Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Darielle Rose Gaines
Category you compete in: Bikini, Class C 
Date of birth: December 2, 1986
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL (Currently in Tampa, FL)
Career: Personal Trainer (NSCA). Head trainer at Corporate Wellness Center. I began training the President of a major company and once his blood tests came back significantly improved from the doctors, I began training a few more of the Executives (including the CEO) and was then offered a full-time position to become their company Personal Trainer. I now train the top Executives and all back-office employees. I also go to homes and train clients and am in the process of studying for my exam to become a Sports Nutrition Specialist as well as creating my website to begin offering online training programs.
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
Spiderman! Who wouldn’t love getting around town and picking things up using a hand-generated spider-web? Plus, having the “spider-sense” to fight crime in other parts of the world would be pretty awesome.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
I have a very “all-or-nothing” type personality; when I am passionate and believe in something, I put everything I’ve got into it. I began working out after returning home from a drug rehab. I had made the decision, while living in the facility, that I wanted and needed to make a complete change in my life. Instantly, I became addicted to the gym and lifting. It was taking it to the next level and becoming a certified trainer (4 years later) that gave me the knowledge I had been lacking. I knew something was missing. I was training, not possessing much knowledge on nutrition, and was losing my focus. It was then that I found the NPC. I immediately became enamored with the competition world. It was a part of fitness I had never been exposed to or knew existed. After a few months of asking questions, reading blogs, articles, and anything else I was able to get my hands on to learn about this sport (including reading RxMuscle!), I made the decision to compete. It was from that moment, my life changed in a way I never imagined it would; providing me purpose, direction, and discipline in life. I am able to focus on a goal, and depend only on myself to achieve it and experience the feeling of accomplishment.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
Having experimented with a few dieting methods, the one I find most effective for my body is consuming very low carbs 5-6 days, with a refeed day. My body reacts well to a fat/protein diet; only giving myself one full day of carbs.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
The thing I have come to realize about this sport, is that everyone has their own misconceptions. Whether you are part of it or not, there is a misconception about someone. Those who do not understand the life of a competitor, do not grasp the amount of dedication and will-power an athlete must possess on a daily basis. The work that is put in, day-in and day-out to achieve that final “statuesque” physique. Does not matter whether you are a bodybuilder, figure or bikini athlete, the misconception of “why” and “how” are there.
Then there is the misconception within the sport; the obvious go-to, bikini. I can only speak for myself, as I know many girls can relate with me, but some who may not. Training and dieting to compete in bikini is not as “easy” as some may think. Although it will not be as difficult as bodybuilding, the work put into it should not be discredited. I myself, did not take the bikini division as seriously, to start (Figure was my original goal). But once experiencing the hard work and dedication, witnessing some of the strongest women (mentally and physically) in the IFBB, bikini completely turned its name around for me and has been no joke for the past 2 years!
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
I can not remember many times being embarrassed growing up, but one time that sticks out to me seems pretty ironic for what I now do. In summer camp, at about 11 years old, our ‘group’ had to perform a lip sync song on stage in front of 60+ people. In the middle of the song, we each were all going to take our shirt off to reveal a bathing suit top (don’t know who’s idea that was, but not very 11 year old friendly Lol). The second I did it, I remember the feeling of embarrassment coming over me; being half naked in front of a crowd. I covered myself up with my hands and suffered through the rest of the song feeling humiliated! 14 years later, I proudly stand on stage in a suit..oh, how times change!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
How strong my mind can be. I fully believe in the power of “choice”. Every action is a choice and reaching a goal requires you to choose steps that will take you in that direction. Throughout my prep, by simply visualizing and focusing on the end result, I am able to make decisions daily that will only create an outcome that makes me 100% successful; whether I am having a good day, or bad day. I have the power to control my thoughts and actions, creating a positive experience for me and anyone else around me.
Who do you look up to and admire and why?
My parents, for their strength, optimistic views in life, and unconditional love and support. Always remembering where I came from keeps me grounded and humble in whatever opportunities I am given.
I also very much admire my boyfriend, Aaron (Jewbacca), for everything he has accomplished. Like me, he has overcome obstacles in life and has successfully found his way, doing what he loves; always staying positive and reaching for ever higher goals.
Competition history:
2010: NPC Southern USA (May) 3rd Place
NPC Southern States Championships (July)
NPC All South Championships (November) 4th Place
2011: NPC Gateway Classic (May) 2nd Place
NPC Southern USA (May) 2nd Place
Jr USA’S (May) 6th Place
Jr. Nationals (June) 3rd Place
Team Universe (July) 8th Place
Next competitio
n:
2012 Season: NPC Pittsburgh in May and Jr. USA’s. From there, hope to start planning for a pro debut ;) I will do everything I can this year to become an IFBB Pro.
Favorite Motivational Quote: “A year from now, what will I wish I had done today?” -Unknown
“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” -Muhammad Ali
"What a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable." -Socrates
Tuna or Salmon? Tuna
Rap or Rock? Rock (used to be a rap girl, todays rap killed it for me!)
Stairmill or Elliptical? Stairmill x 10!
Movies or Books? Movies
Pink or Black? Black..not a big girly girl
Cats or Dogs? Dogs. Even though I have 2 amazing cats that I love, I’ll always be a dog person.
Bodybuilding or Men’s Physique? Bodybuilding
Palumbo or Aceto? Palumbo!
Sweet or Salty? Sweet
(An answer is required. Why is optional!)
Who would you like to thank?
I would love to thank my family and friends for their continued support and understanding of my lifestyle; the friends I've made in the fitness industry as a daily support and motivation via facebook, twitter, etc.; I also want to thank Dave Palumbo and RxMuscle for taking me into the family and allowing me to explore and be apart of the industry. Of course, above all, I want to thank the most amazing man in my life, best friend and boyfriend Aaron "Jewbacca" Singerman. Any cliche, corny saying you can think of to describe finding your perfect match, you can insert here. ______ ;) He has shown the utmost love and support for me to reach my goals and look forward to him being my coach and cheerleader for my 2012 season.
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