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: Dr. Brandy Segura
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: May 7, 1978
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Career: Physician, Mother of 2
How does your family respond to your competing?
My family was initially very taken aback. After having my second child, I gave up being a physician to be a stay-at-home mom and I was overweight due to my pregnancies, weighing in at 170lbs. Hearing that I wanted to compete on stage in a bikini definitely was a shock. Knowing that I had a lot of weight to lose in order to compete also worried them because anyone who knows me knows that I have a HORRIBLE sweet tooth! I think they were initially concerned that I would have difficulty and get discouraged, but once they saw how determined I was and the results I achieved in such a short time, they cheered me on and have been extremely supportive and proud of me regardless of my placings.
My better half, on the other hand, reacted very differently. The day I told him that I wanted to enter into “bodybuilding contests” he looked a little scared but then, I showed him the pictures of Natalie Melo, Jaime Baird, and Nicole Nagrani. He took one look at their back pose pictures and said “Go for it!” Haha. He has been extremely supportive and understanding which is amazing given how restrictive and time consuming the sport can be. My kids have also been great and often remind me that I “can’t eat that because of your competition!” It’s definitely become a family affair!
What kind of goals have you set for yourself, short-term and long-term?
One of my current short-term goals is preparing for my upcoming competitions and perfecting my posing and stage presence. I would like to improve my placings and be known as a competitor to watch out for! I’m also starting to write articles on fitness and nutrition with the goal of publishing them online or in fitness magazines. As a former physician, I definitely feel that I could positively contribute to the fitness community and hope to share my knowledge an
d experience with others who are just starting their fitness journey.
My biggest long term goal is to build a website and establish myself within the fitness community as a source of quality information and physician approved recommendations on supplements and training techniques. I want anyone who visits my future site to know that the information they read will be based on real data and science as well as personal experience as a competitor and physician.
What's currently on your iPod?
Pandora! I get a variety of stations, but mostly listen to the Top Hits. The song that really hits me hard right now is “Hall of Fame” by The Script but I also love Black Eyed Peas, LMFAO, Ke$ha, and Maroon 5. I also have a playlist that I made for when I ran races that had songs geared towards an 8 minute mile that I listen to when doing my cardio. This really gets me in the groove and helps me match my pace and heartrate to the music and I get lost. Cardio becomes much easier!
What are your hobbies and interests outside of the bodybuilding world?
As a mother of two, most of my extra time is spent on family activities and sports. However, I also enjoy cooking and recently started taking culinary classes with my husband. It’s fun to create clean versions of food that we love. As a former physician, I still enjoy learning and educating myself on new information and studies that are published in regards to nutrition and fitness. I also find a lot of personal strength and growth from reading self-help books and working on being the best version of me.
Do you have a favorite exercise?
Glute bridges! I have really well developed and strong quads from playing soccer throughout high school and some college so, my quads tend to take over in squats and grow easily. Glute isolation exercises and especially weighted glute bridges let me target my glutes really well and avoid the quads. Plus, I LOVE the instant pump that I see afterwards that shows me that I’m really working them.
Competition history:
NPC Pittsburgh Championships (May 4th 2013) Bikini Class D-8th place
NPC GNC Natural Pennsylvania (October 13th, 2012) 
Bikini Class B-2nd place
Next competition:
Team Universe (July 5th, 2013)
Favorite Fitness Tip:
“Abs are made in the kitchen!” Growing up I was always athletic and played soccer, but I also always had a thick layer of fat covering my abs. I thought that it was just my genetics because of how active I was and never imagined being able to have a six pack! Once I started eating clean and preparing for my first show, I was amazed to see my abs. That is the single most true tip that I can think of and that has completely changed how I view nutrition and my body.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my amazing husband who is my utmost supporter and best friend. Changing my lifestyle also meant him changing his and although it has been a tough road he is always right next to me, walking it with me. In the moments that I have self-doubt he is there to cheer me on and I could’t ask for a better person to share this fitness journey with. It is an amazing thing to have someone to grow and change with who not only pushes you to be your best but who you also want to be your best for.
I would also like to thank my sponsors TrueStar Health and Fitness, Twenty Four Seven Clothing, and Bronze Beauty Spray Tanning for seeing my potential and having confidence in me representing their brands. Also, thank you to RxMuscle for featuring me in their spotlight! I hope that my fitness journey can inspire others to start their own.
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