Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On IFBB Womens Physique Pro: Marga Lee Overby
Category you compete in: Wo
men’s Physique
Date of birth: 11/21/1972
Hometown: Puyallup, WA
Career: Branch Manager/Clinician for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Competition history:
2003 Vancouver Classic Figure Overall
2003 Emerald Cup Figure 2nd place
2003 Gold’s Classic Figure Overall
2004 Emerald Cup Figure 5th place
2004 Washington Ironman figure 2nd place
2005 Oregon Ironman figure 3rd place
2006 Emerald Cup figure 4th place
2007 Emerald Cup MW Bodybuilding 3rd place
2008 USA’s National figure 14th place
2009 Night of the Champions 1st and Overall MW Bodybuilding
2009 Night of the Champions 1st place mixed pairs
2010 Emerald Cup MW Bodybuilding 2nd place
2011 Empire Classic LW Bodybuilding Overall
2011 Empire Classic 
1st in mixed pairs
2011 USA’s Womens Physique 3rd place
2012 Jr USA’s Womens Physique 7th place
2012 USA’s Womens Physique 5th Place
2013 Masters Nationals Womens Physique 2nd place earned IFBB card
Next competition:
I plan on doing my first Pro show in the Spring 2014. Would really like to do the New York Pro but we will see. I need to make much needed improvements in my physique.
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
To have motivation you need passion to push that motivation. Without passion it’s “I have to do this” not “I want to do this.” Sure I can sit on the couch and eat Bon Bons all day, but I don’t because I have the motivation to win and to be the best I can be. Also a nudge from my husband here and there helps a bit too. Once you overcome the temptations and hurdles of a contest prep then each day you grow into a more confident person knowing “Yeah I can do this, I ROCK!” With any goal someone has to really WANT to achieve that goal whatever the sacrifice.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
When I first started training I put on muscle pretty easily. I just continued to grow; however, everyone hits that plateau and then the work does get harder, then you have to push yourself harder and increase the intensity of your workouts.
I come from a cheerleading and gymnastics background so I was always coordinated and athletic. This helped me tremendously. I have noticed that the people who are not as coordinated do take a bit longer to develop that neuromuscular junction, but once they do then eventually coordination comes along with strength. In the end though it’s always hard work for everyone. If you want to better yourself you have to be better then you were yesterday.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
I really do not have any motivational strategies. I just do what it takes to get the job done in order to get the end result that I want. There is no could of, should of, would of. The day of the show I want to say I did everything necessary to get to this point…no regrets. Also every competitor knows there is an end in sight and the handcuffs do come off and you’re a free person again…at least for a little while until the next contest prep. :)
Give me some examples from yo
ur life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
I sing on occasion for weddings, my graduation, and yes Karaoke. During these times I would sing in front of people I was petrified! Even just singing karaoke. My heart would pound, I would start sweating and shaking but I knew if I didn’t get up there and do it I would have that fear for the rest of my life. Even though it was so trivial it was still a fear I felt I had to conquer. So I did it and I really think that helped me feel more comfortable on stage during my competitions. Now if I’m afraid of something I overcome that fear by doing it and really it’s never as bad as we think it is in the end.
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
Well of course the diet can be somewhat grueling but even off season I keep it 90-95% clean. I think it’s more you want what you can’t have but when I can have it I don’t eat it…imagine that! Anyway this is going to sound silly but I detest putting the tan on. No shower for days, you start to smell and you feel dirty, no you ARE dirty. It's so nice to finally take that shower after the show.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
·No complaining, just do what’s needed to get ‘er done!
·Manage your day between prepping food, training, cardio, and work. If not it’s easy to fail.
·Be excited and let the excitement push you through the hard times.
·Have a positive attitude
·Always take time out for family and friends.
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
I have so many but my first pick would be Syntha 6 from BSN. It mixes well with water with no funky after taste. Muscle Milk powder cake batter is a close second. It’s great for baking.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe you can achieve.”
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
My husband…..he is my everything! My coach, my mentor, my best friend, my motivator, and my #1 fan. I couldn’t and wouldn’t do this without him.
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
