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 Carolina Dominguez Martinez
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: January 8, 1984
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Career: While in college I taught various fitness classes such as Zumba, Step aerobics, Hip Hop Funk Fitness and Cardio Kick Boxing. I had my share of clients I trained from ages 12-60. I graduated in 2008 with an M.S. in Movement Science specializing in Exercise Physiology. I’m currently a Clinical Exercise Physiologist for a Cardiac Rehabilitation program at a hospital; Adjunct instructor at a university for the School of Human Performance and Leisure Sciences; Head coach for an NCAA division 2 dance team. Busy busy busy!!
Competition history: My first NPC bikini competition was the 2011 Ft. Lauderdale Cup where I placed 2nd in the Novice Bikini category and 3rd in Open Bikini-Class C. A couple of weeks later, I competed in the 2011 Dayana Cadeau Classic winning 1st place in my class (B) and Overall. Best feeling ever! I then competed at Nationals (where my tan turned HULK green!!!). I did not place in the top 15 but left there with a huge feeling of accomplishment.
Next competition: I’ve had to do a lot of mental/physical preparation for my first competition in 2012 considering taking off about 4 months to gain a few pounds in order to fit into my wedding gown! I’m planning on competing at the Miami Bodybuilding Classic on July 7th (2 1/2 months after my wedding) and will most definitely be competing at Southern States! I can’t wait!
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing? Well, it was towards the end of Summer when I decided to start training for competition so I wasn’t teaching or coaching. Once the semester started, I realized I needed to really sit down and organize my life. I went from grabbing a bite of whatever was close by in between jobs to carrying a lunch box full of baggies/Tupperware with all my meals. My diet has changed drastically as well as my daily schedule. My now disciplined life revolves around my planner and agenda.
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc… ? I definitely had to educate my husband, parents and friends about this lifestyle and sport. Some still don’t understand but they see my discipline and dedication so they’ve learned to support me. My husband is a former NFL football player and is used to the discipline and exercise. He makes sure I’m up early for my workout and doesn’t let me cheat. He is good about hiding snacks and meals here and there and doesn’t complain if he’s had tilapia for dinner 3 nights in a row. I usually cook every other night and pack my meals accordingly. As I get closer to shows, I make sure to always carry a meal (in a baggie) with me, even when going 
out with my girlfriends.
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why? Nathalia Melo. She is Brazilian as well so there wouldn’t be a change in culture for me. Ha. She has an amazing body and booty. What girl doesn’t want glutes and hammies like hers?
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you. I find so many people inspiring, but definitely need to point out two of the most important people in my life: my mom and dad. For starters, they are just awesome. My mom is a strong, independent, hard working woman. She has taught me how to stand on my own two feet and never questioned my dreams. My dad is “the man”. He taught me how to stand up for myself and always pushed me to fight for what I want and what I believe in. They are both loved by so many, so I know they are doing something right!
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without. I don’t think I could live without chocolate protein. I just recently discovered a new “recipe”: greek yogurt + 2 spoons of chocolate casein protein = amazing pudding!
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc… My training varies depending on how many weeks out I am from my next show. I lift weights 6 days a week and do cardio 5 days a week. Typically, I spin for about 50 minutes Monday and Friday evenings and HIIT on the treadmill Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Wednesdays, I usually end my workout with 20 minutes on the stair climber.
My favorite work out days are “leg days”. I often supper setting to keep my heart rate up.
15 minute warm up on a spin bike
- Leg press 4 x 15
- Leg extensions 4 x 15
- Leg curls 4 x 15
- Smith machine lunges 4 x 15
- Narrow leg deep squats 4 x 15
- Traveling lunges 4 x 15
- Stiff leg dead lifts 4 x 15
- Reverse Lunges 4 x 15
- Calve raises 4 x 15
I prefer having two separat
e exercise sessions: morning cardio, evening weights and vice versa.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? I need to recognize my husband, my parents, closest friends, co-workers and my coach.
My husband came into this not knowing what was in store for him. From mood swings to never-ending tilapia, he’s been a trooper! Thank you for all your motivation,help and support. I appreciate it greatly. My parents and friends for continuously believing in me. My co-workers for allowing me to sneak away every 3 hours to eat. Last but most definitely not least, my coach from Bodies by Mari, Mari Redondo. Thank you for pushing me and for kicking my butt!!
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