Center Stage Magazine August-September | Page 96

fitness Breakthroughs They say our experience is the best teacher in life. It helps us to be firm and strong. However, not all experiences are good. Most of the time, the bad ones or the unfortunate events commonly happen to us to teach us valuable lessons in life – acceptance, patience, gratitude and empowerment. When given an opportunity or a chance to write our own story, we equip ourselves to do something beyond our potentials and just do the impossible things. Life teaches one thing when we grab that opportunity – do great things outside our comfort zones. Here at Center Stage, we are honored to tell a story and present Monique Michelle’s amazing journey. It is a journey that gives an empowerment of self-discovery for talent and career. Monique has been in the modeling business for about six months now. She has been in the medical sales most of her career until she had a horse almost flips on top of her in early 2013. She saw the horse coming towards her when she fell and it’s about to crush her and it definitely changed her perception in life. When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “My dream growing up was to be a model, but I never attempted it because I lacked the confidence in myself to try”, the model shares. She manages her time and busy schedule by making to a point that she has an organization in details and time and make follow up in her work. How do you maintain your physical physique? “Fitness physique starts in the kitchen, if you don’t have the proper nutrition, you won’t be successful no matter what you do to work out. And it’s not a “diet” as people generally perceive it, it is a lifestyle of eating clean and healthy”, Monique imparted. How many times do you work out in a week? Do you have any favorite workout? “I lift weights about 4-5 times a week, cardio 5-6 times a week once a day, and make sure my body has at least 1 full day of rest a week. It is just as important to not “over train” than it is to “undertrain”. My favorite work out is an exercise called “curtsy lunges”. Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “All work out routines are challenging when you continue to push yourself each time”, the fitness enthusiast pointed out. What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I eat 6 times a day and my foods include lean proteins, veggies, complex carbs, fruits, and a gallon of water a day. My meal plans are customized by Teri Crenshaw. Each individual person has different needs depending on their body and goals. You can find Teri on Facebook or you can reach out to her at www.terifitonline.wix.com/terifitonline.” Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “Well, after my near death experience in early 2013 from the horse accident. So, I guess the horse might have had some influence on me”, Monique shares and laughs. What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “Coffee-I am a much happier person after my morning coffee.” Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to. “Andreia Brazier and Teri Crenshaw”, she enumerated. Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “Well, I am loyal, I have a very strong work ethic, I am passionate, I am also compassionate and as well as a persistent person,” she specified. Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “I hate when people on the treadmill talking on the phone.” What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “It is never too late to follow your passion and dreams no matter when in life or what has happened previously.” If you can wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I hope to be able to say that I have accomplished my initial dreams of being a model and business owner as well as any new dreams and goals I continue to set for myself in my journey”, Moniqu