Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On IFBB Figure Pro: Camala Rodriguez
Category you compete in: Figure (just crossed over from fitness)
Date of birth: November 16
Hometown: Denver, CO
Career: Personal Trainer; Nutritionist; Fitness, Figure, Bikini & Physique Coach; IFBB Pro Competitor; Dance Choreographer, overall badass!
Competition history:
2008 - Northern Colorado Fitness – 1st (Overall)
2008 - Northern Colorado Figure – 1st
2008 – Rocky Mtn Championship Fitness – 1st (Overall)
2008 – Rocky Mtn Championship Figure – 1st
2009 – Jr. Nationals Fitness – 1st (Overall)
IFBB Pro Fitness Career
2010 – Phoenix Pro – 3rd (Pro Debut)
2010 – Arnold Classic – 6th
2010 – Europa Florida – 1st
2010 – Olympia – 10th
2011 – Arnold Classic – 4th
2011 – New York Pro Fitness—1st
2011 – FIBO Germany – 3rd
2011 – Olympia – 9th
2011 – Ft. Lauderdale Cup – 1st
2012 – Flex Pro Fitness – 8th
2012 – Arnold Classic – 2nd
2012 – Sarasota Valenti Gold Cup-2nd
2012 – Olympia – 8th
2012 – Arnold Classic Europe – 8th
IFBB Pro Figure Career
2012 – Ft. Lauderdale Cup Figure – 3rd
Next competition: Arnold Classic Figure International 2013
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
Definition of motivation is a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior. For me, when I have set my mind to reach a specific goal I want to do everything in my power to reach that goal. If I can continue to motivate my self with a faith that my goal is already reached before even getting to the result, I am confident in the process that it takes me to reach that goal. We set our minds to the belief that we can do exactly what we set out to, as long as our attitudes and perceptions stay open to the journey we take to reach that goal. To walk in life with confidence is much different than walking throug
h life in ego. I believe that sometimes we all forget that. My goal is to continue on a path of success and confidence by motivating others, which in turn motivates me.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
Nothing in my life has come to me without hard work and the difficulties of overcoming a negative thought process. Sculpting my body has been a learning process, but equally as difficult has been the personal challenge to overcome the mental blocks that want to slow my progress. The discipline required to “reach the top” does not come naturally to most people, regardless of a person’s genetics and natural physique. One of my most difficult challenges early on, was my brain always telling me I had everything figured out and I didn’t need any help. I have worked very hard to change my attitude from, “what I think I know” to, “what can I learn”. I am grateful to have had so many great teachers and supporters on my journey, without their guidance and love I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
One thing that is very important to me is setting a schedule that includes my training, work, and personal life has helped me to stay disciplined. I have to prioritize shopping for and prepping my food, training program, and making time for self-care, my relationship and my dog. Keeping a consistent schedule allows me to stay focused. Learning to balance my daily activities can be a challenge and sticking to a schedule provides a structure to support my process. Another thing that helps me stay motivated is a connection to a spiritual power. Meditation and prayer invites a positive flow in all aspects of my life. In prayer, I talk to “God” as if he is a friend I can trust, asking for guidance in my thoughts, actions, and reactions to life. In meditation I can reflect on myself and my goals throughout the day. These tools provide access to the spiritual power that lies within. This power is available to anyone who desires to seek, but the desire must come from within.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has 
helped you to achieve?
In truth, confidence is something I struggle with. Accessing the power within takes consistence and dedication. I have had difficulty believing in my self and my abilities. Through my struggles I find that helping others, helps me get out of negative thinking. Turning my thoughts to someone that I can help builds confidence within me. When I compete I try to turn my thoughts to those around me. It can be very intimidating behind the scenes in our sport, so I try to bring light and positivity to those around me. Doing this lifts my spirit and I have met many wonderful athletes who have returned the same favor to me.
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
DIETING!!! I LOVE MY FOOD!
Before I came into this sport, I was undisciplined about food. I ate what I wanted when I wanted. I had no idea how important timing and scheduling food in relation to training and health is to our lives.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1 Stick to the schedule!
2 Train hard!
3 Eat clean (allow occasional or scheduled cheats)
4 Take time to play (enjoy the journey)
5 Seek the power within yourself (prayer & meditation)
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
GNC Pro Performance-AMP Wheybolic Extreme 60
I like this protein because it tastes delicious and has all the essentials and more! Its whey-leucine base has hydrolysates and isolates that create an ideal environment for protein synthesis. It increases strength and muscular development quicker than any other protein I have used.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world, as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.
-Anonymous
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
First of all I’d like to thank my manager J.M. Manion and the FMG team for their continued support of my career.
Also, to my coach Allen Watkins; my trainer Nikki; to my mentor and boss at the greatest gym in the world Matt Rauzi at Colorado’s Pro Gym; my friends and inspiration Ms Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia, Oksana Grishina, Tiffany Robinson, Tanji Johnson, Bethany Cisternino and the rest of the IFBB Fitness girls (I’ll miss competing with you all); Ms Figure Olympia Erin S
tern, Candice Keene, Ava Cowan, Heather Grace (my gurrrrl), Candice Lewis, Allison Frahn and all my new friends in IFBB Figure (I look forward to many great competitions to come); Sara Hurrle, Bethany Karlin, Abbie Burrows, Trent Calavan, Mr Olympia himself (Colorado Athletes Rule!) Phil Heath & his trainer Hany Rambod; of course my CPG training team Jake Purdy, B.J. Brown, Ricki & Heather Sosias, Gary Reisman, Christina Hefner, Ben Stanislawskie, Les, Greg, and all the athletes that come there to train! (Sorry if I spelled anyone’s name wrong!)
My GNC family, thanks Richard and Bill! Robin Chang & American Media Inc.! Mr. Jim Lorimer! Mr. Jim Manion! Steve Weinberger! Shannon Meteraud and Tre from Tre’s Gym! Jon Tuman, Sandy Williamson, Lee Thompson & Bob Cicherillo! Craig Norman & Indo Industries! Billy Sullivan & P28 (get your high protein bread at highproteinbread.com)! Shawn Ray, Dr. Randall Pierce at Cherry Creek Spine & Sport Clinic, Brent Wiley and the Tony’s meat department (gotta love that Tilapia), Greenwood dental, Dr. Greg Buford, Jan Tana, Kevin Pierce and CJ's Elite Suits, and all the sponsors, promoters and supporters over the years. There are so many more I’m sorry I didn’t name you all!
Can't forget my friends of Bill W!
Last but not least, the loves of my life Andrew McClure, Simba and God! Thanks for being the love and the light when my light starts to dim.
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