Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Oksana Grishina
Category you compete in: Fitness
Date of birth: March 25, 1978
Hometown: I grew up in Kaliningrad, Russia, but I now live in Irvine, CA.
Career: IFBB Fitness Pro, Fitness Model, & Personal Trainer
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why? The only superheroes for me are those people who do incredible things in real life.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport? When I was younger, I always hated muscles, but I always had them. I spent 12 years as a rhythmic gymnast, and fought to be the best, but muscles were not good for my sport and it was not my destiny. I realized my muscles were a part of me that I could not lose. A friend told me that my muscles looked great. I started working out and met people who liked muscle and appreciated me for how I looked. I found fitness and fitness found me. Fitness was my destiny. I was born for this sport. I have the body and genetics for it. It is good for me and makes me happy. I am around people like me, and I love to use my knowledge and experience to help others.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle...keto?
Sample Competition diet (including supplements)
MEAL #1 - 4egg whites and 26 grm.oatmeal (Pancakes)
MEAL #2 - 2 scoop of MyoFusion protein with water
MEAL #3 - 6oz chicken ( turkey, tuna) 120 gm.white potato with salad or asparagus or green beans
MEAL #4 - 6oz white fish with a salad (no olive )
MEAL #5 - 1.5 scoop of IntraPro protein with 4 egg whites (Pancakes)
Sizeon Pre-Contest I use each time when I doing cardio 1 scoop with water
Sample Of-Season Diet(including supplements)
MEAL #1 - 3 whites eggs with 30g.oatmeal (Pancakes),with 1 tablespoon all natural peanut butter on it
MEAL #2 - 2 scoop of MyoFusion protein with milk
MEAL #3 - 5oz chicken (turkey) with 120g.white potato,salad or vegetables
MEAL #4 - 5oz salmon, or RED MEAT with salad (with 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil)
MEAL #5 - 1.5 scoop of IntraPro protein with Russian Farmers Cheese non fat (with 1 tablespoon all natural peanut butter)
Sizeon Maximum Performance I use when I doing workout with weight or routine
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing? Fans should not forget that while we are all competitors, we are also good friends, and support each other.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory? A boy from my school liked me. I hated boys so much. He came to my workout to watch me and I felt uncomfortable, started to cry, and ran to hide in the locker room. I felt so shy and uncomfortable with him there, it made me sick with anger. My coach told me it was not a bad thing that a boy liked me. But, this made me feel even worse, lol.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep? Listen to those who want to help you, and accept their support. But remember that on the stage it is just you. It is important to believe in yourself and, in the end, take responsibility for your own body and performance.
Who do you look up to and admire and why? Every day I see people I admire, not just in the sport, but in life. I look up to anyone who works hard for their goals and pursues it without giving up.
Competition history:
5th Place 2011 Olympia
8th Place 2011 Arnold Classic
5th Place 2010 Mr Olympia Weekend
5th Place 2010 Arnold Classic
4th Place 2010 Phoenix Pro
10th Place 2009 Arnold Classic
7th Place 2008 New York Pro Fitness Classic
10th Place 2008 Arnold Classic
7th Place 2007 IFBB Mr.Olympia
3th Place IFBB All Star
16th Place 2007 Europa Super Show
2006 Overall World Champion
2005 Overall Europe Champion
Next competition:
2012 Arnold Classic
Favorite Motivational Quote: Training and competing is about who you are, not what you have won or been. Believe in yourself, and don’t let other people stop you.
Who would you like to thank? I am thankful to my sponsor, Gaspari Nutrition, and my coaches who have worked so hard with me, Of course, I always appreciate the constant support of my family, my friends, and my fans.
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