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: Cristy Lake
Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: 1-21
Hometown: Richmond, KY
Career: Mental Health Therapist Intern & Specialist at Lexus
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why? I'd probably choose Batman. His principles motivate him for a greater good, but he remains incognito, which reveals great heroism. I admire that he uses and develops things that he has to work with, not a given super power. Of course, my inner child would love to just have his finances and play with all those awesome toys!
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport? I lost 60 pounds after having my son, which was very, very hard work. After I picked up the weights and trimmed up, I spent quite a few years fitness modeling. I grew very tired of it and chose to leave the industry. One day I just decided that I'd like to compete on stage, just to see what it was like. I learned a hard lesson at my first show, that I was wasn't as fit as I thought. This fueled my fire to get moving and see what I could make happen. After a successful second competition, I realized that I have a passion for working toward something instead of just maintaining.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto? I carb cycle. I tried eliminating carbs and just having one cheat meal per week, but this really took a negative toll on me. The carb cycling has been very effective without the misery. Essentially, it's low-no carbs 3 days, followed by one high carb day, then low-no carbs 2 days followed by one high carb day.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing? I think the biggest misconception I've encountered has been viewing it as a 'bikini beauty pageant.' Many people have made the mistake of assuming that I look 'trim' naturally. The hours upon hours in the gym and nutritional discipline have gone fairly unacknowledged. I believe competing commands more respect from people than whistles.
What is your most e
mbarassing childhood memory? I was in a play in front of the whole school. I wore this frilly, girly dress and had to twirl in a dance on stage. Someone had stolen my tights so I had to go on stage without then. When I twirled, my dress flew up and I flashed the whole school with my bloomers.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep? My biggest lesson learned has been that 'objects in the mirror are not what you see them to be.' It helps to have another person critique you. Competing has also been very diligent to the concept of 'small changes now effect the greater picture.'
Who do you look up and admire and why? I know it's cliché to say, but I admire my mother. She has been through complete hell at various points in her life, but she has never given up on herself, me, or anything that has been thrown at her. She has the best sense of humor, a phenomenal outlook on life, and still treats other with dignity and respect....while I wonder how in the world she even could.
Competition history:
2011-KY State Bodybuilding
2012-KY Derby Muscle-2nd place bikini division.
KY Muscle & Fitness Extravaganza-4th place bikini division.
Next competition: KY State Bodybuilding Championships (will be my first figure division competition) August 3, 2013
Favorite Motivational Quote: Cowards never start, the Weak never finish, Winners never quit.
Who would you like to thank? I'd like to thank my friends & coworkers, they've endured my nonstop chatter on working out, nutrition, and the moodiness like bosses...I'm so lucky to have them. Also, my mom...for every reason on the planet :)
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