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: Tara Gillham
Category you compete in: NPC Bikini
Date of birth: September 7, 1989
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Career: Student at the moment, but am applying for the Houston Police Academy very soon!
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
I want to create my own superhero and go around rescuing animals! I could have “doggy sense” instead of spidy sense haha! I have asked for a catch pole to make it easier on me to rescue strays, but I have yet to receive one!
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
I began my journey when I realized that it wasn’t impossible to get the body that I have always wanted. I used to think, “Oh well they must have good genes”. So I decided to stop making excuses and started working towards my goals. I also realized that I started gaining more confidence and a more positive self-image. Therefore, I have dedicated my lifestyle to not only bettering myself, but helping and encouraging those around me!
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
My approach so far has been portion control (weighing absolutely everything), and eating super clean which means hormone free, antibiotic free, preservative free, and cage free animal products. So basically chemical free and animal rights conscious! =)
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
Most people misconstrue the difference between “skinny” and “lean”. People think that we as competitors starve ourselves, which we know is the opposite of how to gain and keep lean muscle! I personally eat 6-7 portion control meals a day as opposed to the average American that eats 2-3 big meals.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
Hmm..I went to my Brownie Troops father-daughter 50
’s dance wearing my adorable poodle skirt and my dad accidently stepped on my skirt and it fell down to my knees! I ran to the bathroom and wouldn’t come out because I was certain that everyone in the room had seen what had happened. In reality maybe three people actually saw what happened! haha
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I have learned that I can NOT allow myself to turn on the snooze even once! I love my sleep and if I allow myself to hit snooze once I will start making excuses as to why I don’t really need to do AM cardio. So I now turn on the alarm that is so loud and obnoxious it scares me every morning so my adrenaline wouldn’t let me go back to sleep even if I tried!
Who do you look up to and admire and why?
I look up to Jaime Baird a lot! I met her for the first time in Orlando and she was one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met! She took the time to give me some advice and recommendations. Plus let’s not forget that she has a beautiful face and an amazing physique!
Competition history:
Prepping for my 1st competition currently
Next competition:
The Adela Garcia Classic
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” Muhammad Ali
Who would you like to thank?
First, I would like to thank God for making me exactly the way I am and all the blessings in my life! I would also like to thank my coaches, Tatiana Koshman and K.jpeg)
yle Jessop, for pushing me, motivating me, and being there for me every step of the way! I would also like to thank my fiancé, Brad, for being 100% supportive of me which includes cooking and portioning out my meals when I am studying or super busy. He also will force me to get out of bed for my AM cardio when all I want to do is sleep. He really keeps me in check when I need a little kick in the booty! Also my mommy, for just being the best woman and role model I could ever ask for!
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