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: Karene Gonzalez
Category you compete in: Bikini class A.jpeg)
Date of birth: January, 30, 1992
Hometown: Springfield, Mass
Career: Medical Student
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory, are all the pranks me and my sister pulled. One event to name was when we covered our grandma’s kitchen with baking flour, and ran to our dad so he would defend us. I was and still am a daddy’s girl.
Name a song that motivates you.
I have one too many songs to name that motivate me.
I like mostly songs with a fast beat, it boosts and helps energy more during a workout. Two of my favorite on my playlist are songs from Modestep and Linkin Park.
What is your biggest gym pet peeve?
I have two pet peeves, first when weights aren't put back in their place! I like to be organized and to jump into another workout quick I don’t like wasting time. Second is when you are being asked by another person in the middle of your workout “Are you done with your sets on here"?
How do .jpeg)
you like to reward yourself?
Well after a competition of coarse I reward to myself with food! :D Especially my favorite, which is pizza from a local family pizzeria I grew up with “Liquoris”.
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
Less criticizer’s and more supporters! I’ve noticed in the fitness field, apart for the competitive side, many are criticized on their appearance. Whether you’re toned, thick, heavy, or muscular, it shouldn’t matter. What matters is that you’re working towards making a change to your health. A support system is what gets one going, no matter what point of their fitness journey there in!
What do you do right before you step onstage?
I'm usually the one on the side of the stage watching all the other categories go up before me. Watching the competitors before I go on stage gives me a boost of motivation and helps bring down my nerves.
Nook, Book or Kindle?
What I currently use is my IPad. I think it is just as good; I managed everything on it from music, school work, and my social media accounts.
Competition history:
Jay Cutler Classic, May 5, 2013: Placed 4th,5th Novice
Europa Show of Champions, June 29, 2013: placed 1st and Overall
Next competition:
NPC East Coast Cup, New Haven Ct, October 19, 2013
New England Champions.jpeg)
hip, Boston Ma, November 2, 2013
If someone followed you for the day what would they be most surprised about?
Well most people think I am a total gym rat, working out 24/7. What most might not know is that I’m very focused into my school studies, and I am a very family oriented person. I am also a mother to a 1yr old boy, the role I enjoy most!
What is your preferred tanning product and why?
I prefer Pro Tan products. I use their products from tanning indoors , to my competition day tan. It leaves a nice glowing smooth finish to my skin, and some of their products don't require tanning, just an easy application and you have a nice tan as if you were at the beach for a few days .
Who would you like 
to thank?
First I'd like to thank my mother which is also a competitor (figure) who introduced me to this sport , and who is also my training partner . Second, my trainer Carla Salotti who has motivated, guided me into competing and also helps me stay on track with my biggest challenge DIETING lol. And third my family, friends, and supporters!
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
