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: Caryn Nicole Paolini
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: 9/1/86
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Career: School Psychologist
How does your family respond to your competing?
I am definitely blessed to have a family that has supported me in pretty much anything I’ve wanted to do throughout my life (minus the poor decisions I made to pierce different holes in my face in college..I should have listened to them because those piercings are long gone now!) But really, my parents let me try all different kinds of sports and activities when I was a kid, except for ballet! What can I say; I was a clumsy little kid! My dad always sarcastically referred to me as his “little ballerina” every time I fell down or tripped UP the stairs! I eventually spent many years participating in competitive gymnastics and cheerleading (as a flyer) - pretty good for a clumsy girl! Go figure! My parents have been great in supporting me during prep as well! I recently just spent a few days vacationing with them in Michigan, and when I got to the lake house, my parents had it fully stocked with grilled chicken, ground turkey and loads of veggies to help make sure I could easily stick to my plan while on vacation! My mom actually joined me in a few plyo workouts while on vacation (gotta get it in somehow!) My family’s support means the world to me, and I am so grateful for each and every one of them!
What kind of goals have you set for yourself, short-term and long-term?
My ultimate goal related to fitness, is to earn my IFBB Pro Card. Whether this be a short-term or long-term goal, I guess only time will tell! But I am willing to put in the work until I get there! I want to earn my IFBB Pro Card not only as a personal accomplishment, but also with the purpose of fulfilling my passion to motivate and inspire others to pursue their dreams and believe that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Another goal I have set for myself is to own a home within the next 2-3 years! I’ve been trying this new thing called saving money! Haha! This has always been tough for me because I LOVE to shop, but the feeling of saving for something you.JPG)
really want and getting closer and closer to that goal is almost as exhilarating as buying a new pair of shoes!
I also have the goal of becoming a certified personal trainer. I love learning new things and am constantly reading researching articles about nutrition and how the body works and would love to be able to incorporate my passion for fitness and helping others! My boyfriend and I have the dream to one day open up our own training facility! I am lucky to have someone in my life that shares a similar passion for fitness and nutrition and sharing this passion with others!
What's currently on your iPod?
Some of the songs I’ve been listening to on repeat lately are:
Don’t wake me up - Chris Brown
Spectrum (Radio Mix) – Zed
Hail Mary – Trey Songz, Young Jeezy, & Lil Wayne
Hot – Inna
Till I Die – Chris Brown, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa
Taylor Gang – Wiz Khalifa
Trumpet Lights – Chris Brown
Stay Schemin – Rick Ross
As long as you Love Me – Justin Beiber (Yes, my playlist DID just go from Rick Ross to Justin Beiber! haha)
What are your hobbies and interests outside of the bodybuilding world?
As you may have seen above, I am a full-time school psychologist! I love my job and the fact that I have the opportunity to work with children and families in need.
I love spending time with my boyfriend, who is also my best friend and biggest supporter, my family, friends, and my Chihuahua, Bean!
I also recently started a blog which has most definitely re-ignited my passion for writing. In my blog I share my experiences and my journey balancing life as a young professional and a bikini competitor, as well as fitness tips that have worked for me, workout ideas, and fun clean eating recipes! I hope that I can be a source of motivation and inspiration for others to go after their dreams! I want others to know that if you work hard and BELIEVE in yourself, that your dreams can become a reality! As my coach, Staci Boyer, says “Your destiny is not by chance- It is by choice!” Check out my blog at carynnicolebikini.wordpress.com
Do you have a favorite exercise?
SQUATS!!! My favorite saying on glute day is “HIGHER, ROUNDER, TIGHTER!” I actually say this out loud to myself before every booty workout to pump myself up (Never said I was totally normal!). I love challenging myself to in
crease the weight or put in one extra set to really feel that burn! I cannot tell you how many times I get asked what the best workout for your booty is, and of course, I do several different exercises when training legs and glutes, but I will say it over and over again, HEAVY SQUATS! Ladies, do not fear the squat rack! It is your friend! Lift heavy and GET LOW!
Competition history:
ABA Natural Illinois – 1st Place Bikini Short Class
NPC Kevin Noble Grand Prix – 2nd Place Bikini Short Class
Next competition:
IFBB North American Championships – Aug 31/Sept 1 (My birthday weekend!!J)
Favorite Fitness Tip:
Do not expect change overnight. Know that progress is a process! You might feel like you’re not seeing the changes or results that you want in the time that you expected (trust me, I’ve been there), but do not give up! If you stick to it and continue to put in the work, the changes WILL come! And they will be SO worth the wait! Something my coach, Staci Boyer, told me that continues to stick with me is, “Trust the Process.” It is so important to remember that if you stay dedicated to the process and do not give up, your hard work will pay off! Expect setbacks and use those setbacks as motivation to make an even stronger comeback!!
Who would you like to thank?
My parents, for always supporting me, believing in me, and teaching me at such a young age that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to.
My coach, Staci Boyer, for her guidance, for believing in me, for being a daily source of motivation, inspiration and, of course, a friend. None of my accomplishments would have been possible without her!
My boyfriend. I cannot put in to words how grateful I am for this man. He has and continues to stick by me day in and day out, through all of my ups and downs and even through all of my emotional mood swings during competition prep! Haha! In my weakest moments, he constantly lifts me higher. His support means the world to me and I am so thankful to have him in my life!
And of course, God, for all of the blessings he has given to me and for being my strength in everything that I do.
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