Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Juel Casamayor
Category you compete in: NPC National Level Bikini Competitor
Date of birth: Jan 2nd
Hometown: Atlanta,GA Now Living in Los Angeles
Career: Fitness Model, TV Host and Actress
Competition history: Although competition is not new to me, fitness competitions were. My first Bikini Competition was the 2010 Tournament of Champions here in LA (1st place). Then I competed at the 2010 Nationals (5th place), 2011 Arnold Amateur (16th)
Next competition: 2011 USA's in Vegas...yeah baby!
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? When I first started competeting I would have said the strict diet. But as time has gone on, the dieting has become easier. I do miss having my social outings with my friends and the occasional red velvet cake.lol
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? My workout schedule is pretty strict right now leading up to the USA's. Everyday is a cardio day or Plyo day for me. To keep my body guessing, my workouts change often. But here is a sample of my workout.
Mon: Heavy Leg day
Tue: Triceps and Biceps
Wed: Cardio and Abs
Thurs: Shoulders and Back
Fri: Light legs with focus on glutes
Sat: Cardio and Abs
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? Definitely my taste buds. LOL Then everything would taste good to me.
If you could change one things about this sport what would it be? Nothing ! Last year there was not a clear understanding of what the NPC was looking for in the bikini division. But as time has gone on, the look is becoming clearer. And I am sure as time continues, the bikini division will continue to develop.
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? Pictures of my family and friends, My crown and banner when I was Miss DC USA. My old cheerleading uniform when I cheered for the NFL REDSKINS and my final diagnoses papers telling me that I am now cancer free!
What is your favorite vacation spot? Being that my heritage is Cuban and Bahamian, the islands are aways my favorite place for vacations. Especially the Bahamas, I feel at peace when I am there.
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding? I would tell any women that would want to do ANYTHING that it can be done. Start of with a mental understanding of what you will have to dedicate in order to achieve that goal. Especially in competitive sports. Mental preparation is vitally important. Set a goal, short and long term. Make a plan and make it clear. Rather it is your workouts, diet, or day-to-day schedule. Most importantly believe in yourself. We all have hurtles that we must overcome. Illnesses, finacial, relationships, etc. But we all have what it takes to achieve our goals and it is found within. Go for it my sisters in iron!
What is a day-in-the-life of Juel like? Right now in preparation for the USA's. I wake up and do my cardio. I have my breakfast and head to the gym to train. My work day begins from there with clients, auditions and work. Later in the evening my second cardio begins.
Favorite Motivational Quote: "If you train Hard, you'll not only be Hard, but will be Hard to beat." Hershel Walker
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? Yes, I can't say it enough. How lucky I am to have such a supportive group of friends and my family. My boyfriend Joe ‘Ino Tong, who first got me started in competiting and his continued support and belief in me. Anthony Almada, of VITARGO and former owner of EAS supplements. His knowledge has helped me with the nutrional hurtles that I encounter because of my diet limitations. And to my fabulous swimsuit designer Alli of " Mermaid-Mafia." Swimsuits. Her custom suits fit my body perfectly. She knows how to make me look and feel beautiful.
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