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: Zahira Landestoy
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: January 10, 1980
Hometown: Melbourne, FL
Career: 5th grade teacher/High School dance teacher
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
If I could be a superhero I would choose to be WONDERWOMAN. She is the only heroine known to fight for love, peace, justice and SEXUAL EQUALITY, making her a feminist icon and since I minored in Women’s Studies in college, there is the feminist in me that admires that about her. I also love the fact that in addition to being gifted with a wide range of superhuman powers and superior combat and battle skills, she also possesses an arsenal of weapons, including the Lasso of Truth (which forces anyone it captures to obey and tell the truth—UMM, need we say more?), a pair of indestructible bracelets who shield her from assailants (who doesn’t LOVE functional accessories??), a tiara which serves as a projectile (since we ARE Warrior Princesses), and, in some stories, an invisible airplane (Vacation, anyone?). And if that wasn’t enough, her amazing physique is a beautiful balance of strength and femininity, which has always been my greatest fitness goal.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
I have worked out since I was 8-9 years old doing workout videos at home (Buns of Steel/Abs of Steel where my faves) and as I got a little older my dad (who is an athlete as well) started taking me to the gym with him and I started to really enjoy working out. When I went to college is when I realized that I was working out all the time, but never seemed to lose weight or really experience the physical changes I desired. A few years after I graduated, I decided to look into a bikini competition so that I can finally reach the goals I had set for myself and had never reached, and let’s just say that I fell in LOVE. I fell in love with the discipline required of me, the amazing transformation my body goes through with each contest prep and the improvements made with each cycle. Most importantly, I enjoy the profound life lessons I have learned by undergoing such rigorous programs, as well as the people that are inspired by my example. It’s very humbling. I have to say that one of the main lessons I have learned and the one thing that continuously strengthens me to compete is how aware I have become of the fact that I cannot do 
ANY of it on my own strength, but that “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I train under the direction of Coach Sarah Long and she uses a variety of methods depending on the client. With me personally, we use carb cycling when needed, especially when getting really close to competition. Otherwise, our Team’s philosophy is to maintain a pretty stable diet ALL year round so that when game time comes, we are ready to rock!
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions people have about competing and bodybuilding in general, (especially held by women), is that we are going to look like men if we train too hard. When I have the opportunity to share with anyone about what I do, I make sure to explain that it is impossible for us to look like men, unless we take male hormones that will cause that to happen. Pushing our bodies to their limit will only create a healthy, strong, and toned physique accentuated with graceful femininity. That is BEAUTY.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
OH wow! My most embarrassing childhood memory was when I was about 7 years old and I was at a Ballet recital. We were lined up with our classes and my teacher came by and happened to see lice in my hair and I had to be removed. I was mortified, not only because of the lice, but because I didn’t get a chance to dance.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned abou
t YOURSELF during your contest prep?
The biggest lesson I have learned about myself during contest prep is that I am a FIGHTER. I may falter, trip and fall, but I will not fail, because I will fight for what I want.
Who do you look up and admire and why?
I have looked up to Ava Cowan and Chady Dunmore for quite a while. I have had the pleasure to meet Ava several times and even competed in a Fit Body contest that she held in the beginning of 2011 (which I won), and hence resulted in an opportunity for me to spend a little time with her. One of the things I loved about her is that she is very straightforward and authoritative, both of which are qualities that to me define a strong woman. As for Chady, I love her story of perseverance and determination. I have never had the opportunity to meet her, but I am hopeful that one day I will meet her and perhaps work with her.
Competition history:
Amanda Marinelli- November 2010: Bikini Division (1st place)
NPC Ft. Lauderdale Championships – November 2010: Bikini Division (2nd place)
NPC Sunshine Classic- March 2011: Figure (4th place)
Southern States Championship- July 2011: Figure (1st place Open; 2nd place, figure over 30)
Jax Physique- March 2012: Women’s Physique Division (1st place)
Anna Level Championships- July 2012: Women’s Physique Division (1st place)
Team Universe Championships (NJ) - July 2012: Women’s Physique Division (11th place)
NPC All South Championships- November 2012: Figure (1st place)
NPC National Championships (ATL)- November 2012: Figure (8th place)
Next competition:
NPC Jr National Championships in Chicago, June 14th, 2013
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make all your crooked paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to give all the honor and glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without whom I am nothing. My family, especially my dad for instilling such a great work ethic and discipline in me simply by living his life out before me as an athlete. I would like to especially thank my coaches Sarah and Don Long, for having my back without wavering, since March of last year and proving to be a very specific answer to my prayers. I would like to thank my sponsor for the year of 2013 and a dear brother in Christ, Mike Militti, for taking a chance on me and blessing me beyond what words can express. I would like to thank my friends, teammates, and supporters who serve as such great encouragement during those inevitable rough days because your love, comments, messages and “likes” remind me that I can’t stop fighting because you are counting on me.
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