Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On: IFBB Womens Physique Pro Lauren Lessnau
Category you compete in: IFBB Pro Women’s Physique
Date of birth: 08/21/1990
Hometown: Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
Career: Personal Trainer and Event Planner.
Competition history:
NPC Axis Labs Boulder Colorado Women’s Physique Class A 1st place and Overall Winner
NPC Jr. USAS Nationals Charleston South Carolina Women’s Physique Class A 4th place
NPC Jr. Nationals Chicago Illinois Women’s Physique Class A 1st and Overall Winner.
Next competition: April 2013- Jon Lindsay Pro Show
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
“Motivation and confidence are two important key factors when aiming to accomplish a goal, because motivation gives you the drive and incentives to become the best person you can be. Confidence is what differentiates you apart from everyone else. It helps you to 
rely on yourself and your abilities to stand out and be considered a leader.”
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
“Hard work comes from within, it’s all a mental game when prepping for a show. Not missing cardio sessions, meals, and lifting is very important. If you set goals and have aspirations to reach the top, then you will be successful when you give it your all and put 100% effort into everything you do.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
“Certain strategies I’ve currently gained while doing show preps is looking in the mirror everyday no matter If I’m feeling good or bad, and seeing the changes my body undergoes which helps me to stay on track. Watching my body change and seeing what my body transforms into while prepping is gratification to me. Lifting and doing cardio to music has helped to motivate me to go the extra 5 mins during cardio or perform that extra rep while lifting as well.”
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
“I used to do pageants as a teenager, and that is where I started to gain my own form of confidence. I love to perform in front of a crowd of people and stepping on stage has helped me to show my personality without using words. Body language is a way to display confidence. When I step on stage for a show I can portray a female athlete who is confident by presenting the sex appeal and femininity needed for the Women’s Physique category while carrying muscle.
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
“The most challenging thing I’ve come across thus far by competing is bringing the whole package together the last few weeks of preps. Every single prep has been different for me depending on how well my body is responding to certain things. It’s all mental and I have to keep reminding myself that the finish line is more rewarding than eating a piece of cake.”
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
“My top 5 strategies for success is Confidence, Goal Setting, Leadership Values, Attentiveness, and Performance. These 5 things have helped me to build my character and help others as well.”
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
“My favorite protein powder is Species Isolyze. I like it because it is 100% cold filtere
d whey isolyze, with no carbs, no lactose, and no fat. An awesome 27g of protein helps me before morning cardio and after a lift.”
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“If You’ve Been There In The Mind, You’ll Go There In The Body- Laws of Attraction”
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
“I want to thank God/Jesus for giving me the motivation and determination to accomplish my goals, my coach Allen Watkins, My best friend William Mcnamee for his support, Dave Palumbo for helping me to learn more about prep, My Dad and Mom for their support, my brother Brandon for all his love and shared laughter when I was down. My best girl friends Kara Berg and Stephanie Spencer who have helped me think positively through out all my preps and stuck with me doing cardio sessions. All my friends who have watched my body change and supported me through it. “
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