Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Michelle DeRosa
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: 6/24/72
Hometown: Northford, CT
Career: Asset Manager
What is your favorite childhood memory? Spending the weekends at my friend Korrie's house. Our parents were very close friends so Korrie and I were together a lot. I'll never forget Sunday mornings. Her grandmother would make us the best egg & cheese hard roll sandwiches (I don't think I have had one of those since then LOL!). She had a built-in pool and a big pool house, which I thought was so cool.
Name a song that motivates you. Dream on Dreamer by the Brand New Heavies.
What is your biggest gym pet peeve? There is nothing worse than when you are sweating your butt off on a cardio machine and although there are a BUNCH of other machines not being used, someone has to use the one right next to the one you are using!
How do you like to reward yourself? I have an intense sweet tooth and dark chocolate is ultimately my favorite reward (dipping it in some Teddie's all natural peanut butter is never out of the question!)
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be? I truly wish we could defeat cancer and live in a world where it no longer threatens our lives and the lives of the people we love. Whether it is you, a family member, or a friend, Cancer is indiscriminate and affects all of us to some degree. After losing my mother to cancer, I realized that NOTHING is more important than our health and well-being. Without good health, we really have nothing. If everyone would take a small step to help with the fight, whether it is doing something as simple as getting screened, exercising or changing your diet, it CAN help save a life.
What do you do right before you step onstage?
I remind myself that I am only up there for about one minute...LOL!! This means I really do not have much time to show everyone the results of my hard work. As competitors we make many sacrifices to get to the stage. I recognize that I am competing among many women with great physiques and appreciate the fact that we are all there for the same reason. Therefore, I know I really need to enjoy every second that I am on the stage.
Nook, Book or Kindle? Book!
Competition history:
NPC Jr. USA's 2011 - 1st Place
NPC Nationals 2010 - 4th Place
NPC Team Universe 2010 - 16th
NPC Jr. Nationals 2010 - 6th
NPC Nationals 2009 - 7th
Next competition: 2011 Jr. Nationals
If someone followed you for the day what would they be most surprised about? They would be surprised to see how often I eat. I've been working with Kim Oddo for the past 1 ½ years. Kim's diet works great for me because I eat every 2 ½ - 3 hours. I'm Italian and I love to cook. Although I'm not eating chicken parmesan, I eat quite a bit and I really feel satisfied. I'm up before 5 a.m. every day. My days are jammed packed with cardio, my full-time job, weight training and food prep. Before I know it, a few hours have past and it's time to eat again.
What is your preferred tanning product and why? Jan Tana. The color is great and her crew is the best!
Favorite Quote: "Whether you think you can or can't, you're right." --Henry Ford
Who would you like to thank? I thank Kim Oddo for helping me understand what proper nutrition really means. Because of his knowledge and expertise, he quickly determined what foods my body responds positively to and what foods are not so good for me. Similarly, his workout regimens are very challenging and together we have really changed my physique in a positive way during the past year.
I would also thank my husband for being so supportive. He has sacrificed his own training schedule in order to be at the gym for me. With his help, I can lift a little heavier and get that extra rep in!
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