figure: Class D (1st)
2007
Border States Classic Bodybuilding & Figure Championships Figure: Class D (5th)
Next competition: 2013 Bev Francis Atlantic States June 8th and then Jr. Nationals June 14th in Chicago
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Just do it” short,
but effective
Who would you like to thank? First of all, my husband. Without his support, I could not do this. My kids, family, and friends for understanding and accommodating me. Big thanks to my Bombshell coaches, Gen Strobo, Shannon Dey, and Rob Rosetti. I have learned a lot from them, and they have taken my training to the next level. And, of course RxGirl for this is interview and for being a great resource for competitors.
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