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: Christie Mader
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: 12/30/77
Hometown: Sartell, MN
Career: Physical Therapist Assistant
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why? I would have to say Supergirl. I dressed up as her for Halloween one year. She displays both beauty, compassion and strength. Nothing feels better than being able to help someone or inspire them.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport? I have always been involved in sports. My years in gymnastics being coached by Binny Levandowski taught me if I work my butt off anything is possible. I always stayed in the gym training until she made me go home. She would tell me to try something and I would, whether it seemed possible or not. I crashed many times, but that never stopped me. The hard work and dedication I learned through my younger years in sports helped me to achieve more in my life and push for more. I continued to train in the gym as it was a way to clear my mind, feel satisfied and happy which overflows into everyday life. Once I began training for my first competition I realized I had the potential to make things happen. I had a trainer, Christine Bongiovanni-Stiff, that believed in me, more than I did at the time. She pushed me to realize what I am capable of. Eating healthy is so important for the sport, that once you have made it your lifestyle it is very hard to break. I do give myself a cheat meal, but I feel the after affects and am ready to eat healthy again! It is an all or nothing sport. You have to give your all if you want to end up at the top!
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto? I have always used carb cycling for my diet. When I have low carb days, I get more good fats in my diet. I always have my trainer assist me with my diet. I believe our minds play tricks on us when we get closer to the competition, so it’s great to have a sound mind and good eye on me!
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing? That we don’t eat anything to get ready to step on stage. The other one is that we have too much muscle and it’s gross. I believe it is very feminine and healthy.
What is your most embarassing childhood memory? My best friend, Kari (Quernemoen) Ice, and I always biked around town before we could drive. We thought it was funny to purposely crash into each other on our bikes. One day, on a busy road, we ended up crashing into each other, but this time our pedals got stuck together. We both ended up flat on the road in front of one of our high school crushes house...we still laugh about it.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep? I am very dedicated, disciplined and hard working. Someone tells me I can’t, I WILL! I push myself beyond the limits that I thought I could. When my legs don’t feel they can get through one more cardio, they do. When I have cravings, I refocus my mind to my goals to overcome it. Once I start prep, nothing can stop my focus! And...never make big decisions when prepping.
Who do you look up and admire and why? I look up to my father. My family lost him 13 years ago to cancer, but he never gave up. He did everything he could and worked hard to give us the best life growing up. He was always there, with the rest of my family, to give me love and support. There wasn’t one gymnastics meet, volleyball, softball or soccer game he missed of mine, while making every one of my siblings sporting events with the help of my mom. There are not many days I don’t hear him in my head. I credit him for my stubbornness; not to quit and work hard for what I want. He is with me at every competition to this day, I wear an angel pin I got him when he was sick on my suit. He’s my guardian angel!
Competition history:
2009 NPC Gopher State Classic - 1st Place Class B
2009 NPC Jr. Nationals - 14th Place Class B
2010 NPC MN State Championships - 1st Place Class B, 2nd Overall
2010 NPC Jr. Nationals - 12th Place Class C
2011 NPC MN State Championships - 1st Place Class B, Overall Champion
2011 NPC Jr. Nationals - 9th Place Class B
Next competition: 2012 NPC Jr. Nationals, 2012 NPC Nationals
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~Gail Devers
Who would you like to thank? I have been trained by IFBB Pro Christine Bongiovanni since I began competing in 2009. She has helped me to get on stage in the best shape and has always been supportive. Thanks to one of my local sponsors, Rejuv Medical. Dr. Baumgartner and the team have helped me through the “speed bumps” so I am able to make it to the stage at my best. Special thanks to my family and friends who have supported me along the way. My mom, sister, sister-in-law and two oldest nieces have never missed one of my competitions. It is an amazing feeling when they are all waiting for me after I step off stage and my nieces run up to me to give me a hug. My brothers don’t want to see their little sister in a tiny outfit, so I get phone calls and hugs when I get home. I’d also like to thank my high school gymnastics coach, Binny Levandowski, for helping instill in me the hard work and dedication needed to get through anything in life. Thanks to everyone else who has helped me through all the ups and downs, not every day is a good day!
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