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: Nicole Coleman
Category you compete in: IFBB Pro Bikini
Date of birth: 9/25/1976
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Career: Personal Trainer, Personal Fit Chef, Graphic Artist, NPC Judge
Competition history:
NPC (National Physique Committee) FIGURE
2008 NPC Greater Gulf States
1st place Figure Short Class (New Orleans Division)
Overall Figure Champion (New Orleans Division)
2008 NPC Greater Gulf States
2nd place Figure Short Class
2008 NPC Louisiana State Championships
1st place Figure Short Class
Overall Figure Champion
2008 NPC USA Championship
4th place Figure Class A
2008 NPC Team Universe Championship
8th place Figure Class A
2008 NPC Nationals
5th place Figure Class A
2009 Arnold Classic Amateur 
1st place Figure Class A
2009 NPC USA Championship
15th place Figure Class A
2009 NPC Team Universe Championship
1st place FIgure Class A * Earned IFBB Pro Card
IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders) PRO FIGURE
2010 New York Pro / Team Universe Championship
16th place
2010 Jacksonville Pro / Dexter Jackson Classic
19th place
IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders) PRO BIKINI
2010 Detriot Pro / John Simmons Pro Bikini Championship
15th place
2010 Fort Lauderdale Pro / Fort Lauderdale Cup
10th place
2011 Optimum / Shreveport Pro Bikini Championship
15th place
2011 New York Pro Bikini Championship
12th place
2011 Europa Super Show - Dallas
13th place
2011 Phoenix Pro Bikini Champio
nship
14th place
2011 Houston Pro Bikini Championship
3rd place (QUALIFIED FOR 2012 MS BIKINI OLYMPIA)
2011 Titans Grand Pri Pro Bikini Championship
9th place
Next competition: IFBB Greater Gulf States Pro Bikini
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
It plays a huge role, we all know how difficult this sport is, we become our own worst critics and sometimes question our own efforts and progress! It is very important to have those who believe in you along for the ride to motivate you and remind you that you are a small percentage of people who dedicate their lives to training, eating and pushing the limit everyday to maintain health, wellness and a look in an industry that it is based almost solely on body image and look. You have to hold your chest and chin up and walk the walk on and off the stage! This is certainly not for the weak at heart.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top? I believe hard work is absolutely necessary. Natural talent, ability and or genetics, in this sport and any other field in which you want to reach the top in. And hard work not only to physically do what you need to succeed but to mentally put in work to develop strategies, think out of the box, push the envelope and push to overcome adversity along the way. Its what separates the GOOD, from the GREAT, the OK from the EXCEPTIONAL! It is what I strive for!
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you? I have been in the sport for a long time and it is not an easy one! I look at pictures before I began my journey in this sport and remember where I was to remind myself that is a place I don’t want to go back to. I look at past competition pictures of myself to see where I can improve and/or what I can do different. I look at other competitors/magazines for inspiration and to help motivate me to keep me on track and pushing towards my goal!
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve? I remember when I was in the 2nd grade I decided on my own not at any teacher’s recommendation, that I wanted to be a student in the Gifted Studies program at my elementary school, because those student had better resources, learned a lot more and had better opportunities (already thinking about my future). So I went home to tell my Dad that I wanted to take whatever test was necessary to get in the program. Well, I did, and I did not perform at the level that would qualify me as “gifted”. So I cried and my father said “You lift your head up, wipe your eyes, hold your chest up high and YOU TAKE IT AGAIN.” So I took it again, and again I did not make the necessary score. At this point I said, no one will tell me I am not gifted, I knew I was smart enough and deserving to be in the program! I said “I will take it again” I walked in a 3rd time, chest and head up high, and said “I WILL pass this time!” And I did! I entered the school Gifted Studies program the following year and continued through High School / Graduation! That is the same confidence I take with me into each prep and on the stage for each show! It is why I keep pushing! Even when the odds are against me, or I place poorly, I just get back up and go at it again.
What do you find the most challenging about competing? Competing is CHALLENGING! Period. But I would say the social aspect or lack of much of a social life is one of the most challenging. Sometimes having to isolate yourself from people, events, outing etc… Because there is just not enough time in the day, you are too fatigued or you just don’t feel like bringing your containers or Ziploc bags everywhere you go. It can sometimes affect relationships and friendships as well.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success? These are the five strategies I focus on that have played a integral part of my success in life.
1. Research (Read, interview, ask questions…)
2. Visualization (Paint the picture of where you want to be and see yourself doing it before it happens)
3. Acceptance (Accept where you are, accept your weaknesses and strengths and focus on being the best you)
4. Persistance (Never give up)
5. Individuality (Be yourself)
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it? I like MRM’s 100% Natural Whey! It’s low calorie, low carb, very tasty and sweetened with Stevia! No fill
ers, aspertame, soy, etc… Mmmmm
Favorite Inspirational Quote: “No wind serves a ship with no port of destination.”
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
I would like to give a shout out to my MOM, for always being by my side, being so supportive and with me every step of the way though out this journey! My father, who is no longer with me, but is responsible for me being the woman I am today. He taught me will power, he taught me how to push and exposed me to knowledge one could not pay for. I would like to thank my awesome coach Kim Oddo, for just being him and for believing in me and helping me accomplish what many thought I couldn’t! He is absolutely great to work with. I also want to send a shout out to NPC LA Chairman Luke Tesvich and Robin Tesvich for being there and being so encouraging and supportive through out my years in this sport as a competitor and judge. I'd also like to thank Trainer's Choice Vitamins for providing my supplements and for their continued support these past couple of years. Also, thanks to my Advisor / Attorney and good friend Rick for being here and helping me through the ups and downs.
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