Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Nichole (Nikki) Venzara
Category you compete in: Fitness short class........ I am 5’1
Date of birth: 07-09-1988- I am 22 years old
Hometown: Merritt Island, Florida
Career: I just graduated May 18th from Hawaii Pacific University where I received my Bachelors in Science of Nursing. I am currently taking the NCLEX review course to pass my nursing boards so I can find a job as a register nurse. I would like to work in the ER or Pediatric department.
What is your favorite contest prep recipe? My first meal, which is oatmeal egg whites and blueberries with lots of cinnamon. I mix all ingredients together and make little pancake then spray I Cant Believe It's Not Butter and a little sugar free Walden’s pancake syrup... yummy yummy!!! With a cup of coffee.... sigh..... ahh I love breakfast!!!
Another thing is I cant live without is my crock-pot. I put my chicken, steak, pork in there frozen or unfrozen. I change seasonings all the time! Nothing like pulled chicken, pork and steak. :) Sometimes the oven just makes my meat to dry and hard to chew, but who ever invented a crock pot was a GENIUS!!!!!
What part of your physique are you currently working on? The part of my physique I am currently working on is my midback. I have always had well developed legs due to gymnastic and cheerleading since I was five. So since I started in this industry a lot of my training has been focused on the upper body. I have always just had these glutes and legs. People ask how I got these glutes. Honestly, I got them from my mamma :) My dad ain’t got any glutes! He tells me mom chewed them off.... hehehe.... lol. But I will give my dad credit for my back and v-taper. I know I get that from him.
Name one piece of nutrition/fitness advice that has stuck with you.
Someone out there is always working harder then you... so always push yourself and know when the times gets tough or you feel like giving up there is someone who wants it just as bad or more then you sooo don’t quit.
If you could compete in one other event (FBB, physique, figure, fitness, bikini) which would it be and why?
I would do Figure because the first show I ever did I competed in figure and it was fun. It was a little easier then fitness because I did not have to stress or worry about hitting my 2-minute routine. I would do both though. It seems that there are not as many fitness shows anymore so I think I might do both in the long run, because I just love competing and getting on stage. I like fitness because I can be my fun energetic goofy self on stage unlike figure where I have to keep my smile toned down and can’t do my cheerleader facials up there... lol.
Why NPC: NPC is a great organization. Of the shows I have done all the people I have met have been very nice and inspiring. They really take care of their athletes. I think it’s a great federation.
What do you like best about competing?
The thing I like best about competing is performing my routines. I just love getting out there and putting on a show. I have the time of my life out there. Its sooo fun to just let loose and give the crowd a fun entertaining routine to watch.
The next thing I like best would be getting to pick out your suit, your costume, the make-up, getting your hair done etc… I love to feel all pretty in my sparkly suit with my hair all done! As you can tell that’s alllll my hair… I get asked at every show if that is all my hair. So to clear it up ............yes it's all mine baby!! Lol
And finally meeting all the other girls and men who have the same passion for the sport as you do. I have not been to many shows, but the ones I have everyone is very genuine and just fun to be around.
What are your goals for the future?
My short-term goal is to pass my nursing boards, find a job, start working and start training hard for my IFBB PRO DEBUT!!!!
My long term goals for the future is to find a steady job as a pediatric intensive care nurse and qualify for the Olympia within the next few years.
Competition history: This is only my second year competing. I started preparing for a figure show in Hawaii where I was going to college. I came home to Florida for 10 days to visit family and see my friend Sandi Stuart IFBB fitness pro and have her take a look at me since I had no idea what I was doing. I was 8 weeks from my Hawaii show. She told me there was a show next weekend and I was ready and should do it. I told her no way ! I have no idea how to pose, I don’t have a suit, I don’t have makeup, shoes, or know how to do hair, plus I’m white as a ghost! She said don’t worry I'll do your hair make up etc… I said ok fine. So I entered my first show August 21, 2010.... The Florida State. I entered the Figure short class division. There was 17 girls. I won my class. Then 8 weeks later I entered the Paradise Cup in Hawaii. I won my division and took the overall. Meanwhile trying to get through nursing school!! Then I took a little break over Christmas to put a little size back on my mid-back then started dieting again for Jr. Nationals. Jr. Nationals was my first ever national show I had never even been to one before. So I was extremely nervous and did not know what to except. I met a ton of great people though, it was very well run and the weekend couldn’t have gotten any better!!!!
Next competition: My next competition..... I am not 100% positive, but definitely Ft. Lauderdale Cup Oct 8th. I am still discussing this with my trainer to figure out my next step. But don’t worry you’ll be seeing a lot of me! I love competing and can't wait to continue on this journey and get more shows under my belt.
Hobbies: Hobbies besides working out… cheerleading, coaching cheerleading. I coached a high school team out in Hawaii for fun. Going to the beach. I love the ocean, wakeboarding, surfing, tubing, anything with sun and water.... I’m there! And of course Shopping!!!! Hanging out with my family. I have very supportive parents who have been right beside me at every competition. Of the three shows I have done it would not have been possible without there support!
I love finding new healthy ways to cook food.
I love watching the food network. Rachel Ray and Giada are my favorite. Cupcakes Wars and Top Chef I also love watching.
I have never missed a season of ONE TREE HILL :)
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the years when it comes to competing?
Well this is only my second year competing and third show so I think I have a lot to learn, but so far I have learned not to ever do this because you feel you have to compete. Do this sport because you love it.
What is your favorite contest prep supplement?
My favorite contest prep supplement would be Myofusion peanut butter protein powder yummy yummy …. Also, the worst is fish oils. I take 6 a day..... eww I hate the after taste. Sometimes I ask myself, "Man did I take my fish oils?" and if I have an awful burp up I know I took them…EWWW hate them but gotta take them......lol I am a supplement minimalist and outside of my protein and fish oils I just rely on whole food and good programming.
Favorite Quote:
"The vision of a champion is someone bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion… when no one else is watching…"
And “ IF YOU WANT SOMETHING, DON’T WISH FOR IT, WORK FOR IT. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO WAIT “
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