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: Trista Groves
Category you compete in: NPC Bikini
Date of birth: November 17, 1991
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Career: Student & Retail Sales
What is your favorite contest prep recipe?
Right now I’m totally addicted to mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon and nutmeg. They are super easy and basic but perfect for my sweet tooth.
What part of your physique are you currently working on?
Lately, I’ve really been focusing on my shoulders and my glutes. I’m 6’2 so it’s been all about trying to get enough mass to give curves while still being proportionate and feminine.
Name one piece of nutrition/fitness advice that has stuck with you.
Work hard, stay humble.
If you could compete in one other event (FBB, physique, figure, fitness, bikini) which would it be and why?
I absolutely adore the women who compete in fitness and if I had to compete in a different event, that would be it! I’m always shocked by the routines they do! Every athlete that steps on stage deserves mass amounts of respect, but these women bring everything they have to the table, between flexibility, stamina, rhythm and a great physique! The total package.
Why NPC: Why NPC? Because of the competition! NPC has the ability to bring so many driven athletes from all over the world together on the same stage and everyo
ne competes with purpose.
What do you like best about competing?
I love competing with myself, to be completely honest. I love changing and reforming my physique and seeing it change through the course of prep. I have the worst stage fright. So it also becomes more about battling my own insecurities and pushing myself day-in and day-out, whether it be in the gym or outside of it.
What are your goals for the future?
Right now, I’m a full-time student on top of everything else. So getting my Bachelor’s degree is a definite goal of mine. In addition, I hope to one day achieve the title of IFBB Bikini Pro.
Competition history:
NPC Muscle Mayhem 2011 (10th)
NPC Midwest Open 2012 (5th)
NPC Dual of Champions 2012 (4th)
NPC Rocky Mountain Championships 2012 (5th)
Next competition:
NPC Jr Nationals 2013!
Hobbies:
Lifting, cooking, traveling, shopping, basically anything that keeps me active and smiling!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the years when it comes to competing?
There are a quite a few lessons I have learned over the past few years, but, the biggest would be the fact that women should not be afraid of heavy weight training! I’m still amazed at how many women still think lifting heavy weight will make them bulky. Heck, I used to be one of them! I now wish every woman knew this! The second lesson is to stop caring and listening to what others say or think. I’ve learned the hard way that you need to form your own opinion and make yourself happy first.
What is your favorite contest prep supplement?
Branched Chain Amino Acids! You will never catch me without them!
Favorite Quote:
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
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