Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Stephanie Yu
Category you compete in: Fitness
Date of birth: 8/6/79
Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI
Career: Mom and Personal Trainer
Competition history: I started in 08 with a local figure show. After scrutinizing over the fitness girls a friend of mine posed the question, "Why don't you do it?" so a month later there I was at the state show competing in fitness and wouldn't you know it? I took first! Great first show and a huge surprise. From there I went onto Jr. Nationals and Team U in 2009. Didn't do well at those, but I knew I could do better. I came back to Jr. Nationals this year with my best routine ever.
Next competition: I'm thinking of Team U in 2012
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? It's not the food, it's sticking to it and having to deal with all the people around you who don't understand it.
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? I work with Erik Ledin of Lean Bodies who gives me my workouts. He has me lifting for 2 days and then I take 2 days off! No cardio except for routine practice, which I do twice a week. I also work with 2 other trainers for weights and plyometrics once a week.
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? Ummm that's easy taste! HELLO! I have a hard time saying no to sweets.
If you could change one things about this sport what would it be? Having to compete on hard floors. The bruises are brutal!
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? I think it would be funny to put things like the "Bump It" or chicken cutlets in it. Whenever I see funny looking things from the past that helped improve a woman's beauty that is now obsolete it always intrigues me, not to mention a little funny to me as well.
What is your favorite vacation spot? Orlando. There's so much to do and it's all so much fun!
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding? If you don't get it right the first time, don't be discouraged. Think of each show you prepare for as a new learning experience.
What is a day-in-the-life of Stephanie like? O boy! This is a crazy one. I have 2 very busy children. My usual day starts with them. Breakfasts, lunches, and toothbrushes then out the door to school. Off to the gym then back home to the kitchen where I'm cooking again! Get the 2nd kid on the bus to school then it's off to work where I train clients in boxing. Any free time in between is spent cleaning and doing laundry. Usually by the night time I'm exhausted!
Favorite Motivational Quote:
"Plant seeds of expectation in your mind; cultivate thoughts that anticipate achievement. Believe in yourself as being capable of overcoming all obstacles and weaknesses." Norman Vincent Peale
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
First of all, my husband for putting up with all that's most difficult of this journey. Secondly, my trainers Matt Rutkowski and Bill Jones. Lastly, my diet coach Erik Ledin of Lean Bodies. I would not be here if all of them did not believe in me.
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