Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Womens Physique Competitor: Liza Miranda
Category you compete in: Bodybuild
ing and now Physique
Date of birth: May 22
Hometown: Currently, Alberta Canada. Originally, Naperville, Illinois
Career: Emergency Room/Trauma/Intensive Care Registered Nurse and mother of two small children.
Competition history:
· 2013 Canadian National LW BB Champion
· 2013 Canadian National Master LW BB Champion
· 2012 Canadian National LW BB 3rd, Master LW BB 2nd
· 2012 Alberta Provincial LW BB Champion
· 2011 Southern Alberta MW BB Champion, Master 4th
Next competition: IFBB North Americans
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing? My food bills are thru the roof, I’m on a first name basis with my local butcher, and I spend $$$ at MAC!! LOL! On a serious note, after school as a teen, I would watch reruns of BB/fitness competitions aired on ESPN. I was in complete awe and admiration, but unaware of any local competitions or anyone who trained like a bodybuilder…It was the era of Jane Fonda aerobics! . I was definitely too young and naïve to think I could “build my body” – I thought they were just born that way ;-). Fortunately, I’ve been a national level athlete since my teens, so my life has always been very disciplined and structured. Although my athletic career took me down a different path, looking back, I’ve actually lived the bodybuiliding lifestyle (weights, cardio, nutrition, desire, discipline, dedication) this whole time. When I stopped racing against the clock, bodybuilding competition was a natural choice. Things have come full circle. Competing in this sport has validated that I have been a bodybuilder most of my life, and confirmed once again, you can achieve any goal you choose to dream, believe, and work towards. For the first time, I no longer am trying to set the fastest time or compete as a team-member. I train for my body, my mind and my soul. Competition is truly “Me vs
. Me”, and it is very refreshing.
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc… Wow, I’m not the best and definitely not perfect when it comes to balance. I have found a way to weave this lifestyle into my daily life, without letting it define me as a person. I’m just a mom, a wife, an athlete. This lifestyle is very complex; therefore, I simply involve those that want to be involved. Rarely, do I discuss my competition, training or nutrition plans outside of those I directly work with. This simplifies things…. and I like simple. As a night shift worker, mother of two small children and a husband who does not compete, food prep, training and rest gets done whenever I can. Midnight cardio, BBQ bulk cooking at 3am, naps instead of sleep, I just do it. God bless 24- hour gyms, late night grocery stores, and RX muscle as a one-stop shop for everything I need to know in the sport. I don’t think there is balance during prep, however, I believe everyone deserves time to themselves. So find something that makes you happy, weave it into your life and most likely you will carry that happiness, energy and spirit to your friends, family and work.
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why? Any light-heavyweight or heavyweight female competitor! Their inner strength, mental toughness, and courage is admirable. I would also love to have dinner with the ladies I used to watch on TV back in the late 80’s, including Lenda Murray, Kim Chizevsky, Bev Francis and the fitness competitors back in that era. I would love to hear their stories about competing and living this lifestyle in and time when aerobics was king!
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you. In Trauma, Emergency and ICU nursing, when death is imminent, I have stood over many, looked them straight in the eye, held their hand and told them to “survive, hold on and fight.” I have also seen lives changed forever in an instant, so I am reminded daily to NEVER EVER take what I have for granted. Often, I do not get to see the final outcome of patients once they leave the ER or ICU, and I often wonder if I did the right thing. But, there are some days, when patients come back to visit the trauma room or ICU. They always thank me and some even remember. Those patients I’ve cared for, their words, their courage, their will to survive, and their rehabilitation inspires me. So if I’m feeling a bit depleted from dieting or crabby from another cardio session, I am quickly reminded I’m blessed to wake up everyday, let alone do what I love.
Name one recipe or supplement you can’t live without. 1. Caffeine 2. Gum (I consider it a supplement during prep ;-)) 3. My counter-top herb bowl. It has lime leaves, stevia, lemon, and other unique herbs. You can get very creative with these ingredients especially during prep. Favorite non-contest season recipe: Clean Spicy Thai eggplant: Eggplant, lite soy, low sodium chicken stock, sambal, stevia, pepper, garlic, green onions, ginger, lean Bison, and sugar free brown sugar. Saute garlic ginger, green onion with bison, add chicken stock, soy chili, stevia and sugar free brown sugar…..If your livin large, add some red pepper strips or shirmp. Garnish with fresh thai basil. Delish!
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc… Again, keep things simple.... My trainer lays out a plan, and it is my job to execute that plan exactly how she wants it. I do not deviate. She is the expert, I am not. I work out alone, lift as heavy and intensely as I physically can. I try to beat “the book” (i.e. last max weight) with each set. It keeps me motivated, pushes me when I need that extra boost, and allows me to see progress when I’m unable to see it on my physique in the offseason. My focus is to improve my symmetry and balance; therefore, I train some of my weaker body parts 2x weekly. I lift 6 days a week, the sets stay in the 3-4 range and the reps 8-
10 range, and cardio is in all year. This formula has helped tremendously this past year.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? All those who take the time to say positive things. I always stop and graciously thank them; they deserve just as much respect! My husband and children who always make me laugh at the little things and who handle my participation in this sport with tremendous strength, class and understanding. Also, a big shout out to Nicole Ball and Jeff Vincett who are always straight forward, respectful and understanding to my needs and goals. I am blessed and grateful to them all.
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