Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On IFBB Womens Physique Pro: Karina Nascimento
Category you compete in: IFBB Women’s Physique
Date of birth: 11/18/72
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
Career: IFBB Pro Physique Competitor, Fitness Model.
Competition history:
1999 NPC Ronnie Coleman Classic, Texas
2000 NPC Iron Games, Oklahoma
2000 NPC Ironmaiden, California
2001 NPC Women’s Extravaganza, New York
2003 3rd Place IFBB Pro Ms International, Ohio
2012 1st Place IFBB Pro Desert Muscle, Arizona
Next competition: Europa Show Of Champions
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
Self motivation in this sport is what keeps you going when your trainer is not by your side throughout the day. Confidence is created when I see the results of my hard work. Together we can build something special for the world to see.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
I feel like I have been blessed with good genetics but at this level, everyone has good genetics. I think what separates the top of the group is definitely hard work and nobody works harder than I do. That is one thing that I can control and that I take pride in.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
Visualizing what I want my body to look like and my end goal is the main motivational strategy for me. I visualize myself being the very best that I can be and that is my standard.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve? 
God has been the one constant thing in life. He gives me strength and courage to achieve my goals. Being a naturally shy person, the confidence that I have developed through fitness training has helped me in other areas of my life – including being involved in school activities for my kids! I was more nervous than they were the first time I took lunch for the entire kindergarten class. I could not have done that 12 years ago!
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
Today I have a husband, three children and a dog. My life is more about them than just me. So for me the hardest part is trying to keep everything in balance.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
Determination, determination, determination, determination, determination…. Did you ask for five?
What is your favorite protein powder?
I use Species Isolyze.
Why do you like it?
It does not upset my stomach and I know the protein isolate is the best out there.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
”That first peak is the best place to pause and look back, to see if you took the easiest route, to learn the lesson from the first climb. And it is the best place to examine the terrain ahead, to change your plan and goals, to take a deep breath and begin climbing again.”
My friend
Michael Johnson
In closing, who would you like to give a shout out to?
To Darrem Charles, who is an awesome trainer; Herman Steele for helping me build the foundation; to Lone Star Distribution for sponsoring me; to my Mom for helping me at home while I prepare for contests; and to my great kids for believing in me!
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