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: Aleysha Depalmo
What is your athletic bac
kground?
From a young age I have always been very athletic. I played competitive soccer for 9 years in Seattle. I also ran Varsity track in high school, as well as Varsity girls football my senior year.
Why did you start competing in Bikini? I met my fiancé 3 years ago (who is a competitor as well) he introduced me to the sport, and I immediately fell in love after watching my first show. We are both very passionate about fitness , and I don't believe there is a better way to showcase your hard work and dedication.
So what's your main goal in the future? My main goal is to step on a national level stage and eventually earn my pro card. I not only do this because I love fitness, but because I am very passionate about inspiring other women to get out there and pursuit their dreams.
What is your day job?
By day I am a hair dresser! I graduated from Paul Mitchell the school Atlanta as a master cosmetologist. I am so passionate about making women feel beautiful, inside and out. I'm very artsy, so doing hair and makeup is a way for me to express myself outside of the gym.
What competitions do you have planned for the future? I am competing in Kentucky muscle on November 9th which is a national qualifier, so keep your fingers crossed for me :) . Depending on how that show goes, I am aiming to compete in JR USA's next year.
What advice would you give another bikini competitor when it comes to on season and off season prep?
During on season prep my best advice is to stay consistent. Push through those cravings, and hard workout's because that will make you stronger mentally. Surround yourself by people who support what you are doing , because this prep takes a lot of dedication and commitment. Be creative when it comes to dieting or you will drive yourself crazy. My fiancé and I create protein pancakes, protein waffles, etc. with all diet friendly ingredients. We experiment with all and any diet friendly seasonings we can find. It will keep you sane! As far as off season prep, my best advice to you is to just relax while still staying healthy. You don't necessarily need to measure every ounce of food that goes into your mouth, but I don't recommend falling off the rails. It's so easy to rebound after prepping with the same food for so long. Switch things up but stay within your macros. I always do cheat meals once a week during off season prep. Most importantly, train heavy!!! :)
What varies in your diet and workouts while off season compared to on season? My diet on season is pretty strict. I stick to my six meals a day 2-3 hours apart. My prep coach and fiancé Domenic Iacovone changes my diet almost weekly depending on how my bo
dy is reacting, so I can't get too detailed. When it comes to off season I still eat every 2-3 hours , I just get to indulge in my healthy favorites that I don't use during prep, such as Greek yogurt , PB2, fruit, even just sauces!! I do one cheat meal a week during off season, which my body actually loves. We call it a "refeed" . As far as training goes, I'm able to train a lot harder off season due to the fact that I'm eating more. I always train 5 days a week consistently, regardless if I'm prepping for a show or not.
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