Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Amanda Harris
Category you compete in: IFBB Women's Physique Pro
I started competing 5 years ago in bodybuilding and then switched to figure. Now that figure has gone to a more streamline look and less muscle, I was considered too big. Once I heard that physique would be added I knew it would be a perfect fit!
Date of birth: August 31, 1980
Hometown: I'm originally from Orlando, Fl but went to college in North Carolina. I currently live in Kinston, NC.
Career: I've worked in the gym business since I graduated from Elon in 2002. I managed a Gold's gym for four years and then decided to get my personal training certification, which I have been doing the past five years.
What is your favorite childhood memory? I went to a horseback riding camp every summer for seven years. I was looking at old pictures a couple months ago and realized that one of my roommates at camp was Erin Stern!!! Is that not crazy?! I love Erin's physique and she is one of my favorite competitors. I couldn't believe that I actually went to camp with her and didn't realize it until then.
Name a song that motivates you. Any ACDC song gets me pumped. Who can listen to "Dirty Deeds" or "TNT" and not want to tear the weight room up?
What is your biggest gym pet peeve? People who are more concerned with who's watching them rather than focusing on their workout! I hate when people go to the gym to "be seen."
How do you like to reward yourself? Anyone who knows me, knows I like to eat! I wouldn't say I use it as a reward, but I have a crazy appetite and love food. I wish I didn't enjoy food as much as I do because it makes dieting a real challenge. I'm not one of these people who has an "off-season" diet. I make sure I get in a lot of protein to keep my muscle, but I don't deprive myself from eating a cheeseburger if I want it either. I believe life is all about balance and this goes for how I eat as well. I am strict during the week when I'm in my routine and enjoy the weekends.
If you could change one things about the world what would it be? If everyone put others before themselves the world would be completely different. Most people have the "fend for yourself" mentality and it teaches them to be greedy and to do what they have to in order to get ahead. It's great to have high ambitions and work hard but not at the cost of someone else.
What do you do right before you step onstage? I keep my band with me while I'm standing in line so I can continue to pump up while I'm waiting. I remind myself of everything I went through to get to that point and to just have a good time while I'm out there. After spending months dieting and training hard for just a few minutes onstage I want to enjoy it as much as possible.
Nook, Book or Kindle? Book
Competition history: I started competing in 2006 in bodybuilding and then switched to figure the next year. I was too small for bodybuilding and became too big for figure so I always felt out of place. When they announced the new physique category I knew it was where I belonged. I just did the Jr Usa's where they had the debut and won my pro card.
Next competition: I won't compete until sometime next year since it's the first year for physique. I think there will be a total of 12 WP competitors by the end of the year and then it will be introduced to the pro circuit in 2012. Not sure what specific shows I will do yet.
If someone followed you for the day what would they be most surprised about? How much I like to eat
What is your preferred tanning product and why? I used to use Pro Tan when I first started but hated having to paint layer after layer starting days before the show. I switched to Jan Tana and love how easy it goes on and how dark I get. I can paint myself the morning of the show and be good.
Favorite Quote: "To give anything less than the best is to sacrifice the gift." Steve Prefontaine
Who would you like to thank? My husband is my biggest fan and really goes through the whole process with me. I think he almost had a heart attack when I got my pro card!
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