Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Female Bodybuilder: Paula Francis
Category you compete in: Women’s Bodybuilding, LHWT
Date of birth: 12/04/1965 – yes, I’m old!
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Career: Semiconductor Manufacturing. Building computer chips for smart phones.
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why? The Bionic Woman. Because she can here everyone’s little secrets, she can run really fast and she beat everyone at arm wrestling. She’s pretty cool.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport? I was overweight and joined a gym. I liked the changes in my physique and started studying everything about bodybuilding that I could. Two years later I entered my first bodybuilding show. I was hooked from then on.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto? Mainly carb cycle, but it will usually depend on the direction my trainer/dietitian thinks we should go depending on where I am at that time.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing? People think that we should look the way we look on contest day all year round. Also, people think that bodybuilders are unapproachable. When really we are the most approachable.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory? I can’t even think of one. Really – I can’t!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep? I HAVE to be patient and let the diet, cardio and training do it’s thing. I had to learn how to separate the relationship with my fiancé/trainer. When we enter the gym the relationship becomes all business.
Who do you look up to and admire and why? Lenda Murray hands down. She is so gracious and has the most desirable physique with a balance of muscle and femininity. She is a great ambassador and supporter to the sport of female bodybuilding.
Competition history:
1998 Ronnie Coleman Classic, 2nd Novice MWT
2001 Heart of Texas, 1st Novice HWT, Overall, Masters Overall
2001 The “Rocky”, 2nd HWT, Masters Overall
2010 Colorado State, 1st LHWT, Overall, Masters Overall 2010 Masters Nationals, 6th 35+
2011 Masters Nationals, 5th 35+, 6th 45+
Next competition: Masters Nationals, The North American and Nationals (if necessary, wink)
Favorite Motivational Quote: "Look Up, Get up, and don’t ever give up." Michael Irvin
Who would you like to thank? Hollis Dean, my fiancé and trainer. He has always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself in this sport. He makes sure everything is taken care of so that all I have to do is focus on training, diet and working 12 hr. shifts. All while maintaining a new business, Team Dean(ology), of contest prep with 20-30 clients. It is hectic but he manages to make everything work. He is amazing. He is my rock.
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