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: Tiffany Vann
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: 12/16/1982
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Career: Dance & Pilates/Yoga Instructor
Competition history: ABA Natural Illinois 2012 3rd Place, NPC Continental USA (Ottawa) 2012 1st Place, Figure A class, NPC Ironman Illinois 2012 1st Place, Figure A class, Arnold Amateur 2013 8th Place
Next competition: 2013 NPC Jr. Nationals
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep?
The worst part would be one or two days before the show. That is the point where I am no longer training, so I do not have a good session to occupy my mind: I am anxious and ready to go on stage, but yet it seems like it takes forever. I also, get very little sleep those days leading up to the show, because I am so full of excitement. The low carb diet does not help either.
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule?
During my contest prep I train at least once a day, 6 days a week. As the show gets closer, I often will add doubles into my mix so that I can break up my cardio sessions. I like to train the larger muscle groups at the beginning of the week, and secondary muscles groups later in the week. Most weeks I will train back, shoulders, and legs twice a week.
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why?
I would prefer to lose my sense of smell. I think this is the one that I will have the least amount of complications without.
If you could change one things about this sport what would it be?
If I could change one thing about this sport, it would be that the male physique competitors would wear shorter shorts. :) This is partly for selfish reasons, I want to see their legs :), but also, because all the other categories are judged on every aspect of their body, and I have never understood why they were so covered up.
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why?
Most likely I would put quotes and pictures on a time capsule. Pictures tell a thousand words, so whoever opens it would gather a story just from the photos. Inspirational words have been a huge source a motivation for me, so I always think passing on messages that inspire would be a benefit to anyone. Plus, one of the things that I want people to remember most about me is that I am positive in almost any situation.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Florence, Italy...Not only is it a beautiful place, I loved the pace of life. It seemed like everyone took time to experience and enjoy life. Also, the food was great. I went to Florence on tour as a professional dancer, and all the dancers joked, that if we had not left sooner, we would not have been able to fit into our costumes due to all the gelato we'd eaten.
What advice do you have for women who would like to 
get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding?
Do your research and also hire qualified help. I think competitors should know the commitment required to really be successful in this sport. It will require them to invest time, money and a host of other things. It will take a toll on your physical body, and challenge your mental stamina. It is worth it, but could be daunting if you were not aware of this before deciding to do a show. I feel it is important to hire a trainer or coach, because from my personal experience, having someone to take the guesswork out made the process less stressful. I have not always had someone to help me with my diet. I have always had a trainer, but the moment I had someone dictate my diet, I got better results. I have done a lot of research, but I did not know, of all the methods out there, what variables worked for me. Having someone with more experience, and also someone that can look at me when my perception may be a bit cloudy (as often is the case during competition prep, because I can be self critical) made all the difference.
What is a day-in-the-life of Tiffany like?
I have a somewhat sporadic work schedule as I am a Pilates, yoga, and dance instructor, and I build my own schedule based off of client needs, but I try as much as possible to maintain consistency with my training schedule. Most days I work out in the morning around 5:30-6:00am. I train personal Pilates clients, or teach group equipment Pilates classes between 9:00-1:00pm, depending on the day. I head an after school dance program at a high school, and I will teach there from 3:00-5:30 pm, 3 days a week. If I am in the midst of contest prep, I will generally visit the gym again after teaching if I do not have any evening private Pilate’s clients.
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says… I’m possible.” ~Audrey Hepburn
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
My mom and dad who have always been my biggest supporters. My coach, IFBB pro La’Drissa Bonivel. My prep for Jr. Nationals has been the best yet, thanks to her. My boyfriend, Corey. I think I test his patience the most during the final stages of my prep, and he has been very supportive. My friends and training partners, Angel and Susan. Also my friend Dee who is always looking out for me. Lastly, my team, Team Superbody Babes. All of my teammates are super inspiring and encouraging!
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