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: Nicole Markovic Kubon
Category you c
ompete in: NPC Bikini, Class F
Date of birth: 07/28/1985
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Career: IP Legal Secretary + Blogger
Competition history:
*(1st show) May 10-11, 2013 – Eastern Seaboard - 4th Place in class, 9th Place in Novice
*(2nd show) August 30, 2013 – IFBB North Americans - 11th Place in class
Next competition: Junior USA Championships – May 2014, along with a few regional shows before then that I’m still deciding upon.
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? Truthful answer – no Ben & Jerry’s. Ha! Seriously. I am a total foodie, and ice cream is my weakness, along with nice fresh breadsticks, alfredo sauce and more. :) I love to eat healthy, but who doesn’t love a little something here and there that’s not so healthy? Cheat meals are my friend!
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? My workout schedule is pretty consistent. During contest prep season I am at the gym at 5:00am doing cardio before work, then am back at the gym at 1:30pm on my lunch break for weight lifting. I typically do cardio 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes a day, usually either treadmill intervals or the Stairmaster. During off season I still head over to the gym during my lunch break at 1:30pm for weight lifting, and then will do cardio periodically throughout the week at various times. On the weekends my schedule varies, but you will find me there for sure! Also, I usually do 3 days on, 1 day rest. Rest is essential!
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? This is a question I really never know the answer to, because I don’t want to lose any!! However, if I just HAD to choose though I think it would be scent. Hey – at least I wouldn’t have to smell BO at the gym, right?
If you could change o
ne thing about this sport what would it be? I feel like the one thing I would change is just the negativity that comes from some competitors within the sport. Yes, this is a competition, yes I want to win (trust me!!), but I also like to go in thinking we’re all going after something we love! I can appreciate your hard work, just as I appreciate my own, and although I want to win, I’m still going to stand by and cheer your butt on and not roll my eyes or be hasty!
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? Can I put my daughter in it? Ha! No, but seriously – I would probably put my iPhone in it. Why? Well, a couple of reasons. 1.) I’d like to see who I talked to on a daily basis and if those people are still within my life and what roles they might play within my future, 2.) In my “notes” on my phone I tend to write little diary entries of rough days and happy days, I pour my heart out and I’d love to look back on these, 3.) Let’s face it – in 5 years from now my iPhone is going to be the old “bag phone” so I’ll get a good laugh at how archaic the phone is.
What is your favorite vacation spot? Las Vegas. From the clinking and buzzing machines, to the scorching hot air, the amazing pools, never ending lights, people watching for days and more – this place just makes me swoon. I love the beach, don’t get me wrong, but Vegas is just such another world from Atlanta, that it just truly puts you in a place that is completely checked out from your daily life, and THAT is a vacation to me.
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding? Don’t get discouraged when you have an off day or a day where you make a mistake on your diet. Tomorrow is a new day and tough days are only there to make you stronger and give you more motivation. Lastly, remember to have fun! This sport is an absolute blast and you will have a lifetime of memories, I promise you that!
What is a day-in-the-life of Nicole like? Full of laughter. I never go a day without having a laugh that makes my stomach hurt. There are so many days where I’m absolutely exhausted from work, running with my daughter, my rigorous training and more, but if I were to live those days without laughter, my life just wouldn’t be the same. So yes, a day-in-the-life of Nicole is a day with laughter.
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Live your life, take chances, be crazy! Don’t hesitate because right now is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.”
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? Craig Gorham – a man that has believed in me from the beginning and has taught me more than just the sport of bodybuilding but just to see the best in people. Also, to all of my friends and family for being such a great support system through my training and sticking by my side from the day I decided to start taking on this journey.
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