Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Womens Physique Competitor: Sheila Mettler
Category you compete in:Women’s Physique Division
Date of birth:October 19, 1970
Hometown:Ithaca, NY
Career: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
That’s easy! I would change into She-Ra, the Princess of Power.
She-Ra was one of my nicknames growing up. I occasionally still get called She-Ra, in fact one of the guys at the gym just called me that tonight.
What I love about She-Ra is that not only is she known for her incredible strength and near invulnerability but that she chooses to be non-violent and only resorts to combat as a last resort, often preferring to outsmart her adversaries. She is also fiercely loyal, nurturing in nature. All traits I admire.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
I always had this thing about being able to compete with (and out compete
) the boys. When the boys in my neighborhood started lifting I of course had to start lifting as well. That’s where the love of the gym and lifting weights started. I loved seeing results (getting stronger and watching my body change) and I loved the camaraderie of the gym.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I do my own little spin on the keto-diet. I keep my carbs and my fats very low throughout my contest prep.
Breakfast (meal 1) is normally Egg Whites with Chicken.
For Lunch (Meal 2 and Dinner Meal 5) I will have Chicken and a Green Veggies (closer to a show I switch over to Tilapia and Asparagus).
I also will have 3 protein shakes throughout the day (Meals 3 and 4 pre/post workout and Meal 6).
Two times per week (generally the night before my leg day, I need as much energy as possible in order to push through my leg workout) in place of my normal dinner I will have a carb/fat re-feed meal instead.
The Carb re-feed meal is what keeps me sane. I look forward to it all week. Now this may sound weird to some but trust me, it is AMAZEBALLS!
I take oatmeal, sweet potatoes, banana and green beans (I use 3 oz each of baby food for the sweet potatoes, banana and green beans) and mix it all together with egg whites, baking powder, some stevia and vanilla, and then bake it in a bread loaf pan. It comes out like a flat loaf of banana/zucchini bread. I top it with 2 tbsp of almond butter and some sugar free jelly! OMG It is to die for!
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
I think the biggest misconception that people have about competing is that “body building” is a men’s sport and they often don’t understand why a female would want to compete in this sport. What they don’t understand is that there are several divisions for women that choose to compete in; bikini, figure, women’s physique and women’s bodybuilding”. Each division allows for a different level of muscle and conditioning but the common denominator is maintaining the beauty of being a female. I love the fact as a female I can be strong and fit and still be beautiful and a girly girl!
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
I can still remember this like it happened just yesterday. I moved between 9 and 10th grade in high school. On the very first day of classes, I walked straight into the boy’s bathroom (thinking it was the girl’s bathroom of course). It was right as everyone was changing between lunch and recess, so the busiest time of the day. Wouldn’t you know I walked face first right into the cute boy I had been crushing on all morning.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I’ve really learned to put myself first when I need to. I have always struggled with this and when I first started 
competing I had a hard time saying NO. I’ve learned that in order to be successful there are times that I have to say NO. I’ve also learned that the people who love me and support me are going to be understanding when I have to say no!
Who do you look up and admire and why?
I admire strong incredible women who have contributed to the making society better. Women like Hillary Clinton who became the United States Secretary of State (and whom many believe may be the first U.S. president someday). Women like Michelle Obama who has set a great example of how to be a strong independent woman, while still supporting her husband and being a great mother. I admire women like Serena Williams, who has been ranked the #1 female tennis player in the World and has shown young girls that it is ok to be competitive and that you can be strong and still be beautiful! There are so many more I could mention but you get the idea hopefully!
Competition history:
North America’s 2012 physique Class B – 4th place
Master’s Nationals 2012 physique Class B - 7th place
Team Universe 2012 physique Class B – 9th place
USA’s 2011 figure Class D – 14th place
Masters Nationals 2011 figure Class D – 7th place
Team Universe 2011 figure Class D – 8th place
Jr. Nationals 2011 figure Class D – 10 th place
Rochester NPC 2011 Figure – Overall winner
North America’s 2010 Figure Class D – 6th place
USA’s 2010 Figure Class D – 8th place
Masters Nationals 2010 Figure Class D – 6th place
Tri State Championship 2009 Figure Class C – Overall Winner
Team Universe 2009 Figure Class D – 10th place
North Americas 2009 Class D - 9th place
Nationals 2008 Figure Class C – 15th place
Western Kentucky Championship Figure 2007 Class C – 2nd place
Next competition:
Team Universe 2013 – WPD
Master’s National
s 2013 – WPD
North America’s 2013 – WPD
Watch for ME!
Favorite Motivational Quote:
I love this quote from Audrey Hepburn…
I believe in Pink.
I believe that Laughing is the Best Calorie Burner.
I believe in kissing, kissing a lot!
I believe in being Strong, even when everything is going wrong.
I believe the Happiest Girls, are the Prettiest Girls.
I believe that Tomorrow is another day, and
I believe in miracles.
Who would you like to thank?
I want to thank all of my friends and my family who have supported me throughout my competitions! I am very blessed to be surrounded by such amazing, loving and supporting people.
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