Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: CBBF Bodybuilder: Carol Hanley
Category you com
pete in: Womens Bodybuilding- middleweight
Date of birth: March 2nd
Hometown: I currently live in Mississauga, Ontario Canada
Career: Managing Director – Software Development Company
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
Supergirl; strong, sexy and being able to fly is a bonus!!
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
I have followed bodybuilding since I was a teenager, but participating never really seemed like a reality. I was involved in athletics mainly track and field amongst other sports such as volleyball and tennis. In a casual conversation with a friend, the subject of me competing came up and I jumped in with both feet. I found I absolutely loved lifting weights and my body adapted well to bodybuilding. I see myself being involved in bodybuilding in one way or another for a long time to come.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I prefer to carb cycle with cheat days when needed. I believe that the body needs carbs to fully function and to keep glycogen stores high enough to train properly. This process has worked well for me and I continue to follow this type of a diet plan. I also provide my body with the right amount of protein to keep the muscle gained in the off season.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
Some people I have spoken to assume that the training prep starts close to the show date and no training is required before that. Training is continuous all year round. I love the idea of setting a goal and accomplishing or even surpassing it. Bodybuilding is definitely a disciplined lifestyle that is very rewarding if it is truly your passion.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
I would have to say my posing debut. Little did I know as a young child that I was being prepped for being on stage as an adult. When I was 6 years old – my grandfather would ask me to do my posing or walking routine for all his friends. It seems I had this inner model like persona that needed to be showcased. I would proudly put my hands on both hips and sashay across the floor, much to the delight of my Grandad and his friends. I would tell him, “Grandpa I’m a superstar”, or so I thought.
Now as a child that may be considered quite cute and adora
ble – but every time whenever I visit my hometown, and even to this day, I have total strangers come up to me and ask “Can you do your superstar walk for us”.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I have learned the true meaning of doing what it takes to get the job done no matter what. There have been days when I was either too tired and had to fight against the feeling of not training or doing cardio. Those were the times where I had to kick my own butt to train regardless of how tired I was feeling.
I have also learned as much as bodybuilding is an individual sport a good support network is priceless; we simply can’t do everything ourselves, so I have learned to ask for help when needed.
Who do you look up and admire and why?
I have always looked up to my grandmother whom I love dearly and is responsible for the person I have become. She instilled the values in me that I live by today.
Competition history:
· 2012 Canadian Nationals – CBBF, Open Middleweight 1st Place
· 2011 Canadian Nationals – CBBF, Open Middleweight 2nd
· 2011 Canadian Nationals – CBBF, Grand Masters Middleweight 4th
· 2011 North American Championships – IFBB, Open Middleweight 4th
· 2011 North American Championships – IFBB, Masters Middleweight 4th
· 2010 Ontario South Central - Open Middleweight 1st
· 2010 Ontario South Central - Masters Middleweight 1st
· 2010 Ontario Provincials - Open Middleweight 3rd
· 2010 Ontario Provincials - Masters Middleweight 3rd
· 2010 Canadian Nationals – CBBF, Masters Middleweight 4th
· 2009 Ontario South Central - Open Middleweight 2nd
Next competition:
North American Championships; August 31th , 2012
Favorite Motivational Quote:
Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If y
ou concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
- Oprah Winfrey
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank:
Jude Mallard
Laura Binetti
Doug Curry
Sharon Mould
Tina Goinarov
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