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: Katia Terletskaya
Category you compete in: NPC Bikini
Date of birth: August 19
Hometown: Denver, CO. Originally from Russia, in the States since 2002.
Career: Interior Designer with experience in commercial, residential design, furniture and graphic design. Now specializing in residential kitchen design.
What kind of goals have you set for yourself, short-term and long-term? I like to become the best at whatever I have a passion for, and health and fitness is one of my big passions. I want to get my pro card this year and start competing at a pro level. That’s short-term. Long-term goal: I want to beat the best and be the best in this sport, I want to inspire, motivate and influence others in the best possible way when it comes to health and fitness. Too ambitious you say? I don’t think so – I believe that anything is possible and it’s only you who can put limits on what you want and/ or can achieve.
What's currently on your iPod? I would tell you if I had one. You might wonder what I listen to during my cardio and/ or weight training… Well, I like the noise of pumping iron a lot, plus there are so many voices in my head that tell me how strong I am, that I can push harder, that I am the champion, etc… But ok, I love music too, and my absolute favorite band is QUEEN.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of the bodybuilding world? I love design, all aspects of it (you can even look at bodybuilding as designing your own body). I have a BS in Interior Design and have been working in the field ever since I graduated, starting in a small art studio, then working for a world-known architecture firm, and now specializing in kitchen design. I love drawing, painting, sculpting, or whatever else that involves some kind of creative vision, working with your hands and then seeing it take form in front of your eyes. So rewarding!
Do you have a favorite exercise? Depends on a day… If I’m fresh after a rest day, I love dead lifts. But then, when I worked legs yesterday and can hardly walk or sit today, I hate dead lifts! Same with most other exercises…
Competition history:
NPC Colorado State 2010 – 8th place
NPC Carla Sanchez Fiesta 2010 – 1st and Overall
NPC Rocky Mountain 2011 – 2nd place
NPC Colorado State 2011 – 1st place
NPC USA – 6th place
IFBB North Americans – 13th place
NPC Nationals – 11th place
Next competition: NPC USA's 2012
Favorite Fitness Tip: I like the quote by Arnold: “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
Who would you like to thank? I am thankful for everyone in my life – I believe every person is sent into my life for a reason; after all, we’re all here for each other whether we realize it or not.
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
