Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Julia Pudovikova
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: 07/19/1986
Hometown: Astrakhan (Russia)
Career: Bartender
Competition history: March 23rd. 2013 NPC Baltimore Gladiator Championships – I won the Over all my very first show! I was amazed that I did since I was competing against two other girls on my team – Team Knockouts who were also winners of their class and they looked great!
Next competition: May 4, 2013 - Jim Manion's NPC PITTSBURGH CHAMPIONSHIPS
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep?
I always thought competing is fun,till I start prepare for my first competition…When I realized I cant just open a fridge and grab what ever I want , I was shocked . I found dieting a challenge since I am already thin I never had to diet, but gaining muscle taught me a lot about the challenges of having to follow a program to ensure I shape my body.
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule?
Being a bartendar, I had to be creative with the timing of my workouts and how I approached them. This is where my coach was very helpful with the customization. A couple weeks before the competition I started doing my cardio first thing in the morning. I work until 3am so I had to switch things up a bit to ensure that I was not to tired to train and train when I had the most energy. I go to the gym before work, which is about 1-2 pm, when the gym is absolutely empty. And that’s what I love about this time. I also did a great Brazilian Butt Routine my coach gave me that gave me the glutes that helped me win my show!
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why?
I’m a happy person, I love my life and happy that I’m healthy. But if I had to lose one of my senses that probably would be a smell… Sometimes the smell of foods that tempt me could be stronger than my discipline. Losing smell would definitely help me to achieve more in the long run faster!
If you could change one things about this sport what would it be?
Bikini is such a beautiful sport, but I would love to make it less about breast implants and more about the lower body. I know it’s not a requirement, but more girls are getting implants because they feel they have to in order to place well. At least I was able to show that you can win without them! It should be about being athletic more than the size of your breasts.
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why?
My bik
ini competition photos! My family back in Russia. My marital photos and a lot of water because if anything happened to the world, you could not survive without it!
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Any place that is warm and has an ccean … If I could live near a beach, I would love it. I imagine how I would wake up everyday enjoying a nice warm summery work out .
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding?
Find a solid coach! I would never have been able to win the OVERALL my very first competition with out my coach Michelle Johnson. She is the best! When you have the right coach, they have your back every step of the way and not only watch you, but teach you why you have to do things. They know how to ensure you are ready to get on stage. You also must believe in yourself. Everyone can do a show, you just have to believe and try and make sure you make the investment in the right person to guide you. Make sure you find out from examples & word of mouth.
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“No pain no gain!” I work out with this quote every day. Each day you make yourself better, but you have to push harder and eat cleaner if you want to see any results and keep them!
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
My coach Michelle Johnson (Team Knockouts ) and my idol Oksana Grishina two amazing woman!
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