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: Justine M. Feril
If you could chan
ge into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
-I would want to be given the power to heal. I have recently lost a very important person in my life: my grandpa. It was a very dark time for me and I wish I could have the power to save and heal as many people from suffering as I could.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
-Lifting is by far my favorite aspect of bodybuilding but the structure and the continuous growth bodybuilding provides is what ultimately produced me to become engrossed in this lifestyle. I enjoy watching my progress, planning and preparing meals, and constantly being organized. One thing I detested is being stagnant, whether that’s with school, money, or training. I enjoy the process of learning and improving when it comes to all aspects of my life. This sport provides continuous opportunity for growth and is a true representation of sacrifice. Year around, day in and day out, you train and eat all for but 15 seconds on stage: now that is dedication. The time you have on stage is just a fraction of the rewards bodybuilding delivers. It is the ongoing effort to advance and is solely based on your input. You cannot cheat on your diet or slack on your training. Your body knows and responds and is a direct reflection of your patience and effort.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
My approach on dieting has changed over time from a keto approach to what I do now, which is carb cycling. I used to powerlift and have quite a bit of muscle. I have to refrain myself from lifting too much in order to sustain the bikini physique. I perform my larger muscle group exercises such as back and legs on my high carb days. On my lower carb days I increase my protein and fats. I am a sucker for fats so I actually enjoy my higher fats days better. I always try to get 25 grams of fiber a day.
I am also very petite and have naturally thicker legs. I have shifted to more plyometric type training and also the stair climber; stadiums are my best friends. I spend much less time in the gym and see far better results this way. I also have shifted to training in the mornings instead of in the afternoons. I supplement TRUEIRON Revival 411 intra/post and TRUEIRON Immanence pre-workout formulas to give me that kick I need early in the am and repair the muscle tissue damage from a previous workout. 
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
-I think many believe that competitors are miserable, moody, and tired while prepping for a competition. Although this can be the case, I look forward to contest prep very much. This is the time when you get to see all the work you put into it. You’re able to witness your body constantly changing. Sure, it can be mentally exhausting but that’s the part that is so appealing to me, to push your body and mind and make you stronger. People often think competitors dread the last few months before a show but that’s what I look forward to the most.
Also, although all competitors are brought together to challenge each other, my experience is at a show that it is more of a festivity among athletes. Everyone follows a different diet and training regime, but we are all brought together to share something we all have in common, which is the love for this sport. I see it more of a friendly gathering to recognize the sacrifice everyone has been through, to get to the point at which they are. To me, it’s a time of unity and celebration. It truly is a competition between you and yourself and not against others.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
- When I was little I used to stay with my grandparents in New York, while my mom was going to school. I thought it was a good idea to lick the window that had ice on it. No, my tongue did not get stuck but I did grow a fungal infection all over my tongue.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
-That I am a nerd!! This past year I have really been able to spend a lot of time working on myself and it made me realize how much I actually enjoy being by myself. Stepping away from all the noise of the world to reflect, read, and educate myself. Time is precious and I want to spend my time growing and learning.
Who do you 
look up and admire and why?
-I admire my older brother Jason Feril. Being raised by a single mother my brother and I spent much of our time together. He has had a tremendous influence on my life. It is because of him I am such a tomboy. We would spend time playing football, making forts out of couch cushions, eating chicken wings, etc.
Even with a five-year age difference and into high school we remained very close. Currently he is serving a 10 year prison sentence in Daytona Beach for Vehicular Manslaughter. We are able to still communicate frequently and he is the only person that knows everything about me. He can cheer me up with just a few words. He has never judged me and he has taught me more life lessons than I can count. We never argue and we respect each other and the decisions that each of us makes, which creates a strong support system. He is a very intelligent, selfless person. In many ways, we are complete opposites. He often calls me his little big sister.
Competition history:
Class A (6th) at NPC National Championships 2013
Class A winner at Dexter Jackson Classic 2013
Class A (7th) at Dexter Jackson Classic 2012
Class A (3rd) at Panhandle Showdown 2012
Next competition:
-NPC Junior USA Championships
Favorite Motivational Quote:
LIFE GOES ON.
Who would you like to thank?
-I would like to give a huge thank you to my sponsor TRUEIRON Sports Nutrition and Stage Wear, Walter Santoni and Oliya Michaela. They have instilled in me the knowledge, faith, and determination to strive for my dreams. Also, my family. They are my biggest cheerleaders and have always provided me with the biggest support system.
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