Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Category you compete in: NPC Women’s Physique
Date of birth: October 2, 1986
Hometown: Gun Barrel City, TX
I’ve lived in Colorado a little over a year.
Career: Security / Firefighter
Competition history: 2013 NPC Warrior Classic
Women’s Physique Open Class C 2nd Place
Next competition: 2014 USA Championships
What do you f
eel is the WORST part of contest prep?
Worst part is when it’s over!! Haha! I complain just like everyone else about my food intake, like if I see one more piece of fish I seriously might hurt someone… HULK SMASH!!
I enjoy seeing my body change and the hard work paying off right before my eyes. It’s like a high, it becomes so addictive… no I’m not the girl that stares at herself in the gym… I wait until I get home! Having my husband catch me checking my abs out was a little embarrassing but he knows what it’s like, he competes as well. My husband is also my trainer, cook, counselor, and greatest supporter. He certainly doesn’t get enough credit.
We decided to focus on building my upper body for USA’s. I would love to be a phenomenon that gets my Pro Card in less than a year. Dream Big, right??
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule?
I like to keep my weight training simple. My schedule is quite busy with EMT class, volunteer firefighter, and my full time job. In the off season, I train through all body parts Sunday through Wednesday. Thursday through Saturday I get intermittent cardio in from fire training or stair climb.
Prep season, I work out 7 days a week. I get in the gym everyday no matter if its cardio, lifting, or both. Again, I keep it simple. I like to lift heavy with chest and back, having tendonitis that can be challenging so I make sure I listen to my body. It’s very empowering for me to know I lifted more this week than last week. I don’t go heavy when I work my arms I like to do low weights with high reps… it has certainly worked for my gains. Also, I’ve been working vigorously on my shoulders; I really want to build them up.
Legs, ooooh how I love to train legs!! Squats, lunges, extensions, Roman deads… As I write this its leg day.. WOOT WOOT!!! Go hard or go home!! They should definitely put a leg day parking spot next to the handicap ones… it’s bad enough I have to walk/crawl to my jeep.
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why?
My hearing. I have had the pleasure of working around deaf and blind students for a bit. They taught me so much about knowing who you are and pushing past any obstacle that may get in the way of your dreams. Plus, I know just enough ASL to get by. This industry isn’t easy but if you know who you are and what you stand for it makes for a journey with greater meaning. It gives me peace to know that the life I live isn’t about me, it’s about the people I get to encounter on a day to day basis and hopefully I encourage them to want to follow their dreams as I work hard for mine.
If you could change one thing about this sport what would it be?
I would make my routine longer. Just mine though everyone else can stay the same… nah I’m kidding!! I’m a bit shy but when I was on stage time just flew by!! I am so proud of my hard work I want to show it off to the world, really I want to shout to the world, “Look what hard work, dedication, discipline and faith can get you!” I am not perfect and without the faith I have along with my family, and the big man upstairs (talkin’ about God… just in case you thought I had a random large man living above me), I would never have been able to dig so deep. It’s an amazing feeling up on stage, amazing!!!
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why?
My first firefighter badge and pictures of my family… so when I’m in 
my 90’s and forget where I came from I can be reminded of the great accomplishments in our life… and if I don’t make it that long my children and grandchildren can be proud of their family and know where they came from.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Somewhere sunny and 75… I like the snow but I love the warm sun shining on my face!!!
When I was in the Navy I got to visit a lot of different places and my favorite was Guam… oh the beaches, so beautiful, water so clear you can see your toes… even in the deep parts!
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding?
Do it for you! This sport is very consuming of your time and time is one thing you can never get back. So make sure you manage your time wisely. With that said always, always, always make time for yourself. No, I’m not talking about going to the gym to do cardio! I mean something that is just for you cause you like to do it. Rather it’s pedicures, getting your hair done, taking your dogs to the park or just cuddling your sweetie watching a movie. This sport will take a lot out of you but ‘Me Time’ makes it all worth it. We all need a little reward for all the hard work we put in. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one knows everything and the little tricks of the trade are usually only shared if asked. Plus it’s the best way to make friends!
What is a day-in-the-life of Krista like?
Oh I hope I don’t scare you… I work nights so I wake up around 6pm get ready for the gym, I have a shake before I leave cause I wake up a hungry monster and a my pre-workout (Gaspari Super Drive mixed with their Aminolast). I work the muscle group of the day. Then it’s tanning time. I get home and eat my first meal (chicken, brown rice and broccoli with my vitamins). I get ready for work. My sweetie makes my meals, thank you Jesus!! After work I either have EMT class or duty at the fire dept depending on the day of the week. Believe it or not I do sleep even though I don’t feel like it sometimes… that’s when I make sure I get some ‘me’ time!!
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
To my sweet loving husband, Ron, who is my trainer, my personal chef, life coach, and everything in between. To my mom and dad who support everything in my life; I am very blessed to be their daughter. Eric, Mickey, Scoota, and my other mom. I love ya’ll so much. Thank you isn’t enough for putting up with me! Haha!!
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
