Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Figure Competitor: Heather Blystone
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: 09-10-1992
Hometown: Detroit
Career: Student/Best Buy Sales Associate
Competition history: 2013 Flint/Mid-Michigan NPC
2013 Ron Love Classic
Next competition: 2014
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing?
This lifestyle requires 100% dedication… from meal preparation to training schedules. Typically I will prepare my meals for three or four days in advance. I have quite the extensive Tupperware collection. Failing to prepare is like preparing to fail!
Since I’ve started competing, I’ve come to realize just how many people I can effect by being my best every day. If I can make just one person make a healthy choice each day; then my day is successful. A journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step.
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
The easiest way to be successful in this industry is keep a schedule. You must allot time for your prep and training. Keep a log of what and when you will be doing a specific task. This will save you the stress of trying to squeeze something in last minute. I am lucky to have many friends who share this lifestyle who completely understand the necessity of rest, recovery and meal prep. For me, I have a work week of 40 hours and I take classes online. This gives me the flexibility to do my morning cardio, afternoon weights and evening studies. No matter what your schedule- you can make it work.
My mom, for example, has competed in the past as well. She works as a personal trainer, paramedic and Vitamin Shoppe associate. She is a very busy person and still finds time to prepare meals and train every day.
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why?
A competitor I would like to change places with for one day would be IFBB Pro Figure competitor Nicole Wilkins; to have her insight and knowledge about the sport would be a dream. She is definitely a role model of mine.
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you.
Two of the most inspirational people in my life would be my mom and Monica Brant. My mom, Sheryl Blystone, is the epitome of someone living his or her life to the fullest. She is always happy and seeking fun adventures. On top of her great attitude, she is the most driven, successful person I’ve ever met. It is her experience in competing and fitness that sparked my interest in the lifestyle. Monica Brant is also a huge inspiration to me. It is surreal to be able to say I can call her a friend and mentor of mine. She is one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met. Monica truly cares about every person she crosses paths with. I hope to inspire someone as they have inspired me.
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without.
PROTEIN PANCAKES! Mix one scoop of chocolate protein, three eggs, ½ baked sweet potato, dash of cinnamon and splash of water. Cook on med heat for 4-5 minutes and flip. ENJOY!!
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
I typically do a back & triceps, chest & biceps, legs & shoulders, and rest day rotation. For example, on a back day I will do 3 sets of 12 reps of a back workout while super-setting (a.k.a. incorporating) tricep exercises between back exercise reps. I like to keep my training high intensity.
In closing, Who would you like to give a sho
ut out to?
Naturally, my mom is my number one inspiration and motivation. She’s someone I can look to for advice or a good laugh any day. I’ve done my prep completely on my own for both of my shows; although Torian Lake did give me a kick start and made my first show a possibility. Mike “Big Mike” Bloomquist owns the Powerhouse Gym I train at and has always believed in me. I can always look to him for that extra confidence booster. Aaron Somes has also been there for me… and put up with me during my carb depletion phases. He’s someone who is a fountain of knowledge and I can always count on him to lend advice on any subject. Lastly, all my friends and family have been a tremendous support group. Thank you to all.
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