Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Figure Competitor: Kathy Te Slaa
Category you compete in: Figure!
Date of birth: August 12, 1981
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD
Career: On-site company Sales Trainer/Personal Trainer
Competition history: I started competing in 2011 and did 4 shows my first year. Since then I have competed in a total of 8 shows. The 2 shows I participated in this year I was blessed to win the Figure Overall at both the NPC Upper Midwest and the Jay Cutler Desert Classic. Both were incredible, well-run shows where I met and competed with some amazing women! Each show I do, no matter how I place, I am always thankful for the journey. Each time I learn more not only about my body, but also my mind and spirit & what it takes to push myself to the next level.
Next competition: Currently training for Jr. Nationals in June.
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing?
I have always had a passion for working out & eating to fuel my workouts. Yes, I have made changes in my training and especially my diet in the past 2 years, but what has changed the most is my self-esteem. Before I started competing, I had gone through an extremely difficult time in my life. I was married and divorced before the age of 25, and at that point in my life my self-worth was at an ultimate low. At a time in my life when I had envisioned being happily married with a couple of kids, I found myself alone & feeling like a failure. I never expected to go through something so devastating, and struggled to find my place. After a few years of soul searching and self-discovery, I began training for my first competition. It was something I had wanted to do for years, but never had the support to make my dream a reality. As I began training, not only did my strength in the gym increase, but my strength as a woman increased as well. I loved the power I felt in the gym and that carried over into my everyday life. It brought me back to feeling like ‘me’ again. I became a strong, independent, and confident woman, and that feeling has only continued to grow. It is a feeling that I am so passionate about I want nothing more than to inspire others to improve their own quality of life through health & fitness.
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
Balance….no
w that is a challenge! I truly believe everyday is a balancing act and each competitor faces challenges along his/her journey. However, I also believe these challenges are what make the journey worthwhile & make us each stronger. I am extremely fortunate with the support system I have; my family has never questioned my training or my diet, and my boyfriend lives this lifestyle himself, so he understands when he can’t take me out to dinner every Friday night! My challenges come with the requirements of my job. I am on the road for work weeks at a time, so finding a gym and keeping my diet on point while living in a hotel can be a struggle. On the flip side, I look at it as an opportunity to get to train at different gyms and meet some amazing people from across the country, each with their own story and dreams. Balancing is all in your mindset. If it seems like too much to handle, then it will be. If you believe you can, you will. I live by that everyday.
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why?
I can only pick ONE?! There are so many competitors that inspire me! I have met so many local competitors that have overcome many more struggles than I have to make it to the stage, that they inspire me more than most! Then there are the best in the world-Nicole Wilkins & Erin Stern OF COURSE! If I had to pick one though, I would love to live a day as Ava Cowan. When I began competing, she was one of the first Pros I started following. I have read many of her blogs and believe she has overcome so much to be where she is to
day. She seems like a beautiful person, both inside and out, and I would love to be in her ‘heels’ for a day and motivate people as she has me.
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you.
Hands down, my father & mother. Both of my parents inspire me everyday to live a life that is genuine and full of love. Growing up we didn’t have much, but both my dad & mom sacrificed so much of themselves so my siblings & I could have whatever we needed. My dad was who got me involved with every sport growing up, and I owe my passion of training and competing to him! My mother was on every sideline cheering me on, never missing a game or meet. They have ALWAYS been there for me and have supported me through some of my darkest days. We have been through a lot as a family, and they have truly taught me how to encourage & support one another.
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without.
I love Jamie Eason’s no bake protein bars! I don’t eat them in competition prep, but in my off-season they are amazing! Peanut butter, honey, oatmeal & protein powder…..what’s not to love! If you haven’t tried them…you’ve GOT TO!
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
I love to lift, and I love to lift heavy! My boyfriend & I are just finishing building our own home gym that rivals any power lifting gym! So after work (when I’m not on the road!) I get to walk 50 feet out to his shop, put on my own music & get in my zone! I lift 4x/week splitting muscle groups up as shoulders, back, chest/arms & legs. I tend to mix up exercises as much as possible between each muscle group so nothing plateaus. As much as I love to lift heavy, I do mix in lighter weights and supersets as well. Again, it is all about balance & not overtraining, so my workouts are no longer than an hour.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
First off, my dear friend & fellow competitor Summer Hendricks!! Without you I would never have started competing! You gave me the push I needed to give it a try, and you have inspired me to live everyday with a big smile and so much energy! You are one of the most kind-hearted women I know, and I think the world of you!
I also want to give a big thank you to my first coach IFBB Pro Rod Ketchens. You instilled in me a love for this sport that grows each & every day. You always made me feel like a ‘champ’ no matter how I did, and to this day I still want to make you proud each time I walk on stage. Thank you to IFBB Pro Christine Bongiovanni for all your support & knowledge along my journey. I have always looked up to you and what you have done for this sport. Also thank you to my current coach, Rich Smith. You have brought my physique to a new level and have pushed me further than I knew I could go.
My boyfriend, Thomas, for always being there & supporting me….pushing me to be at my best at all times. I love you & am so blessed to have you!
And my family..Mom, Dad, Kim, Branden, Kyle, Stacy…for being my support crew at shows, and keeping me in check at family meal time! I love you all!
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