Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Jillian Reville
Category you compete in: Women's Physique
Date of birth: 7/14/79
Hometown: Ridgefield, CT
Career: After being on Wall Street for 5 years, I decided that I wanted a career that was more fulfilling. I enjoyed my time on the trading desk and loved the people I worked with, but wasn't happy with the path I was on. I decided to go back and get my Masters in English, with teaching certifications for grades 7-12. So I am currently in Grad. School full time. I know people thought I was insane for leaving the secure and highly paid position I held to become a teacher, making a quarter of the salary I had been earning. But my overall goals in life have changed, and I want to make a difference in the lives of my students. I am very passionate about helping other people, and I feel I have the patience and heart to make a fantastic teacher.
What is your favorite contest prep recipe?
That's a tough one because I am not someone that plays with recipes. I do love to marinade my chicken in Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce, no fat, carbs, or sugars!
What part of your physique are you currently working on?
Well, since last year I had to strip off muscle to try and gel with the figure guidelines, this off season and prep for Jr USAs have been very exciting for me. I've been able to train hard and add some overall muscle. Last year I had to stop training shoulders because they were too capped. You better believe that I have hit shoulders with a vengeance this prep! HAHA!
I am consistently working on my hams and glutes. Most women need to work hard to lose their back side, but I have had to work so hard to make gains in that area.
If you could compete in one other event (FBB, physique, figure, fitness, bikini) which would it be and why?
I would love to try fitness at some point!
Why NPC:
My first coach was an NPC body builder and encouraged me to compete. I didn't know anything about any other organizations, and so I followed his advice and jumped into my first NPC show in November, 2007. After that, I was hooked! I never looked into another organization because I felt at home with the NPC.
What do you like best about competing?
I like to challenge myself in everything I do. I love to set goals and reach them. I believe that competing has helped me balance out other areas in my life. I am very excited for this new division because my goals have changed and I am able to train hard again!
What are your goals for the future?
For starters, I would love to be a top competitor at JR USAs and get a chance to do my routine at the night show! The routine was a huge challenge for me and I would love to be able to get up there in front of everyone and show that I really worked hard and made some great gains from the last time I was on stage.
Of course everyone wants their Pro Card. But for now I would be really happy with a top 5 placing so that I could do my routine!!
I am very excited to become a teacher. I have one more year till I complete my Masters, so my goal is to actually get a teaching position somewhere close to my home town.
Competition history:
Nationals - October 2010 - Class D
CT Europa Battle of Champions - July 2010- Class B 1st place and Overall Winner
Team Universe Championships - July 2010 - Class D
New York Metropolitan - April 2010 - Class B 2nd Place
Arnold Amateur - March 2010 - Class D 8th Place
USA's - July 2009 - Class D
Jr Nationals - June 2009 - Class D
Nationals - Nov 2008 - Class D
Eastern USAs - Nov 2008 - Class B 3rd Place
Connecticut Grad Prix - June 2008 - Class B 1st Place and Overall Winner
Connecticut State Championship - June 2008 - Class B 1st place and Overall Winner
Bev Francis Atlantic States - June 2008 - Class B 2nd place
New York Metropolitan - April 2008 - Class B 1st place
Eastern USAs - Nov 2007 - Class B 3rd Place
Next competition:
JR USAS!!
Hobbies:
Swimming, reading, spending time with friends and family
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the years when it comes to competing?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that I need to trust myself and my instincts about my own body. I also feel that it's important to enjoy the process of dieting and training, that if you aren't happy, then you need to make some changes. We dedicate so much time and effort, put our hearts into prepping for a show, and at times put a lot of things on hold in our lives to compete. At the end of the day, you need to be happy with your progress and how you will look on stage. If you're not happy, it's not worth it.
What is your favorite contest prep supplement?
I don't really use a lot of supplements. I actually pulled protein powder out of my diet at 10 weeks out this prep.
BUT.....I do love Chain'd Out, I have never had a workout without it!
Favorite Quote:
I have 3!!
It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.
Zig Ziglar
Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
John Wooden
If you don't see yourself as a winner, then you cannot perform as a winner.
Zig Ziglar
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