Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Leah Wade Brown
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: 2-27-1982
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Career: Mommy to 2 perfect little boys, owner/operator of 3 Snap Fitness locations in Louisiana and Fantasy Tans by Leah
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
I would want to be a hero that is nothing like how I naturally am. Naturally I'm more like Elastagirl or better known as Mrs. Incredibles. Always trying to keep the peace and protect my family. But in my dreams, I'm Black Widow. She’s witty, fearless, extremely athletic, hangs with the Avengers and most important has a hot outfit. What a fun day that would be.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
After my first son Elijah was born I suffered from anxiety, and exercise was my release. I immediately had a passion for fitness, but I didn’t have the guts to pursue my real dream of competing until I was turning 30. I decided I was going to do something scary. Something I never thought I could actually go through with. It came down to sky diving or competing. I decided to compete. After my first show, there was no stopping me. I had fallen in love with the lifestyle.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
Oh my….. dieting! My first contest prep was ruff. I didn’t know my body at all and basically no carb'ed my way to the first competition. Since then, I have learned so much about h.JPG)
ow my body reacts. Drinking plenty of water is crucial to my diet. Drinking over a gallon of water a day did not come natural to me. I had to work hard at developing my water habit. If I don’t drink enough water I will stay very bloated.. Now my diet is consistent and strict but balanced. As I get close to show time I will begin to carb deplete, but not to an extreme.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
2 things people believe about our sport that isn’t always true and aggravates me that they just assume
1- that we all do steroids
2- that we starve ourselves
3- that we always look the way we do on stage
What is your most embarassing childhood memory?
I was teased a lot for being skinny and flat chested. Puberty changed all that real quick. I just took a little longer than others.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I CAN DO IT! I've let fear control me for too long in my life. I now know I'm capable of anything I put my mind to.
Who do you look up a
nd admire and why?
I admire teachers . Day in and day out they help our children develop the necessary tools needed to succeed in life. I had a handful of teachers that made a huge impact in my life. Teachers are a blessing that get overlooked and disrespected all too often.
Competition history:
July '12 LA Championships (last place)
Aug '12 Dallas europa (8th place)
May '13 Mike Francois Classic (11th place)
July '13 LA Championships (3rd place)
Next competition: Nationals 2013
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“The real value of setting goals is not the recognition or reward its the person we become by finding the discipline, courage, and commitment to achieve them.” unknown
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my trainers Ken Hensley and Leo Desselle for pushing me outside my comfort zone every day. My nutritionist Mike Davies who helps keep me tiny and tight. Kerri Ouber, my training partner and friend who is always there for me . But most importantly, a special thank you goes to my husband Mike. He truly is Team Leah. He preps food. He takes weekly progress pics. He gives up his vacation time to travel to my competitions. He is my rock and keeps me grounded. Without him, this dream could not be fulfilled. Thanks to each one you for being a part of my journey.
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