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: Kelli Richardson
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Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: November 4th, 1985
Hometown: Morrice, Michigan
Career: Diet Clerk/Room Service Representative at local hospital
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why? Wonderwoman.
So I can accomplish more in a day and week without feeling tired.
High powered shield: to block the forces of negativity; Superhuman strength: so I can protect myself, children, and others
Tiara: hidden projectile to bring out when necessary (and just something fun to have)
Amazon: powerful woman in life (like to get things done and set goals)
Multi-tiered warrior and scholar: accomplishing many things and striving to be the best I can be in each area
Beauty: to look good while accomplishing all of it.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
At the age of 14 I started to feel uncomfortable and ran out of breath too easily; especially during track season. I decided to take action and lose the weight. After losing 30 pounds I started incorporating mountain biking and weight-lifting. My small-framed body started to gain shape, definition, and firmness. The dedication involved in the sport along with the physical changes and energy became an addiction. Through high school my brother and I lifted weights together at the gym and thoroughly enjoyed the science behind incorporating diet and lifting to attain muscle gains. At the age of 19 I trained and raced in my first mountain bike race in Marquette, Michigan. The physical changes that were taking place on my body made me feel good about the hard work and time that I put into the sport. I ended up placing 10th in my age group. The placing became an adrenaline rush to find the next individual sport to become focused on. At the age of 21 I had my daughter, and used weight training, cardio, and clean eating to lose the 40 pounds and to get back to pre-baby shape within 2 months. 2 years later I had my son and gained 40 pounds again and lost the weight within 2 months using the same methods. 1 year after that, at age 24, I had my third child which took 6-8 weeks to lose that weight.
Through the years weight-training has become my run-to sport to achieve all my weight loss and post-pregnancy body goals. I am addicted to the sport and will be around for a while.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
Macro nutrients concepts. I personally avoid wheat as much as possible because of my intolerance to wheat products and having more energy from avoiding it. I make sure I avoid processed foo
ds as much as possible and make sure there is always a protein source with each meal or snack I eat. I carb cycling a little bit before shows for the body chemistry on muscle response, but for all other times of the years I tend to use whole foods and food timing for my diet. Low-glycemic foods are my main source of carbohydrates; low fat proteins such as 97/3 fat ground turkey, chicken breasts, egg whites, protein powders; peanut butter, olive oil, nuts, and coconut oil as my fat sources. Eating every 2-3 hours is a huge part of my rigid eating methods. This maintains a high-speed metabolism that is a continual burning engine that can easily be modified as needed for adjustments with fast results.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
The misconception that I have ran into the most is that the competitors are on stage just to flaunt their bodies or show off; when it is really to show the hard work and dedication that they have put themselves through for years to obtain the ultimate health and physique.
What is your most embarassing childhood memory?
Throwing up on the bus on my first day of school
Who do you look up and admire and why?
My mom is a very strong woman in every circumstance she has been in through the years. There is a saying that a person’s strength is shown with how well they handle stress and situations; my mom is living proof of this statement. She has been the best mom and friend that I could ask for. It doesn’t matter what I am going through she is right there.
Competition history:
2012 Western Michigan—10th Place Bikini Talls
2013 Kalamazoo Championships---4th Place Bikini Talls
2013 Powerhouse Classic in Novi, MI---10th Place Bikini Talls
Next competition:
June 8th—NPC Infinity Fit Grand Prix in Lansing, MI
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“I can do all things through Christ who stre
ngthens me.”
Who would you like to thank?
My mom for introducing me to the gym and weight-lifting; my dad for being a listening ear and support through the years; Denise (God-mom) for encouraging me through the years and getting me into the sport of mountain biking that started my journey to conquer; Jermichael Pratt (coach) for believing in me; Lee for being a great friend that motivated me and kept me strong whether he realized it or not; Stephanie (my sister) for helping me during the beginning when I was learning everything; my children for going to the gym with me and encouraging me; my coworkers for dealing with my fish and egg white breakfasts at 6am daily.
Contact:
www.facebook.com/npcbikinicompetitorkellirichardson
Twitter: @Kiwi7822
Instagram: Kiwi7822
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