Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Jackie Thomas
Category you compete in: Figure A… standing tall @ 4’11ft
Date of birth: 03/10/1987
Hometown: Born & Raised in Toronto, Canada… Currently living in Chicago
Career: Biomedical Engineer/PhD Student… Geek is the new chic haha
Competition history:
2009 NPC Collegiate Nationals figure class A-1st & overall
2009 NPC Continental USA Open figure class A- 1st (Illinois)
2009 NPC Midwest Ironman Open figure class A- 2nd (Illinois)
2009 NPC Natural Mid-State Class Open figure class A- 2nd (Illinois)
2011 NPC Pittsburgh Championships Open figure class A-9th
2011 NPC GNC Classic Open figure class A- 1st & overall (Indiana)
2011 NPC USA Championships Open Figure A- 5th (Las Vegas)
Next competition:
2011 North American Championships
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep?
For me the worst part of contest prep is the tricks my mind plays on me. A significant portion of prepping for figure competitions is dealing with nerves and anxiety about stepping in front of those bright lights. Around the three week out mark I tend to over-think and over-analyze way too much for my own good. But thankfully I have an amazing support system that keep reminding mr to think positive and focus hard on my goal. When you give it all you have, there’s no need to doubt. This last year I have really grown as a person as well as an athlete; it’s such a cliché but believing in yourself is SO key in this sport… ~ Got to stay fierce on & off the stage :)
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule?
I workout one body per week: 5 days of weights with a mix of plyometrics and abs to help with shaping. I love working out and wherever there are dumbbells I am happy! Reps depend on the exercise & body part. I do a lot of supersets & giant sets~ the shortest girl on stage has to fight hard to be seen!
Cardio consists of 6 morning sessions and 6-7 post workout sessions around 40-50mins each. These sessions are high intensity and it’s always different everyday! Name it and I do it for cardio, but I can’t complain, my cardio endurance has improved drastically within the last couple of months~ I just discovered the Stairmaster goes up to level 20 & my mile time is under 8 mins. It’s tough to get through fast paced cardio, but it always pays off on stage!
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why?
My sense of smell! That way when I’m eating my veggies and the guy next to be has a Big Mac & French fries, it won’t be so bad! Haha... I must say working in an environment where there are donuts & brownies at every meeting can be challengin, but I know the sweets always taste better AFTER a successful contest prep!
If you could change one things about this sport what would it be?
I started figure competitions in 2009, so I’m still a baby in the sport discovering all the elements that come along with it. I can say the addition of female physique was such a smart decision. There are so many competitors who fit into the “too muscular for figure” and “not big enough for bodybuilding” category that still want to compete. If I had 4 lbs more muscle on me I would try it too! ~No heels and you get to pose, can’t beat that!
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why?
My bible (aka my light saber) is timeless; the Word helps keep things in perspective & reminds me how much I am loved! Things from my childhood, like my Disney movie collection- I can’t find Lion King anywhere! (& maybe a teddy bear). Pictures of my family & friends, they are everything to me
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Been Around the World, Nah Nah Nah Nah.. jk haha. Being half Puerto Rico & Persian born in Canada and living in Chicago, I have traveled a fair bit. My most memorable spot for vaca was visiting my grandparents in Egypt. Is it extremely hot?- yes! But the culture clash and lifestyle is such an amazing experience. I didn’t do too much pyramid-climbing, but honestly the low-key village scene was refreshing!
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding?
This sport, in my experience, demands and tests your physical and mental strength to such extremes that it’s imperative you REALLY enjoy it. Whether working out or pumping up backstage make sure you are doing this FOR you and ONLY you. When you love what you do in life, you will put your whole heart and mind to achieve your goals. Don’t let anyone tell you “no” or diminish your dreams; hard work & perseverance never fails! Most importantly, have fun and please stay safe- nothing is more important than your health!
What is a day-in-the-life of Jackie Thomas like?
My day consists of juggling work and social life with prep like most competitors, but the 2 hour commute & a 50+ hr work week makes time management very critical in order to get in sleep, meals and water within 24hrs, so every minute counts!…
Haha… get ready, it’s a bumpy ride:
4:00am- roll out of bed, take first dose of vitamins/supplements and head to the gym for cardio
5:30am- speed shower, eat meal 1(YUM) and drive to work… My job is 50miles away, it’s a long car ride
6:30am- Work begins…(ugh) eat meals 2-5, take supps, drink a surplus of water & awkwardly go to the bathroom every 20mins haha
4:15pm- Work ends… (YIPE!) Drive straight to the gym (train, pose, cardio, tan).. Meal 6
8:00pm- Home,(finally!) Wash dishes, pack tomorrow’s meals, pack gym bags & supps, get clothes ready for work tomorrow
9:00pm- meal 7, shower & read bible
10:15pm- bedtime!...
*Saturday is my day to sleep, hangout with family and friends, and of course go grocery shopping, with some cardio mixed in as well
*Sunday mornings I go to church for spiritual growth and reflection. In the afternoon I turn into Rachel Ray, cooking every meal for the entire week and of course cardio sometime in between.
Favorite Motivational Quote:
"It's better to feel like you have nothing, and know that you have everything, rather than searching for something, and gaining nothing"
“Staying humble & maintaining integrity while rising to the top is the sign of a true champion”
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
I am a huge proponent in giving credit where credit is due. During competition prep I have such a great group of people supporting me through the journey... First off, God has provided abundant amount of blessings in my life, especially when my body & mind are weak during prep. With so many health scares and personal challenges, He has always bestowed his protection, grace & mercy each and every day of my life! I have an amazing boyfriend, Mace Oropeza, who helps me with every aspect of life, including prepping for figure competitions. He has been my rock this past season, I couldn’t imagine stepping on stage without him. He has taught me a lot and we make a pretty good team. I owe so much to my awesome coach, Mike Davies and the fabulous girls from the Fitness Factory. I am so blessed to have a coach who truly believes in me and has my best interests in mind during this whole process. I have to acknowledge all my friends & family that support me during the good, bad & ugly days, which includes my gym family. (Special thanks to Chris & Michelle San Juan & Gail Auerbach!)
And of course I want to show my utmost appreciation to RX Muscle for the opportunity to be featured as a spotlight athlete, thanks so much!
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