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: Kelly Biddle
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: June 25, 1978
Hometown: Chicago
Career: Associate Financial Rep, Fitness Trainer-Coach, Licensed Esthetician owner of BodyElements4u, and Pharmaceutical-Grade Vitamin Rep
How does your family respond to your competing?
Well my twin sister competed in this sport before she became a mom. Can’t wait for that come back (wink wink)! My brother-in-law is a super heavyweight national bodybuilder so they respond with understanding and patience. My other sister and brother have always been fit and supportive, but we all know how Moms can be… she always thinks I’m getting too skinny and wonders if this is healthy, but comes to always cheer me on anyway!
What kind of goals have you set for yourself, short-term and long-term?
I’ve always been a goal orientated individual so walking into my current show I set out to try to re-qualify for Nationals and work toward a pro card. However, a quarter into this journey I was tested with a string of unfortunate events that included the loss of my grandmother, car accident, and a fire at the condo I lived in that took everything I owned… I didn’t stop there but I wanted too!! After much prayer and reflection my goals quickly changed to just focusing on something more positive, and completing the show! I knew I wanted to do it by staying healthy with a more balanced diet and learn how to function evenly between family, friends, career and a competitors life… It was a blessing to make it to the stage May 11th and it was God’s glory when I was awarded the overall that night!! This journey has taught me SO much and changed my outlook on my life goals!!
What's currently on your iPod?
Well great question!!! … After the events recently I cleaned out all the music in my Ipod that wasn’t conducive to the positive outlook I was determined to have. I replaced most of my music with KLove favorites so it’s mostly spiritual encouraging music.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of the bodybuilding world?
Last show season for me I really got into recipes and learning to make quick healthy fun foods. Hoping to release a short “cookbook” here soon with my friend Alicia Harris. I also write stories, poems, music and devotionals… It is my life passion and I will be a published writer one day!
Do you have a favorite exercise?
I really don’t have a favorite exercise but I do feel the most sense of accomplishment after leg days! Who doesn’t though?!... It feels amazing when you live to see the parking lot after a great leg day, the only concern after that is how are you going to drive?!
Competition history:
I started way back in 2001 in some small show at the high school where 3 girls entered. Figure wasn’t even out yet and I did some silly dance routine. I then stepped away and moved to Cali for about 6 ye
ars. When I returned to Illinois, my twin and her husband talked me into a bikini show in 2009 called the Ironman where I took 2nd. A week later I did a Rockford Show in figure instead where I also took 2nd. From there over the years I’ve done the Continental, Mid-Classic, Ironman again, Jr Nationals and then Illinois State last week.
Next competition:
I’m really not sure!! Some think I should do Jr Nationals again because it’s in my backyard, but I’ll be welcomed to the Master Division next month and I’ve also considered Team Universe or even North Americans?! I wish I could do them all, but finances always play a role. I’m open to suggestions at this point and just staying with my diet.
Favorite Fitness Tip:
Oh goodness, when you’ve worked in fitness as long as I have… you have so many!!! The one I find myself dishing out the most to those who need fitness tips is: Start a life change with your diet, it’s 80% of what you do and 99% the hardest thing to change, but that 20% workout won’t do much until the diet is on track!
Who would you like to thank?
Jesus!! My savior and the one who makes ALL things possible!!! Alicia Harris who has been my biggest cheerleader, best friend, and I’m blessed to have her generosity!! Anthony Tenuta for supporting me throughout the years, but really stepping up this year to be a solid foundation in our lives. My twin sister and her husband Shelly and Eric Posejpal for the encouragement, advice, and eye. Cristina and Mike Liberatore for the encouragement and support. Last but not least my family and friends who believe in me and cheer me on!!
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