Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Physique Competitor: Rose Brunner
Category you compete in: Physique
Date of birth: Feb. 26
Hometown: ChiTown (Chicago)
Career: CEO of the Brunner Family
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
Wonder Woman, warrior princess of the Amazons of course. She fights for justice, love and equality. She has superhuman powers,incredible combat and battle skills along with the lasso of truth, magic brackets, her tiara is a weapon and the best part an invisible airplane. I mean who wouldn't want to be her?
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
My love and passion for lifting began with my brother, many years ago. As soon as I started, I fell in love with the iron. It not only transformed my body, it transformed my mind and gave me a sense of power. It was a place I felt I "belonged". The sounds of the gym….the clanking of the weights, heavy breathing and grunting, words of encouragement. A gym where you can not only smell the sweat, but also the power, and determination. It was home. I knew it would be with me forever.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I do a more targeted type of carb cycling keeping my carbs at a set amount each day. My body responds better to that than a carb loading type of diet. I also keep my carb meals early in the day and around my workouts.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about competing ?
I think the biggest misconception is that it's easy. The commitment, the sacrifice, the dedication that it takes, I don't think they really understand all that goes into it. I hear a lot of people say "I'm going to compete" thinking they will diet a few weeks and walk on stage. They see the final product on stage or in pics, but what they don't see is the many many many weeks prior. The diet, the workouts, the mental and emotional battles. IT IS NOT EASY and not everyone can do it. It is the journey, the process of comp prep where we battle, not on stage. It is the journey that most don't see or understand. But it is also where we find what we are made of, what we are capable of. And in the end the feeling you have, knowing you did what most people can't or won't do…..it's truly amazing.
What is your most embarassing childhood memory?
We all have the "bad hair" stories from childhood when our parents thought they could be a hairstylist, it looks easy right? My mom gave me a at home perm, that turned out well (Not). My hair looked like I had a combination of an afro and a steel wool pad for weeks! Hats and bandanas became my best friends, maybe that where my bandana addiction came from.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I am capable of what I put my mind to, our bodies can handle most anything, it's our minds we have to convince. When we overcome that and know WE CAN it is empowering.
Know that the true worth of your travels lies not in where you come to be at journey's end, but in who you come to be along the way....
Who do you look up and admire and why?
The peo
ple we admire most shape who we become. There are many people throughout our life that influence us. Over the years these people, the experiences we have with them, add meaning and depth to us. It is hard for me to choose one person who I admire the most, because so many people have touched my life. From my mom, dad and brother, to my husband and kids, to a child battling cancer or a soldier fighting for our freedom. Each individual has qualities that I admire, respect and influence me. Never take for granted those experiences or people in life that change you, that can have an impact or influence you.
Competition history:
NPC Physique competitor
2012 Masters Nationals Pittsburgh
35 and over Class A 6th
45 and over Class A 5th
2012 Team U Class A 6th place
2012 NPC JR Nationals Class B 10th place
2011 NPC Figure
2011 NPC Warrior Classic(Colorado) - 2nd Masters,3rd Open B,2nd Novice A
2011 NPC Tournament of Champions (California) 3rd Masters,3rd Open C
2011 Texas State 1st Place Masters
2011 METREX The Rocky (Colorado) 2nd Place B class 1st Place Masters
2011 NPC Nationals (South Beach) 14th Place B class
Next competition: Jr. Nationals, Chicago
Favorite Motivational Quote:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?..."
Who would you like to thank?
First my family, My husband and kids for their continued support, pushing me and believing in me. I love you all so much. I can't begin to thank them enough, for putting up with all the craziness that comes along with competing
My best friend, Laurie Khan, who shares the love of the sport and lifestyle with me. We have so many great memories and accomplishments together and I look forward to many many more.
The incredible knowledge of my trainer/coach.
And of course everyone that supports me on social media. I find motivation, inspiration and an incredible support system in least expected places.
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