Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Category you co
mpete in: NPC Bikini
Date of birth: 3/29/1983
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Career: fashion Consultant
Competition history:
• 2013 Circle City Classics, Indianapolis
• 2014 Indiana All Natural, Indianapolis
• 2014 Mike Francois, Ohio
Next competition: 2014 Midwestern States Body Building, Physique, Figure & Bikini Competition, Fort Wayne, Indiana and in 2015 I plan on competing in national shows to try for my chance to go pro.
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing?
Ever since I began lifting in January of 2013 and found great mentors, my life has changed drastically. Once I saw how much muscle I could build through hard work and of course, my genetics I got hooked. I stopped drinking, and I developed a new discipline when it comes to food. I key in everything I eat through myfitnesspal “my bible”. My training has developed significantly throughout the year and I have improved my mind and overall health. The achievement that I am most proud of is that I went from weighing 102 lbs when I began my lifestyle change to 120 lbs with 113lbs of lean muscle mass.
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
The best way to be actively involved in competing and staying committed is to plan out your day. Also, communication has played a big role because a lot of my friends didn’t understand at first. I had to show them how dedicated I was and that I wouldn’t isolate myself in the gym. I also made new friends along the way that understand because their also competitor’s and that has help my balance. At work I have always thrived and my discipline in this sport has raised my confidence and has made my job even better. However, I do have to miss out on dinners occasionally or I receive weird looks when I pull out my prep food in baggies. That being said, I have a goal for myself. I am doing this for me. The difference between negativity and me is that I want to obtain what others may fear. Nothing is impossible and “you” matter.
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why?
I admire Erin Stern. She never gives up and constantly pushes harder. She pushes through setbacks and has a goal and faith in what she does. Her training and hard work has motivated me since I stepped foot in the gym back in January of 2013 and began lifting and walked away from only doing cardio. She is a “machine” and she inspires me to never give up.
Name two of the most inspirational people in your lif.jpg)
e and tell why they inspire you.
My coach Austin Dossey and my husband have been my two biggest supporters. My husband has dealt with my tears, my diet, my training schedule and has been there 100 % pushing me to be better and better. He has never missed a beat nor has he ever been negative. I thank him for his support. My coach, Austin has helped me change my body significantly with proper nutrition and shown me that I can get to my goal with shorter training sessions, discipline, maintenance, daily support and proper nutrition. He has never let me down and since I have been with him my body has shown results I never imagined to see.
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without.
I can’t live without my branched chain amino acid tablets. I use BCAA 6000 from Gaspari Nutrition. It supports muscle recovery, promotes protein synthesis in lean muscle. It helps to decrease muscle soreness after my training. It has also optimized my aerobic and nonaerobic sports performance. It’s a must have for anyone that wants to add lean muscle mass.
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
My typical week stays pretty consistent. However, I always challenge myself and increase my weight slowly.
My lifting always takes me 45 mins or less. I usually do 7 exercises with 4 sets and 6 reps. The weight is heavy and I really isolate each exercise with proper form. I also do cardio for 20-40 minutes 6 days a week first thing in the morning.
Mondays- Legs, My favorite exercise for legs is Romanian deadlifts. It really targets my hamstrings and my glutes.
Tuesday – Back/Chest/40 mins of cardio
Wednesday – Arms/30 min HITT
Thursday – Shoulders/30 min Cardio
Friday – Rest/Abs for 30 mins
Saturday – Legs/Plyometrics
Sunday – Back/Chest/20 min HITT
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
Wow, a lot of people and not in any specific order. My coach Austin Dossey has been my key element in my training and proper nutrition. My biggest shout out goes to my husband for being my biggest fan. My posing coach Abby Fox. Another must is my fans I have met at shows or through social media and my friends. Most importantly other athletes dedicated to this lifestyle. It’s not for everyone and it takes so much discipline and a healthy attitude. I give you all so much respect, especially during contest prep and peak week.
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