Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On IFBB Figure Pro: Alicia Coates
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: November 6, 1986
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Career: Personal Trainer
Competition history:
2012: Phoenix Europa, Hi-Health Model Search, 1st
2012: NPC Western Regional, 1st Bikini Class D
2013: NPC Natural Western Open, 3rd Figure Class D
2013: NPC Junior Nationals, 1st Figure Class D
Next competition: My coach and I have yet to determine when my pro debut will be.
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
I would say motivation and confidence are the most important factors when aiming to accomplish anything.
You have to put yourself first, be your biggest fan, and never let yourself down; be confident that you’re the best and you’ll succeed.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
That is a hard question. I ran track and field in high school and college, and no matter how hard I trained there were always girls that were naturally faster and stronger than me. I do feel that natural ability plays a larger role in being number one, but you definitely can’t slack in the ‘hard work’ department.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
A motivational strategy that has proven strong for me through this journey has been picturing myself succeeding… making it to the top. The journey seems so freaking long until one day you’re where you wanted to be.
Give me som
e examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
Confidence has truly helped me thrive in my profession. It doesn’t matter what my degree may be, or the number certificates I have obtained towards personal training; when you’re a young adult you have to prove yourself to the world… and confidence becomes your second language.
When you are confident in yourself, your education, your knowledge, the rest will fall into place.
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
I find it extremely challenging to not eat my beloved In-n-Out burger. If I could I would make In-n-out my lunch and possibly dinner every single day. Eating clean is extremely challenging for me to do 7 days/week for weeks leading up to a show. Granted, I get a cheat meal 1x/week during the beginning of prep, and I know most girls don’t even get that while prepping, but I am not most girls! I love me some animal style fries, double double with both buns & hold the cheese; none of that lettuce “protein style” stuff for me- Thank you very much! :)
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Stay Humble
2. Stay Focused
3. Find a balance; don’t burn yourself out.
4. Listen to your gut; your intuition is always right.
5. Don’t let others dictate your future; unless of course it’s your coach (Team AZ Pro Physiques)
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
I take Iso-100 during my leaning phases. It’s clean, pure, and the chocolate flavor is delicious.
If I need a slow digesting protein, I will take Evolution from Intek; a great blend of proteins with delicious flavors. My clients and I are addicted to Carmel Latte and Orange Creamsicle.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“I hated every minute of training, but I sa
id, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a Champion!’ ” -Muhammad Ali
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle
In closing, who would you like to give a shout out to?
Shout out to In-n-Out burger…for being the only thing I can cheat on my boyfriend with, ahahah.
Shout out to my parents for putting up with my crazy antics.
Last but not least, shout out to Team AZ Pro Physiques for seeing something special in me. My coaches Damian Segovia, IFBB Pro Whitney Jones, and IFBB Pro Felicia Romero have been unbelievably supportive, and have lead me in the right direction since day one.
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