Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On IFBB Figure Pro: TANYA ETESSAM
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: August 5, 1988
Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Career:
-Personal Trainer at Just Fit Gym, Plantation, FL
-Athlete & Brand Representative at Top Secret Nutrition Miramar, FL
Competition history:
-2010 NPC Anna Level (1st Place Figure)
-2010 NPC Southern States (8th Place Figure)
-2010 NPC Dayana Cadeau (1st Place Figure)
-2010 NPC South Florida District Champs (3rd Place Figure)
-2011 NPC Southern States (1st Place Figure Overall)
-2012 NPC Jr. USA’S (3rd Place Figure)
-2012 NPC Jr. National’s (1st Place Figure-Earned IFBB PRO STATUS)
Next competition: TBD… soon though!
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing?
-It has changed for the better! Before competing in figure I was a ballet dancer; I suffered from anorexia for a huge portion of my life. Once I started competing I learned to think of food as fuel instead of the enemy. I am healthier than I have ever been and love living this healthy lifestyle 24/7! Check out my recovery story that was recently published in the May 2012 Edition of Natural Muscle Magazine (pages 53,54,55): http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/total-health/nmmay2012virtual/2012042901/#52
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
-Prepare and schedule ahead of time! Every Sunday I prepare and package all of my meals for the week. This makes it SO easy… its like “fast” food- grab n go! Haha
-Because this IS a LIFESTLYE, balancing life is easy… this is what I love to 
do. I will always fit in my workouts and will always eat clean… there are no other options! My friends are my friends because they accept me for who I am- they know I’m not going to go out drinking or partying :-P
-As far as my career goes, I LOVE what I do! I work in the fitness industry. You know what they say… “If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life”… that’s the story of my life! I work with amazing companies and great people; I am very lucky!
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why?
-Erin Stern! I love how she is independent and has gotten to the top on her own; she is a true athlete. I also love how she stays in shape all year long… anyone who lives the lifestyle 24/7 is at the top in my book! I also want to win the Figure Olympia one day… she is my favorite winner!
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without.
-Cauliflower and steak are my two favorite foods… I am actually obsessed!! You don’t want to know how much cauliflower I have per day! Haha
-Supplement wise I love Top Secret Nutrition 100% Whey protein and Top Secret Nutrition Digestive Enzymes!
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
-I split up my body parts individually and don’t ever do the same workout twice. Some days I will do as many as 10 sets per exercise (varying the reps) other days a more standard 4 sets of 15-20. But really, there is no standard for me… I always mix it up!
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
-My family for putting up with all of my cooking food smells. T
hey have to deal with the wonderful aromas of fish, cauliflower, broccoli etc... Every single day! LOL
-Top Secret Nutrition, Just Fit Gym, and Lock and Load Fitness Strap! They are always so supportive and caring… love them like family!
-My amazing friend and other half for being right there by my side, every step of the way. Without his help and support I would not be where I am today.
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