Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Chaya Boone
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: October 14- LIBRA
Hometown: Urbana, Illinois/ Chicago, IL
Career: Exercise Physiologist and Wellness Coach
What is your favorite contest prep recipe? My chicken breast recipe! I grew to hate chicken breast during contest prep so I had to find a way to make it tolerable. In the process of doing so, I made it “Fiiie” (See FIRE or delicious).
It’`s marinated in white vinegar wine and lemon juice and seasoned with paprika, red pepper, garlic and onion powder, chili powder etc. I will season the heck out of some chicken! Sometime Ill even “jerk” it. Whatever it takes to get ‘er down!
What part of your physique are you currently working on? Currently I’m working on making my body more symmetric. Historically my lower body has been more muscular. I was a dancer with well developed legs and slender upper body. That’s a “no- go” in Figure. I’ve been working really hard to bring up my upper body, especially my shoulders.
Name one piece of nutrition/fitness advice that has stuck with you. You do not have to cut carbohydrates to lean out and you don’t have to do a ton of cardio either. I haven’t cut carbs in two years and sadly I haven’t stepped on a treadmill or Stairmaster in about 4 months. This is nothing to brag about really. It’s just a fact. I like sprinting and I like dancing for enjoyment, but not as a form of cardio. It’s nice knowing that I don’t have to do it to achieve the conditioning that I need for Figure.
If you could compete in one other event (FBB, physique, figure, fitness, bikini) which would it be and why? Physique first and Fitness second! I would LOVE more muscle. I love the muscular yet feminine look of the Physique and Fitness women. The only reason I said fitness second is although I danced for many years I have a fear of seeing my feet over my head, meaning I could never flip without having a panic attack!
Why NPC: I chose NPC early on because the person who coached me for my first contest was a NPC Fitness competitor. I like that they are well known and have a lot of connections in the fitness world.
I’ve enjoyed competing with them thus far! If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!
What do you like best about competing? I like always having a goal in mind and I LOVE the stage time. I believe I am a natural performer and I love being able to go on stage and show off hard work!
What are your goals for the future? My goals for the future are pretty typical. I'd like to go PRO. I also want to take some time and put on a little more size especially in my upper body. I'd like to spend a few years competing on the PRO level and hopefully compete in the Olympia!
THEN I’d like to have a few kids and become the next Cheryl Brown. She is absolutely fabulous. To have children and have such a tiny waist and ri-sick-ulous physique is inspiration that I can one day have a family and still compete.
Competition history:
NPC Midwest Ironman 2007 4th place Figure Tall
NPC Continental 2009 3 rd place figure tall
NPC Midwest Ironman 2009 2nd place Figure tall
NPC Jr Nationals 2010 9th place Figure E class
NPC Iowa State 1st place figure tall and overall
NPC Illinois State 2nd place Figure tall
NPC Jr National 1st place Figure class E
Next competition:
Team Universe July 8-9, 2011
Hobbies: Working out, shopping, hanging out with friends and family, dressing my pets, cooking, wine tasting, tanning, traveling, personal and spiritual growth
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the years when it comes to competing? Have fun and make friends! I am a social butterfly by nature and I love that I’ve been able to meet and network with some truly awesome people!
What is your favorite contest prep supplement? Is peanut butter a supplement?
Besides that I rely on my nutrition to get me where I need to go.
Favorite Quotes:
“If you’re not first you’re last”- Reese Bobby Talladega Nights
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