Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On IFBB Bikini Pro:MONIQUE RICARDO
Category you compete in: IFBB Bikini
Date of birth: August 17, 1984
Hometown: Lakeland, Fl currently Dallas. TX
Career: Mommy, Personal trainer, Brazilian jiu jitsu instructor
Competition history:
2007 Laredo, TX, figure 1st place
2008 USA's, Las Vegas figure-3rd place
2008 Team Universe, New York- 4th place
2008 Nationals, Atlanta -5th place
2009 Southwestern Arlington, TX- 1st place and overall
2009 USA's, Las Vegas- 1st place and obtained pro card
2010 Maxmuscle Contest-took 2nd place qualifed for 2010 Olympia
2010-Europa Dallas, TX -8th place
2010-The Olympia, Las Vegas- 8th place
Next competition: The Arnold Classic 2012
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when
aiming to accomplish a goal? I believe to accomplish a goal..any goal..you need a good support system around you. It could be family or friends, but no one ever makes it to the top alone! You need to be focused and have a mindset that nothing will stop you from reaching your goal. It's all a mindset really! Alot of people workout their bodies to get strong...but their minds are weak. If your mind is strong, nothing can stop you from obtaining whatever goals you may have.You need to do WHATEVER IT TAKES...to get your goal reached. It's very important to have the motivation and the confidence to reach your goals because without them, it is easy to make excuses and just give up. Having a strong mind will give you the confidence and even the motivation to move forward!
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top? There are many people blessed with natural ability and talents. Even these people need to work hard to stay on top! "Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last." Holt, Hamilton This is so true. Talent without hard work is such a shame. If you work hard and put in many hours into something, you can master whatever it is you are doing. Hard work can beat talent!
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you? First I have a great family who supports me and that motivates me. I also envision my goals and make plans to reach them.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve? In my Jiujitsu tournaments, I had put in hours of training and my coach pushed me hard on the mats, so I knew when I stepped on the mat that no one could beat me because I had alot of confidence because of how hard I worked. I didnt have to worry if I was going to lose because my coach and I made sure that would not be a possibility with the right mindset and training! When I step on the mat with a lot of confidence, my opponent may even get a lil nervous!
What do you find the most challenging about competing? Now that I have a five month old baby, it is challenging finding time and energy to get my workouts in. I'm blessed to to have people in my life who help me so much with my son.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1.Start small. Set small goals to obtain.
2.Track it. Write it all down, your ideas, and your results.
3.Be consistent!
4.Allow for setbacks. If you fall down, get right back up! Keep moving
forward.You learn from your mistakes.
5.Envision your Goals. Picture your goals daily and even before you go
to bed! Let it sink into your subconscious.
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it? I really like MuscleTech's Nitro Isolate 65 Pro Series in chocolate. It's a fast digesting protein,delivering BCAAs and added muscle building Leucine! Builds Lean Muscle. Helps inhibit catabolism. Supports muscle recovery! And who doesn't like chocolate?
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
"The possession of anything begins in the mind."
Bruce Lee
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/the_mind_2.html#ixzz1kUA5NSf1
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? I would like to give a shout out to my family, friends, fans, BJJ family and Bombshell family!
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