Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Alaina Ravens
Category you compete in: Bikini E class
Date of birth: 5/17/1990
Hometown: Kankakee, Illinois
Career: Student at Purdue University
Competition history:
2010: ABA Natural Illinois, Overall Bikini & model search winner
2011: Midwest Open, Overall Bikini winner
2011: Jr. Nationals class E 3rd place winner
Next competition:
March 17th: NPC Midwest Championship
May 12th : Illinois State
June 17th : Jr. Nationals
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? The worst part of prep is having to separate myself from the college scene and becoming as I call it an “adult” !
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? During prep I am trying to lean up so usually higher reps and we alternate a new workout plan every month. I get bored easily and getting a new workout routine each month is so nice since I don’t train with my trainer!
Sunday: 20 min HITT session / abs and calves
Monday: Leg day
Tuesday: 30 min moderate cardio HR 130-150
Wednesday: Chest/arm
Thursday: 30 min moderate cardio / jump rope and plyos
Friday: Back
Saturday: 20min HITT
Sunday: Shoulders
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? Sense of smell because I don’t have a strong desire for many scents. I’m very plain so I feel I could do without it.
If you could change one things about this sport what would it be? If I could change one thing about the bikini aspect it would be a specific look they are going for. Never know if they are looking for a softer look or tight and lean.
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? I would put my past trophies and awards in it because I know those are things I value and worked so hard to earn. Hopefully they will also be a factor to my success in the future .
What is your favorite vacation spot? My favorite vacation spot is Cancun, Mexico. BEAUTIFUL ~!
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding? Make sure to maintain a good balance between training and your personal life that way you will always enjoy it. Not everyone is going to understand why you do the things you do or will they agree with it but just remember to ALWAYS strive for what you want...even if no one is cheering you on.
What is a day-in-the-life of Alaina Ravens like?
A typical day in my life, consist of :
6-7:00 am: Making my breakfast, which is usually my favorite oats and eggs. I make myself a cup of coffee and check up on my emails and finish up homework.
10:30-12:30 : Time for class and go home to eat lunch between (really lucky I don’t ever have to pack my meals because I live on campus )
3-5:30 : I finish up my last classes and grab a snack before I hit the gym.
6:30 : Usually do my workouts around this time unless they are my HITT session. I like to do cardio before or sometimes after breakfast so I feel light and energized. ( no fasted cardio )
*drink a shake right after my workout
9:00 : Dinner time , usually a light salad with chicken and veggies.
After my workouts I am anything but productive and love being in bed by at least 10:30-11pm so make I myself hot tea to relax and take my ZMAs and call it a day !!
Favorite Motivational Quote:
I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure--which is: Try to please everybody.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
First, I want to thank my trainer and one of my best friends Mohsin Khan who has honestly transformed my body this year in a whole new healthy way. Dr. Oz with BN shape clothing for sponsoring me. Also big thanks to my family, friends , and amazing boyfriend for supporting me. I love you all very much. Thank you !
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