Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On NPC National Figure Competitor: Susan Ceklosky
Category you com
pete in: Figure
Date of birth: 2/9/75
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Career: Business Owner/Weight Loss Coach
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
For some reason I’ve always liked Batgirl. I’ve been her twice for Halloween (as an adult).
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
I have always been athletic and loved working out. I actually competed in three Fitness competitions back in the year 2000. This was before Figure was even around! I always loved watching fitness competitions on ESPN and I decided I would give it a shot. After doing three shows that year I realized that I wasn’t cut out for the gymnastics portion of the routines, so I stopped. I then focused on the businesses I owned, got married, and had 2 babies. In the meantime along came Figure. After I had my two little boys (now 5 and 7) I really had the itch to get back on stage, so I started competing again in 2009 and haven’t stopped since. I love the discipline of training and dieting for a competition and nothing compares to how amazing we feel when we eat clean. I think a lot of people don’t realize how fantastic they are capable of feeling. What we put into our bodies significantly affects how we feel physically and mentally, our energy level, attitude, and happiness. Not only do I love competing for what it does for my body and mind, but I love inspiring other busy moms to take the time to take care of themselves. When we are healthy and feeling great, we are better moms, and I remind my clients of this all the time.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
I honestly don’t even know what carb cycling and keto involves. I have an idea, but I’ve never done it. My nutrition plan is VERY healthy. It is higher protein and lots of good carbs, I eat 6 or 7 times a day :) My meal plan barely even changes in the few days before a show, and I’ve been really good lately about staying only 5 pounds above my show weight when I’m not close to a show. I used to fluctuate BIG time, and having a good grasp on my off season weight ensures that I don’t have to change my diet too much once show prep comes along.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
That competitors don’t eat very much! People are always surprised when I tell them or they see how much I eat every day. Also that it’s “not healthy” to eat the way we do. My diet is SO healthy and clean, so much better for our health than the processed food, salt, and sugar laden diets that most people live on day to day. I always rave to my friends and clients about how amazing I feel when I am prepping for a show. It’s amazing how great we feel when we don’t have junk in our system, it’s the healthiest way to eat.
What is your most 
embarassing childhood memory?
Ok I thought about this for a while and I distinctly remember reading somewhere when I was in 5th grade that washing your hair in mayonnaise was good for it. Well, one morning before school I washed my hair in mayonnaise. Apparently I used way too much because I couldn’t get it to all rinse out. Well, not only did I look greasy and dirty, I smelled like mayonnaise all day. My teacher actually made me sit in the back corner of the room so no one else in my class would have to suffer!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I have learned that I CAN have a healthy balance. I remind myself all the time that competing is my hobby, it is not my life. Anytime I start to let it take over my life (and it’s very easy to do, especially close to a show), I take a step back and remind myself that I am doing this for fun. I am a social person and my family and friends are very important to me. I have learned that I CAN go out with my family or my friends and follow my plan. I don’t have to stay home and feel resentful about missing out on things. I just realize (and coach my clients to realize) that events, outings, parties, etc…should be about the people we are with and the conversations we have, not the food or drink involved. I do my best to not sacrifice time with others because of competition prep. I have also learned that the more gratitude I show every day that I am able to do this and inspire others, the easier my prep is, the happier I am, and ultimately, the higher I place. Anytime I get overwhelmed with being a competitor, business owner, mom, wife, and friend, I stop for a minute thank God for all I have (see my “favorite quote” at the end).
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I think I’m going to have to say Napa. My husband and I were out there with friends a couple years ago and had the time of our lives. It’s just beautiful out there and I loved touring the different wineries all day every day. I can’t wait to go out there again, I LOVE wine and cheese (shhh).
Who do you look up and admire and why?
There are so many people not in the industry who I look up to, but as for competitors I love my coach Gen Strobo. She’s a Figure Pro, Mom, and just a cool chick. I also look up to Erin Stern as a competitor because she’s at the top and she just rocks!
Recent Competiti
on history:
2013 North Americans: 6th place open, 6th place masters
2013 Pittsburgh Championships: 6th place open, 2nd place masters
2013 NYC Met: 3rd place open, 3rd place masters
2012 Masters Nationals: 8th place
2012 Team Universe: 14th place open, 10th place masters
2012 Pittsburgh Championships: 3rd place open, 1st place masters
2012 NYC Met: 3rd place open, 2nd place masters
Next competition: Nationals, November 22-23 2013
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“Instead of looking at all the laundry you have to do, be grateful for the kids you need to do laundry for. Instead of getting frustrated waiting in line, be grateful for the extra minutes to not be racing. Instead of getting stressed at all the things you need to do, be grateful for all the things that need you. Instead of looking at what you haven't done, look at what you have. Life is perspective.”
-Heather Frey from the “Smashfit” Facebook Page
Who would you like to thank?
Definitely my coaches Shannon Dey and Gen Strobo. Also my husband, Jim, for all of his support, my friends for always being so encouraging to me, and my clients for being who they are and being the reason I love my job!
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