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: Michelle-Anne Liuzzi
Category you compete in: Bikini .jpg)
Date of birth: Jan 12, 1978
Hometown: Coram, New York
Career: Full-Time Medical Biller and Group Fitness Instructor teaching approximately 13 classes a week.
Competition history: My very first competition was April 13, 2013 where I placed second in the tall Bikini Division. I also recently competed on June 1, 2013 at the Long Island Championship where I placed 3rd in the Bikini Division.
Next competition: Eastern States, November 16, 2013.
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing? I have met the most amazing, motivating inspiring people so far. I have made some very good, close friends. I compete for many reasons, but the first and most foremost is the goal. It’s something to work towards. And when the date finally arrives it's time for me to show what I've worked so hard for. It’s not about winning, it’s about working. The statement “hard work pays.jpg)
off” is how I feel the minute I hit the stage. I feel accomplished. I never feel as if there is “down time” even after a show. This is the time to grow, not just physically but mentally as well. It’s the time to learn different training techniques; it’s the time to become better then yesterday. It’s the time to work harder and work smarter so that the next competition is a completely different experience all around. The harder you work, the more time you put in and the more experience you have the better you become. I believe there is never a true “winner”, only someone who worked harder and that someone is well deserving of first place recognition. Being a competitor keeps me motivated. It keeps me “hungry” for more…more training, knowledge and another chance to work harder than last time.
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc… Im going to say it isn’t easy. I work two jobs. Both of which are extremely important to me. My full time job is my bread and butter. My part time job as a Group Fitness Instructor is just as important. I know I’m helping others achieve the same goals I work towards daily. Although it can be stressful at times, this lifestyle is what I want; it’s what I live for. When you want it bad enough you do what needs to be done. I’ll do what it takes because truly in life there are “no excuses”. Although it can be stressful at times the rewards of living a healthy, fit life keeps me moving forward.
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why? My long term goal is to eventually work hard and put on more muscle and do Figure and down the road Physique. I’ve met and trained with Dana Lynn Bailey on a few occasions and I adore her personality because she’s got a “bad ass” and serious side as well as a funny and carefree side to her. I would trade places with her for one day in heartbeat, on stage and in the gym. She’s like I said “bad ass”. She’s a fighter. She’s my definition of a strong woman. I love her mentality. I follow a lot of her training techniques I've learner from her personally her and can honestly say I’ve seen distinctive results.
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you. Through competing I have met two friends, Christi and Jenn, who have been there for me through everything. They are competitors as well with more experience then I have in this competition world. They are helpful and have been there for me with every passing emotion, every success and every struggle. On bad days they lift me up, on good days they share in my success. Christi received her pro card a few years ago and Jenn just has taken 3rd and 5th place in her divisions. I am beyond thankful to have both in my life.
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without. My morning meal by far! 6 egg whites, brown rice, a half of an avocado and one heaping tablespoon of fresh salsa. I got my protein, I got my fat and I have my carbs. Its my jump start in the morning. Ive tried to switch up my meal at breakfast and this recipe by far is the only one that gives me enough energy without weighing me down to teach my morning group fitness classes and it’s delish!
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…I typically train at night. I noticed I train best after I’ve taking in my meals and supplements for the day. I train body part specific. I enjoy training shoulders best. A typical “shoulder” day would begin with dumbbell presses 4 sets of 10 using 25’s. I incor
porate front laterals and side laterals, again four sets of ten for both front laterals and sides. I enjoy doing upright rows with a straight bar and I tend to always migrate to the cables and work up a sweat there as well on shoulder days. I’m big into training abs. I normally try to superset some simple ab routines after a set, depending on what area of the gym I am in. If it’s the free weight section I will do leg lifts on a decline bench in between a set. If I’m working at the cables I will train obliques in between.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? All of my students. They never fail to make my classes a success. Their commitment to me as a Fitness Instructor means the world, I am so thankful for all of them. :)
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