Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Tara Hollingsworth
Category you compete in: IFBB Figure Professional
Date of birth: November 30
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Career: Benefit Advisor in the insurance industry
Competition history:
2004 Heart of Dixie: 1st, Class B
2005 Alabama State: 2nd, Class B
2006 North American: 4th, open Class C; 3rd, Masters Class B
2007 Jr. Nationals: NP, Class D
2007 Team Universe: 9th, Class C
2008 North American: 10th, open Class C; 6th, Masters Class B
2008 Nationals: NP, Class C
2009 Kentucky Muscle: 3rd, open class C; 1st & Overall, Masters class B
2010 NPC Team Universe: 7th, Open Class C; 5th, Masters Class C
2010 Masters Nationals: 2nd, Class C
2010 Jr. USA: 3rd, Class C
2010 North American: 6th, OPEN Class C; 4th, Masters Class C
2011 Masters Nationals: 1st, Class C & Overall, EARNED IFBB Pro status
Next competition: 2011 Jacksonville Pro Show, August 5th-6th
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
Without either one of these I wouldn't know how one reaches a goal. The real concept is knowing your strengths and weaknesses. You have to be realistic about this in order to set up short-term and long-term goals. In Figure, I see girls enter the national stage way to soon and end up getting their self-esteem crushed and abandon their goals. Local and regional shows are a great way to build your confidence up and set your sights for higher achievement. The important thing to remember is that you are a great person no matter where you place. Score sheets and trophies do not define you. YOU define you. Confidence and motivation should be preceded by the work SELF. It is something you should be able to achieve from within and without outside re-enforcements.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
Well, you do need natural ability to make it to the top in bodybuilding/figure. Genetics plays a very important role. However, you can't get anywhere without hard work. PERIOD. With that said, I have seen some reach the top due to their natural ability. But if you want to stay at the top you better be ready to work! That is where hard work and determination make a difference between first and last place. You better believe that there is someone out there working harder than you are. That is what I focus on every time I think I can't go one more minute on cardio or get that last rep in my workout. It's fuel to the fire!
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
I incorporate many different motivational strategies. I try to visualize and picture myself reaching my goals. During my preparation for the Masters Nationals, I chose very motivation songs to listen to during my workouts and cardio sessions. Everyone in the gym probably stares at me on the treadmill while I throw punches around like Rocky in the boxing ring! That means I'm either listening to "Eye of the Tiger" or "No Easy Way Out". My husband always tells me that "life is a Rocky movie!". Well, I kind of live my life that way when I'm getting ready for competitions. Focused. Believe and Achieve.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
Well, let's clarify something before tackling that question. There is a difference between confidence and cockiness. I've seen both in all areas of life. Confidence is sexy and charismatic. Cockiness is a huge turn off. There is nothing wrong with having confidence in your abilities. Confidence comes from knowing you did everything you could possibly do to get ready. When you have confidence, it doesn't matter about the outcome. You know you already won by working hard and doing the deal. The hard work is done. On stage, the judges can tell who worked hard and they can see the confidence radiate from the winner. Through confidence I have achieved being happy with myself even through set back and failures. I just pick myself up, dust myself off and get back into the game!
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
I absolutely love pumping iron and have no problem eating my meals. I don't cheat unless my trainer adds it to my program. However, I have a hard time prepping my meals (Thank God for my hubby!). I wish I had enough money to hire someone to cook and prep all my meals each and every day! Those rich Hollywood stars have it made. Someone is handing them a salad and Pellegrino water 4 or 5 times a day. If we could only have it that easy!
Also, I'm a huge procrastinator when it comes to cardio, but I do get it done and I do it high intensity unless told otherwise by my trainer. I figured the higher the intensity the less cardio minutes my trainer will put on my regimen the next time I send pictures and update. I'd much rather do 30 minutes of high intensity than one hour of boring cardio.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Do the right thing even when no one is looking
2. Stay focused on the goal
3. Work harder and smarter than anyone else
4. Keep you mind and body healthy
5. Believe!
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
My favorite protein powder tastes like chocolate peanut butter, mixes well with water and has low carbs and fat. It's that simple.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." Lance Armstrong
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
Well, of course, I want to thank my husband, David, for supporting me 110% and believing in me! Also, my trainer and mentor, Mike Davies, who taught me that HARD WORK and perseverance pays off. All of the Fitness Factory girls! These girls are a major inspiration to me. I'm all about teamwork and we truly are a TEAM. Oh, and Merry Christine for creating the most gorgeous, kick-ass suit I ever put on my body!
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