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: Michelle Brannan
Category you compete in: IFBB Pro Bikini
Date of birth: 01/6/1982
Hometown: London, United Kingdom
Career: Personal Trainer
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why? Catwoman, because Halle Berry looks great in her pvc outfit!
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport? I came across a video clip on You Tube in 2009, I never worked out in the gym, I am naturally quite slim and danced Lambada, Salsa and Latin, which kept me in reasonable shape but when I saw these girls in the Bikini class I was blown away. I had no idea about how to eat right or train with weights but researched as much as possible and qualified to be a Personal Trainer to help me gain the knowledge I needed. In 2010 I did my first show and placed 1st, after that I was hooked and decided to see how far I could take it. My goal was an IFBB pro card so when UKBFF introduced Bikini in late 2010, I was so excited and won their first show, I then went on to win the amateur Olympia at the British Grand Prix and represent UK at the IFBB Amateur European and World Championships and at the Arnold Europe. I got my pro card at the World Championships in Serbia, making me the very first UK athlete to earn pro status through the Bikini class.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto? I don’t tend to carb cycle, I joined Team Bombshell in June 2011 and my diet is about consistent clean eating. I am quite a slim person and don’t gain muscle easily so I need a diet that helps me to stay pretty lean all year, but make enough gains in terms of adding a little muscle. In the bikini class there is no real need for an off season so I like to stay in shape all year round.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing? I am not really sure… when I started I had no idea what to expect, I didn’t know anyone and I prepped myself so I just walked out there and did it, it was a good feeling to have no preconceived ideas as it allowed my mind to be free and not to worry. The more shows I do, the harder I have to work, as moving up in the ranks the competition gets tougher!!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep? I learned you have to place a value on yourself, which is independent to what you look like. When you are competing so many people will comment on what you look like, sometimes positive but sometimes not so positive so I try to see myself as a project I am working on. I try not to take things personally because I am so much more than what I look like. Right now, I am working on my physique but before that I used to dance and after this I might do something else. I think I have gained new healthy eating and fitness habits that will stay with me even after I stop competing, but it is important to not associate your worth as an individual with your success on stage.
Who do you look up and admire and why? I really love the Bikini look, there are so may good girls out there it would be difficult to say, but I do take inspiration from professional competitive Latin dancers too for their great leg lines and energy. Looking at this girls legs is probably my very first inspiration even before seeing the YouTube clip of the bikini class.
Competition history:
IFBB St Louis Pro - 4th place Bikini class
IFBB World Championships 2011 - 3rd Bikini Class (Pro Card earned)
IFBB Arnold Classic Europe 2011 - 3rd place Bikini Class
IFBB European Championships - 5th place Bikini class
IFBB Ms Bikini Amateur Olympia 2011 - 1st place
UKBFF Mr Hercules 2010 - 1st place Bikini class
Ms Bikini Fitness Britain - 2nd place
Ms Bikini FAME British Championships 2010 - 1st place
Next competition: Toronto Pro June 2012
Favorite Motivational Quote:
Do the things you are most scared of – quote by me!
Who would you like to thank?
All my friends and family, my mum and dad and a special thank you to Malcolm Denmark for hours and hours of listening to me and supporting this journey.
Team Bombshell, my coach Shannon Dey
The Harlequin Workshop – my suit sponsor
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
