Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Female Bodybuilder: Tracy Hess
Category you compete in: Women's Bodybuilding
Date of birth: 1965
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa
Career: Personal Trainer, Creator & Host Zone2btone Fitness website
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why? Wonder Woman, My life has been full of challenging moments I have found a way to dodge all the negative forces when it came to me achieving my goals like my super hero diva.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport? After the birth of my daughter I gained over 70lbs. In my weight lose process I worked with a trainer who trained bodybuilders. After losing over 75lbs my trainer was amazed of how much muscle I had. Soon after I was introduced to a new style of training and I was hooked. Being pushed beyond my limits and I loved the new improved physique.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto? This is very tricky Gail everyone is different! I like to take the proper time that is needed to diet so that I don't put my body in the stress mode of having to do a keto diet. My lifestyle is very hectic so therefore I need a certain amount of carbs daily to function. I do cycle my carbs as I get closer to my competition depending on how lean I am getting. Off season....oh yeah carbs, carbs, and more carbs!!! (In moderation) :)
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing? I believe people that do not compete think that it is easy. They believe competitors just do a quick diet and workout and walk on stage. No one realizes that you give up an entire year of your life to be the best you can be! Also they believe that competitors stay on there diets all year long, never having any cheat meals. I can go on forever! This is a truly a lifestyle change like a full time job without pay :)
What is your most embarassing childhood memory? My embarrassing memory was when I was told that I didn't make my elementary school gymnastic team because I was to heavy in body weight and to short. I didn't start growing until my 1st year in high school that's when I started blossoming.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep? I have learned that the older I get the harder it is to diet. You can't take anything for gra
nted...believe me! I did try and it didn't pan out to well!.. Lol. I had to train harder, diet smarter and give myself adequate time in my contest prep, but it is so worth it!
Who do you look up and admire and why? Lenda Murray! When I first saw a picture of Lenda she demonstrated beauty, strength femininity with amazing muscular development. She has been my role model ever since I started competing. My wonderful mom and dad for giving me all the tools & genetics to be who I am today!
Competition history:
Career highlights
*1997 Power Group organization “Fitness” 14th plc.
*1998 NPC Philadelphia Classic “Bodybuilding 3rd plc.
*1998 Power Group Organization “Bodybuilding 2nd plc.
*1999 NPC Philadelphia Classic 1st plc. &overall, best poser
*1999 A.N.B.cCOrganization 1st plc. &overall, best poser
*2000 NPC Lehigh Valley championships 1st plc. &overall, best poser
*2000 A.N.B.C. Nationals Florida 4th plc. Best calves
*2001 NPC Pa. States Championship 1st plc Hvy, & overall
*2002 NABBA North American 1st plc. Hvy
*2003 NABBA Jr. Nationals 1st plc. &overall
*2003 NABBA Nationals 1st plc & overall
*2004 NpPCMasters Nationals 4th plc.
*2005- 2007 retired
*2008 made a comeback!
*2008 NPC Keystone Championship 1st plc Hvy, 1st plc. Masters
*2008 Pa. States 1st plc Hvy & 1st plc Masters
*2008 NPC Philadelphia & Tracey Greenwood Championship 1st plc Hvy.
*2008 NPC Team Universe Nationals 5th plc.
*2009 NPC Team Universe 13th plc
*2012 NPC Brandywine Classic 1st plc Hvy & Overall
*2012 NPC Eastern USA Masters 2nd plc, & Heavy class 3rd plc
Next competition: NPC Junior Nationals, NPC Master
s Nationals, North American Championship , NPC Nationals
Favorite Motivational Quote: Surround yourself with positive people that want you to succeed not those who want to ride off your success!
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my fiancee Steve for supporting me and getting me through all the tough times in my come back to competing. My family for understanding the mood swings through my prep. My good friend IFBB Pro Carrie Simons for her unconditional support , and my photographer Reg Bradford for capturing my new look. I want to thank RX Muscle for giving me this great opportunity to be apart of your amazing family of female muscle.
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