Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Figure Competitor: Kate Lane
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: Jan 23, 1985
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL
Career: Personal Trainer
What is your favorite contest prep recipe?
I love 99% of my diet food, so I don’t normally get all crazy and create a bunch of recipes when I’m dieting. I do, however, bust out the mandolin and thin slice my potatoes, and then I bake them. They turn out like crispy potato chips. So good!
What part of your physique are you currently working on? SHOULDERS!!!! First of all, it’s all about that V, and nice round shoulders is where that V begins. Second, about 5 years ago I had a shoulder injury, which left me unable to lift shoulders for a year…So I have been playing catch up. I hammer them 2x per week, and have seen some great gains in the last two years.
Name one piece of nutrition/fitness advice that has stuck with you.
Wow, that’s hard. I would have say; This is a lifestyle. It’s not a phase, it’s not a 12-week program…It is a way of living.
If you could compete in one other event (FBB, physique, figure, fitness, bikini) which would it be and why?
If I had to choose between bikini and physique (since I am a figure competitor) It would be physique. I think it would be the bigger challenge, packing on the muscle, and in the end getting shredded. That level of conditioning is amazing to me.
Why NPC: NPC is where I started. I have a little spot in my heart for the NPC. Not only have I met some wonderful people involved with the NPC over the years, but I think they run some great show. On top of that, I think the competition is fierce! There are some great athletes who come out for NPC shows.
What do you like best about competing? I love the hard work. I love the challenge. I love being able to do what 90% of people cannot do. It's tough, there is no questioning that, but it is so worth it. You learn so much about yourself as you go through the process. On top of that, there is NO replacing how great it feels to be in the best shape of your life. No burger, or cookie can compare to how fantastic, confident, accomplished, and sexy you feel.
What are your goals for the future? IFBB Pro. That is my fitness goal for the future, and I will do what ever it takes to get there. Two years ago, at Jr. Nationals, I overheard someone say to a girl “Welcome to the IFBB”. I can’t wait to hear someone say that to me…even if it were my mom saying it. :) My personal goals include opening my own gym/studio someday. :) I would also like to do some test judging with the NPC, in hopes of becoming an NPC judge.
Competition history:
NPC Mid-Illinois-Ottawa 2007 (my first show)
NPC Mid-Illinois-Ottawa 2008- 4th place
NPC Continental 2009- 5th place
NPC Illinois State 2010- 5th place
NPC Mid-West Iron Man 2010- 1st place 
Jr. Nationals 2011- 9th place
Next competition: Jr. National 2012 and I cant wait. My “strict” diet will start the end of February…..I'm counting down the days! I’m excited to see the gains I have made this year!!
Hobbies: Cooking. Italian food and culture. Fashion. Horseback riding. Hunting. Spending time with my boyfriend and his two beautiful kids. Of course working out, health, fitness, nutrition!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the years when it comes to competing? Easy! Don’t give up. You have to have a thick skin in this sport. You cannot get off that stage and cry, blame the judges, blame “politics”, or get all bent out of shape because you did not place where you “wanted”. Everyone who walks on that stage wants to be first place, and everyone worked hard to get there. All you can do is make yourself better for the next one. We have ALL been there, I have! You have to train harder, better, smarter, because someone else is, and you might be standing next to them on stage.
What is your favorite contest prep supplement? Oh boy, I have so many. I’m like an 100 year old man with my pillbox. I love Control by Pride Nutrition. When I am prepping it helps with those cravings, and curbs hunger! My second favorite is Yohimbine Fuel, that stuff keeps me going!
Favorite Quote: Winners are simply willing to do what losers are not.
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