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: Kenyatta Jones-Arietta
Category you compete in: IFBB Figure
Date of birth: March 1 1972
Hometown: Detroit
Career: Real Estate broker, VIP athlete for Power Crunch
Competition history:
IFBB Miami Pro 2012 (Pro Debut)6th placeNPC Masters Nationals 2012 (National)1st place Figure E Masters 35+ Pro Card Win***NPC Team Universe 2012 (National)1st place Figure D Masters 35+6th place Figure E OpenNPC Jr. Nationals 2012 (National)6th place Figure E OpenNPC Atlantic States 2012 (Regional)2nd place Figure Class DNPC Nationals 2011 (National)7th place Figure E OpenNPC Team Universe 2011 (National)10th place Figure E Open4th place Figure D Masters 35+NPC Greater Gulf States 2011 (Regional)1st place Figure E Open1st place Figure C Masters 35+OCB Cape Cod Classic Oct. 2010 3rd place Figure C Class3rd place Figure C Masters 35+ NPC East Coast Oct. 2010 (Regional)1st place Figure Class C2nd place Figure C Masters 35+OCB Tri-State Apr. 2010 2nd place Debut3rd place Open tall5th place Masters 35+
Next competition:
IFBB Governor's Cup
March 23,2013
IFBB Power House Pro (Detroit)
May11, 2013
IFBB New York Pro
May 25, 2013
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
Motivation is at the top of the list of “Must haves”. Without it, how w
ould you wake up every morning to get that 50 minutes of cardio in and go back to the gym to finish up after putting the kids to bed if you didn’t complete your workout before hand?
Confidence is built by the gains you make every step of the way. “I did better this time. I feel good about that. I aim for the next goal. If I don’t reach it, I improve and keep it moving”. Believing in yourself and your goals and not giving up builds confidence.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
We are all born with our own individual strengths and weaknesses. Figuring out what those are, playing up the strengths and working on the weaknesses is what’s needed to get to the top. I don’t know that there is a set ratio or combination. I think that depends on the individual. Some are born with a lot more strengths, but how committed are they to bust their butts to improve the weaknesses?
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you? Creativing visualization is my secret weapon. I’ve been using vision boards and “To Do, Have and Become” lists since I was a little girl. In order to get to where you want to be, you have to know where you’re going….and steps to get there.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve? I started my life’s journey as a single teen mom on welfare who’s “baby’s daddy” was in prison. Fast forward 23 years later and I am a successful real estate broker with an amazing family and lots of life lessons to share. It’s not by chance that you go from “A to Z”. It’s confidence in knowing that you (and your baby) deserve more. Never settle. Keep striving to do better.
What do you find the most challenging about competing? The most challenging part for me is the commitment to the diet. I love sweets….food in general for that matter and when I am PMSing, forget it! Either feed me or run! Or don’t feed me and still run! LOL I think I get better every prep, but this is definitely the most challenging part for me.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Visualizing…Having a clear goal/ idea what it is you want to achieve.
2. Planning…Working out the steps to achieve the goal
3. Committing…Working the steps even when you are not seeing the steps
4. Staying positive…Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and your goal. Negativity will drain you and make it challenging to focus on the task at hand.
5. Celebrating…Celebrate your successes no matter how small the achievement, a move in the right direction is a clear win! Appreciating the little steps help to build your confidence and get you amped for the next play.
These strategies work for every aspect of your life. And honestly, finding them through competing has helped me excel in business and family life as well. It all works if you work it.
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it? My favorite protein powder is Proto Whey by BNRG. I love it because of its great taste and the ability to use it in lots of my recipes. And because it is hydrolyzed, it doesn’t cause me any bloating or give my husband gas. LOL! If he drinks any other protein powder it would be grounds for divorce.
Favorite Inspirational Quote: “The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re wil
ling to work” This is the wallpaper on my phone. I truly believe it and live it!
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? To my amazing husband, Rudy Arietta. He is always in my corner. Super supportive, loving and the “bestest” friend this girl could have.
I also would like to give a shout out to my coach, Kim Oddo. “Thank you for constantly pushing me to push myself”
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