Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On IFBB Womens Physique Pro: Eva Pogacnik
Category you com
pete in: Physique
Date of birth: 15.12.1972
Hometown: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Career: Arnold Classic Europe 2012 Champion, WPF Miss Universum 2002
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
I suppose I would choose Avatar, from James Cameron’s movie. I like the motives of this movie because of the possible symbiosis with the life around us. I like the ability of flying on different animals, not like exploitation but friendship... the feeling of freedom from the material world, not depending on it, and living just in an unspoiled nature with your own will, inner power and character. Doesn’t it sound great?
But also I like the idea of understanding how those we perceive as "other", as "aliens", as inhuman, are just as human as ourselves… You know, this so-called "inhuman" or "Other" could be anyone of us, in some different circumstances.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
Love for this sport came by itself, when I was 14. My father was an athlete and he's always been a great motivator. So, I was 14 years old and I saw weights for a first time in my life. It was love at first sight. At that moment I’ve found my true talent, my love and my life.
When I was watching others compete for the first time, I knew I wa
nted to climb on the stage and try it myself. And I began with preparations the next day. I’m very enthusiastic about every performance, preparation and training today as I was 18 years ago. I just love this way of life.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I always choose carb cycling, both during competition preparation and off season. The only significant difference is caloric consumption, of course.
My body reacts excellent on carb cycling; I don’t lack power or motivation at any point of preparation and I have enough energy for my workouts. I stay on low to middle carb input as long as I have enough power and energy. When I feel a lack of energy I add some carbs for 1-2 days to re-fuel and return to a previous state.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
There is no sport that is easy to compete in. It is difficult to be on the top, you need to have talent, will, energy, support, but also a lot of money for quality supplements and food. Is money the key to success? Not directly, but it is one of the most important prerequisites for success.
Besides money, this sport is about fighting with yourself. You can do the best workout, but if you are not strong in your head, there will be no results. Only the strongest personalities will be champions!
Your preparation lasts for months; you have to be 100% focused on every part of it – food, workout, sleep. Every mistake can be crucial at the end. When you step on the stage you have to be calm and that is possible only if everything was done as planned. First of all, you have to be satisfied with yourself and enjoy the moment.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
The most embarrassing memory...hmmm.. I remember it very well even now, decades later... I was running around my neighborhood, and the neighbor’s dog ran for me. Of course it caught me and bit me on my ass. It hurt a lot.
When I arrived home, I had to show where it bit me to my family. And everyone was laughing at my red ass. Today, my ass is the biggest part of my body, so the laugh is on them, and shame for me.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
First of all, I’ve learned to control crises that occur during the preparation. I’ve learned to visualize my dreams. Autosuggestion is a great human power; you can do everything with your thoughts. Contest preparation is always difficult, but when you know how to exploit your bad days in your own favor, it is a huge advantage. Sometimes you need to take a rest, you have to know how to listen to messages that your body sends to you.
At the end, when you step on the stage, you have to be happy and enjoy the moment. It is the place that you were fighting for months to be and you have to enjoy it. I love that feeling on the stage more than anything else, every time, it is a dream come true.
Who do yo
u look up and admire and why?
You know, I have to be honest… the very first person that came to my mind is – myself! When I look at all the results in past 15 years, and everything that happened to me during that period, I think it is a great story and I’m really proud of it!
First of all – I admire Brigita Brezovac, Slovenian IFBB Pro bodybuilding competitor. Brigita is a great person and athlete, but when you add all the circumstances and her results you must admire her. She comes from Slovenia, a small European country and achieves great results. She is like a pioneer in this sport, an avant-garde in front of the time in this part of the world. Her achievement is not just in this sport, but in everything around this sport – promotion of this lifestyle, but also bringing this part of Europe to the pro league. Her career was not just preparing for contests, but it was like skiing slalom between all the problems to achieving her dreams.
Besides Brigita, I admire Lenda Murray as an athlete. She is, in my thoughts, what women in this sport should look like. She is an eight-time winner of the Ms. Olympia title and she kept maximum femininity and beauty. Great athlete!
Competition history:
Miss Bodybuilding Slovenia 95' (Slovenia)
Miss Fitness Europe ILBB 95' (Italy)
II. WPF Miss Universum - middle weight 95' (France)
III. WPF Miss Universum - heavy weight 96' (Italy)
II. Grand Prix ILBB - heavy weight 96' (France)
Best poser Grand Prix ILBB 96' (France)
IV. IFBB Grand Prix 97' (absolute category) (Belgium)
II. ACF Miss World 98' (Auxerre - France)
III. WPF Miss Universum 98' (Barcelona - Spain)
I. Miss World 99' (France)
I. Mixed Pairs World 99' (France)
II. WPF Miss Universum 99 (Germany )
III. Mixed Pairs Universum 99 (Germany)
III. WABBA Miss World 99 (Germany)
V. WABBA Mixed Pairs World 99 (Germany)
I. WPF Miss Universum 2002 (France)
II. WPF Miss Olympia Cop 2002 (Belgium)
I. Miss Fitness Slovenija 2007 (Slovenia)
II. Miss Fitness Due Torri 2007 (Italy)
II. Miss Fitness Due Torri 2008 (Italy)
I. IFBB Arnold Classic Europe, physique, 2012 (Spain)
Next competition:
IFBB Pro League, New York City in May 2014
Favorite Motivational Quote: 
“Leave the broken pieces behind and move on...stay on your path...where you feel best.”
or
“Follow your heart but don't lose your mind!”
Who would you like to thank?
First of all, my great appreciation goes to my coaches Brigita Brezovec and Zmago Karner. They are professionals. Besides them, Martina Lepcin, my posing coach is helping with my choreography for my pro debut. Mauro Sassi, Charles Benner and Joe Mesa are helping with their advice and support.
I have to mention my sponsors, Sci-Muscle, Maxximum Shop and MNX Sportswear for their help, positive energy and support.
Last but not least, I want to thank my promo manager Zorana Jagodic for her ideas, motivation and great energy. No one is quite like her! We are a great team together!
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