Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On Figure Competitor: Kim Thiesen
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: June 16, 1973
Career: Junior High Teacher
Competition history:
~Oct. 2010, Muscle Beach Classic, 1st Place Figure Medium and 3rd Place Figure Masters (35+)
~June 2011, Alberta Provincials, 3rd Place Figure Medium-Tall
~Aug 2012, CBBF Nationals, 3rd Place Figure Masters (35+) and 9th Place Figure D
Next competition:
Arnold Classic (Amateur) in March, 2013 as well as CBBF Nationals 2013
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing? My self-confidence has completely changed. Since I was a teenager, I lacked a positive self-image, always walking with my head down. I never felt I measured up to “standards”. Competing has helped me to realize that the standards we need to measure up to come from within, and not from what others think. I think the most rewarding experience is the ability to set a goal, work hard towards completing it, and the self-discipline that strengthens from it. I have also found that I have gained more confidence while giving advice to teenaged girls about their nutrition, setting a positive example by modeling the important of eating healthy and often!
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
I do my cardio early in the morning before my three children are awake. This is not always the easiest to do, as I am not a morning person, but with full time work and children on the go, it is important to start the day off right. After work, I do my weight training before taking kids to their designated sports and activities. Food prep takes place in the evening for the next day, and I cook protein and slice veggies in bulk, especially Sunday evenings for the week.
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why? Erin Harding Mann, because of her stage presence and beauty, and not to mention, earning the coveted Pro Card!
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you. I admire Oprah Winfrey and Tony Robbins, because of their consistent positive outlook on life and their ability to find the good in people.
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live 
without.
Probably the one simple recipe that helps me get through competition dieting is Protein-Peanut Butter Balls: Mix 2 scoops chocolate whey powder and 1 TBSP Natural Peanut Butter. Let it sit for a few minutes in the fridge, and then roll into a ball and freeze.
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
During the non-competitive season, I keep cardio to 3 days a week a 30 min. intervals. I will admit to not liking cardio!! I do find that the endless stairclimber and the stairmaster provide me with the best results, as well as HIIT training on the treadmill. Weights include bodypart split routines where I include pyramid-style training. For example, I do side-delt raises starting at the highest weight I can lift with proper form for 6 reps, then drop the weight lower and lift for 8 reps, etc. until I have completed 4 sets.
Monday: shoulders and calves
Tuesday: Back and Abs
Wednesday: Chest and tris
Thursday: Quads and Glutes, using the Hypervibe machine in between sets to reduce fatigue and increase strength.
Friday: Shoulders again
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? My husband and children, and my training partner have helped me get through the toughest part of competition dieting, encouraging me to keep training even on my most exhausting days. I would also like to thank my trainers, without whom I never would have come this far.
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