Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On OPA Figure Competitor: Tiffany Crites
Category you compete in: OPA Figure
Date of birth: June 21st, 1984
Hometown: Timmins, Ontario
Career: Residential House Cleaner
Competition history:
2012 OPA Ontario Championships; 1st Figure
2012 OPA Sudbury Classic Championships; 2nd Figure Med-Tall
2009 OPA Sudbury Championships; 10th
Next competition:
2013 CBBF Bikini, Figure, Fitness, and Physique Championships – August 17th
2013 GNC Timmins Natural Championships
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing?
My journey began in 2008 when I started working with an online coach. I love being in the gym and seeing the changes with my body. Over the years I have learned the importance of proper nutrition and diet. Since competing and being in the gym has made me stronger mentally, and physically. I feel confident with myself and around others. I want to continue and share the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to my 2 ½ year old son for his own well-being.
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
Plan, Plan, Plan! I am very organized and will plan my day accordingly around my son, work, and friends. I like to squeeze in my workouts either before I pick up my son from daycare or in the evening.
On the weekends I try to have coffee or gym dates with my girlfriends. Just a night out with my friends or boyfriend is great too! That is my time to catch up with them and their lives. Balance is key.
For my diet, I prep my meals once a week. As I am cooking supper, I will cook up large batches of chicken, fish, and steak and chop my veggies. Then I measure out the amount according to my meal plan. I bag and freeze my meals, and take out what I need the night before. This saves me a lot of time and stress so that I am not always in the kitchen.
If you could c
hange places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why?
I would have to say IFBB pro figure athlete Valerie Waugaman. She inspired me when I first began competing. I would watch her videos as she prepped for the Arnold. What inspires me about Valerie is how determined and focused she is. She reminds me a lot of myself. She is now a transformational speaker, TV personality and founder of The Green Goddess Foundation for kids.
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you.
My coach, friend and bikini athlete herself- Jennie Atherton. I have been working online with Jennie for a couple of years now and I must say she is one smart cookie! You can feel her positive energy when reading her emails and texts. Jennie is very knowledgeable when it comes to diet and training. I can always rely on her for any advice needed. She has transformed my body in ways I never imagined (can we say booty?)! I want to thank you Jennie for being such an amazing coach and friend. I FINALLY have the opportunity to meet Jennie this year at the CBBF Nationals as she is competing herself in the bikini category. Can’t wait!
The second person in my life who is inspirational to me is my figure competitor Crystal Brisson. Crystal and I met last year at a local fitness workshop and instantly clicked. With her bubbly personality and positive energy who wouldn’t love this gal?
Once I got to know Crystal and what she has been through in the past (cervical cancer at 23). She has taught me that we all have the power to live and have a positive mindset in life. We all have our struggles and that is what makes life a beautiful journey.
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without.
I love my Oreo Protein Mix-in ice cream. I will have this either as part of my carb refeed or PWO (post-workout) in my offseason. Here is what you need to make this delicious treat:
½ scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
½ cup fat free cottage cheese or plain fat free greek yogurt
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or skim milk
1 TBS sugar free vanilla or chocolate instant pudding mix
1 cup ice
1 package 100 calorie Oreo cookies, crushed
Put all ingredients into blender except for the oreos and mix until thickened. Pour the mixture into a tall glass. Crush the oreo cookies and mix into your ice cream mix. Place in freezer for 1-2 hours then eat and enjoy!
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
I train my upper and lower body twice a week. I also do a combination of plyometrics and interval training on the days I am not weight training. I typically do 3 to 5 sets of an exercise, depending on what we are aiming for. My rep ranges 
also vary on what we are targeting at that time.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
I want to shout out to my gorgeous man, Bobby Lamothe for being very supportive and patient with me in this sport, even when I refuse to share my food. Haha! He has always been there for me, to help push me through my workouts when needed. He has taught me a lot about life itself- not to sweat the small stuff and just enjoy living in the moment. Together we make a great team, and my love for him continues to grow each and every day. :)
I also want to give a shout out to my little meatball- Rylan. He is 2 ½ years old and is one brilliant kid! He always puts a smile on my face even if I am having a bad day. He reminds me to just let loose and have fun. Mommy loves you!
My parents for teaching me that with hard work and dedication equals success! They have worked hard all their lives to achieve what they have accomplished and that is very inspiring.
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