Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: Summer White
Category you compete in: Bikini 
Date of birth: 06/17/1982
Hometown: Madera, CA and Los Angeles, CA
Career: Co Founder and Director of Sales, www.VegasGoodBuys.com
How does your family respond to your competing? My family has always been very supportive of all my endeavors. My parents have encouraged an active lifestyle since a very young age and got my sister and I involved in gymnastics, equestrian, soccer, track and field, cross country running, snow skiing, scuba diving, and the list goes on. My sister, Tamara White, decided to start competing when I did and it’s been great to share the ups and downs with someone so close. My parents, grandma, and other family members try and come to all my competitions, even if that means flying out of state!
What kind of goals have you set for yourself, short-term and long-term? When I first started researching the NPC and IFBB, I was inspired by Alicia Marie and Amanda Latona. Now that I am an IFBB Pro Bikini athlete as well, my short term goal is to continue honing my physique for my pro debut and to represent the IFBB with as much grace and dedication as Alicia and Amanda have. My long term goals include winning the Olympia, landing the cover of Oxygen and/or Muscle and Fitness, releasing my second instructional DVD and creating a recipe book.
What's currently on your iPod? Surprisingly enough, I don’t listen to an Ipod when I train because it distracts me! As soon as I jump in my car, you can always guarantee my Sirius Xm – BPM house music station is blaring! I love Deadmou5, Kaskade, Swedish House Mafia, Wynter Gordon, Avicii, Freemasons, Jes, Skrillex, and Eric Prydz, to name a few!
What are your hobbies and interests outside of the bodybuilding world? Music has always been a big interest to me. I played classical and jazz piano for close to 18 years. I don’t play so much anymore, but I have a passion for house music! I went to scratch academy and was offered several gigs as a DJ. Accompanying my love for house music is my love for travel, which I frequently do for music festivals around the world. I’ve been lucky enough to live in Argentina, ride camels in Dubai, and dance in Rome! I love to model as well, and have been behind a camera for close to 10 years. With all my experience, I created an instructional posing DVD for new models, which I also think really helps me on stage.
Do you have a favorite exercise? I used to be a fan of anything involving biceps because my arms were the first to show signs of growth after my countless hours in the gym. Nowadays, with the fierce competition in the glute region, I’ve been focusing more and more on my lower half! The leg press would have to be my favorite exercise and also the one where my strength shocks me the most! I regularly do sets over 280 to 325 lbs.
Competition history:
1st place - 2011 NPC Nationals
1st place - 2011 NPC Sacramento
5th place - 2011 NPC USA
8th place - 2011 JR Nationals
1st place - 2011 NPC Cal State
2nd place - 2011 Muscle Contest
7th place – 2010 NPC USA
2nd place – 2010 Muscle Contest (1st show)
Next competition: My next show will be my pro debut! I haven’t decided on which show that will be yet, but my coach Kim Oddo and I will continue working on my physique so, I can bring the complete package when I do.
Favorite Fitness Tip: Slow and steady will help you grow!
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank, first and foremost, myself! My dedication and self-control has been astounding! I’ve gone into this sport with 100% focus and determination but it has been tough. I have learned to accept my competition season restrictions and have found ways to stay strict on my training and diet.
My coach, Kim Oddo, has been an integral part of my success and creating my physique. His attention to every detail of my training, nutrition, diet, suit design, hairstyle, makeup, and tan has launched me into professional status. He takes all the guesswork out of my prep, making it easy for me to just focus on the program he designs for me. I’ve had ups and downs, and even pre competition emergencies, but he has always been there for me and keeps me focused, calm, and motivated.
My boyfriend Brett, who understands how demanding the season is and is always there when I need him the most; my best friend and sister Tamara who shares my passion for fitness and gives me advice and support; and my family and friends, who have all been a huge source of encouragement and support. They’ve spent a ton on flights and tickets to watch me compete, and their support has been more than appreciated.
My Oddo’s Angel sisters. What an incredible group of girls. Their friendship and support brings a constant smile to my face.
Last, but not least, Rx Muscle for this highlight and my shout-out during the 2011 Nationals wrap up!
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