Monica Brant
Cover Model/Fitness Icon - Winter 2011
Interviewed by: Angela Moreno
Photos by: OAMG.
Few fitness and figure athletes command such awe and inspiration as Monica Brant. With a career spanning two decades, Monica still owns the stage and even admits she feels she's in the best shape of her life! It was my extreme honor to catch up the amazing Fitness and Figure icon, Monica Brant.
"...I needed a change in my personal and professional life. IFBB wasn't where I felt I belonged anymore. It feels great to be with an organization that is new, fresh and excited about their athletes!"
WP: First off, were you athletic growing up?
I was raised on a 20-acre ranch and began riding and showing horses of all disciplines at the age of 7. I still love riding! I was also very athletic in school; I ran track and played volleyball. During my sophomore year of high school, I was on the winning Texas State Mile Relay Team and ran my quarter mile leg in just 57 seconds!
After high school, I competed in local and statewide bikini contests and worked part-time as a San Antonio Budweiser girl while I attended college part time. I even won a brand new Mustang as top prize in a contest!
WP: I didn't know that about you! Interesting! When did you first pick up a weight? And, how did you become interested in competing in Fitness?
I started lifting weights in 1991. I saw a photo of Marla Duncan winning a fitness competition in a fitness magazine and was so impressed by her that I wanted to try competing in fitness. I trained for just a few months, and later on in 1991, I competed in and won my first show! The rest is history.
WP: You were extremely successful competing in Fitness and your success carried over into Figure, as well! Do you have a preference: Fitness or Figure?
I enjoyed Fitness when I was conditioned and ready for the routine portion, and now with the type of training I am doing for Figure, I have really enjoyed my prep, too. However, neither of them compare to my real love of competing in horse shows!
WP: You had competed in Bikini Competitions from 1990 to1994; do you see yourself ever crossing back over into Bikini?
No, I don't. I don't believe my physique is what Bikini is today. Those were contest in clubs and such. It was completely different back then!
WP: Can you tell me about your current sponsor?
I have been an endorsed athlete with BNRG since February 2009; however, I have used Proto Whey and Power Crunch Bars since 2004 when I met the owner, Kevin Lawrence. The company is fabulous and the products are second to none. Also, they are quite addicting!
Proto Whey has a very interesting beginning: it was developed for the owner's baby when he was born with infantile colitis. You have to read the history of the product to learn more and see why it is the best on the market today by visting here.
WP: What are some of your favorite supplements?
Well, of course, Proto Whey and Power Crunch Bars are right at the top. Also, I use Glutamine from BNRG and when I weight train, I use a Creatine product called Cell Charge.
Other products I use are: Multi-vitamin, an anti-aging product called Vivix, Vitamin C, and Acai Berry capsules.
WP: What was your first magazine cover? What year was that?
My first magazine cover was Muscle & Fitness Magazine. I was on it in November 1994.
WP: You have been so successful competing in the IFBB. Can you tell me about your decision to recently switch to the WBFF?
The switch was simple; I needed a change in my personal and professional life. IFBB wasn't where I felt I belonged anymore. It feels great to be with an organization that is new, fresh and excited about their athletes!
WP: What drives you to compete?
I am a competitive person in general; however, my super supportive fans that ask me to continue to step on stage are the largest reason.
Of course, the exposure through the stage and photo shoots lead to business opportunities, as well to continue to promote my name, brand, and projects.
WP: Can you give me an example training day for you?
MB: The following is the schedule I used while prepping for the WBFF World's:
Weights
Day 1: Back - heavy.
Day 2: Shoulders - heavy.
Day 3: Legs - Medium to Heavy - higher reps.
Day 4: Military or HITT-type workout.
Cardio
Day 1: Sprints/Plyometrics.
Day 2: Hill training for 60 minutes.
Day 3: EZ flat surface for 60 minutes.
Day 4: Hill training for 45 minutes then EZ for 30 minutes.
Day 5: Track mileage with 2 lbs. wrist weights for 40 minutes then 20 minutes sprints.
WP: Which do you prefer: cardio or weight training?
I really don't prefer one from the other. I actually enjoy both equally. Sound crazy? Ha-ha!
WP: Not at all coming from you! Tell me, how does your training differ in your off-season? Or do you go off-season?
It doesn't. I continue with my training and cardio sessions the same. However, I will allow for less cardio time than when I prepping for a show. I don't get "off-seasons" and anyone in the fitness industry should feel the same. It is a way of life. Although, I will allow myself more "treats" during times; when I don't have as much scheduled.
WP: What advice do you have for women just starting to compete? How about to someone looking to step on stage for the first time?
The best advice is to attend one of my camps, workshops or plan to come train with me personally in Austin, Texas! Shameless plug I know, but it's true! I can help anyone get on the right path in each area of the game.
Most importantly, new athletes really need direction for proper nutrition in the beginning to learn how foods work for the body. It is necessary for them to make the correct decisions based on what their bodies need and that can only be learned through trial and error. I tell everyone that you have to practice what you learn and that includes nutrition.
Of course, an experienced personal trainer is essential to ensure technique and proper form develops properly in the beginning and the athlete enjoys the process.
WP: You had your own show once. When did you start the Monica Brant Fitness Classic? What made you want to produce and host your own show?
The BodyRock BB & Figure Championships and MB Fitness Classic started in 2000 and the last show was 2006. I worked with an amazing producer, Steven McAdams. The show was nick named, the "Baby Arnold Classic"! I love giving back to the sport and when I had the opportunity to work with Steven, I grabbed it up! Maybe someday we'll bring it back.
WP: I am sure many people would love if you brought it back. Do you work with a trainer or nutritionist? At your level of experience and expertise, do you see a benefit in assistance from a qualified trainer or dietician?
Absolutely! For the WBFF World's, I worked with a good friend, Nathan Harewood, out of Calgary, AB, Canada. Nathan has been working as an assistant trainer at the F.E.M. Camps™ for the last 4 years, and this year, I asked him to come on board as Camp Nutritionist.
When I made the decision to switch organizations, I decided to work with Nathan personally, too. Obviously, it was a great move for me; I was in the best shape of my life! I felt good and healthy the entire program.
I have worked with many trainers and nutritionists over the years. I always remind people that all top athletes have coaches; think about the NFL, NBA, MLB; it doesn't matter who you are and athletes need the accountability, support and experience that comes from coaches, trainers and nutritionists to get to the next level.
WP: That is tremendous advice! It's very inspiring to hear someone at your level utilizes the knowledge of trainers and nutritionists. So, what is your favorite cheat meal?
That definitely has to be P. F. Chang's Candied Walnut Shrimp. It's so yummy!
WP: How about a favorite healthy recipe? Will you share one with us?
Sure! Try my new way to make porridge:
Mix in glass bowl:
1/2 cup oats with 1 tsp. water.
Microwave oats 1 minute.
Remove and add 1/2 cup liquid egg whites and stir well. This will be your liquid part of the oats.
Add 1 scoop of your favorite flavor Proto Whey Protein by BNRG.
Optional: Add any flavored Stevia products you may like.
Stir well and let sit to absorb completely.
I enjoy mine cold, so I'll store it in my fridge until ready to eat.
Keep in mind that anytime we cook protein, we lose some value to it. So, with the liquid egg whites, you are getting 100 percent of the purest form of protein!
WP: I am definitely going to try that recipe for my next breakfast! What do you like to do outside of fitness? I know you love to show horses?
Yes, any chance I get to ride I jump! It's my favorite thing to do. Other than that, I love spending time with my pup, Camy, and my good friends and family.
WP: If you weren't in the Fitness industry, what else could you see yourself doing?
If I wasn't in the fitness industry, I'd be full-time with my horses!
WP: I should've guessed that! Ha-ha! What does a typical day look like for you?
Upon waking, I drink a Proto Whey shake; whether I'm home or on the road!
When I'm home and not prepping to travel; which is very rare, I will either do cardio first thing or head to the gym, and get the workout over with. After exercising myself and my pup, I'll work in the office for as long as I can handle it! I always have so much to do; it never ends! It's all good stuff, though, so I'm not complaining at all!
WP: Your website is so thorough! Can you tell our readers about some of the services you offer?
I offer several different programs, including phone consultations for ladies (30 minutes and 45 minutes).
Another program I offer is via MOJOWellnessPros.com. It is an online nutrition program that is based on Blood Stabilization. It's a very, very healthy system that can be used for life, not just as a quick fix. I offer Nutritional Consultation packages for that, as well. Also, I sell cute T-shirts and tanks, autographed 8x10 posters, my book in hard copy, as well as, in E-book.
WP: Tell me more about your F.E.M. Camps™!
My F.E.M. Camps™ are fun, educational, and motivational! They are for women of all fitness levels interested in health, fitness, competing, modeling, and proper nutrition! My F.E.M. Camps™ are held throughout the USA, Canada, Australia, and Iceland.
WP: You really do it all! What's next for you?
I was in Iceland this November for appearances and a mini F.E.M. Camp™ and 1-day Workshop on the East Coast in December, and then, it's the holidays! 2011 will be here soon and it'll be time to start it all over again! Ha-ha!
WP: And you will do it all with a smile on your face because you enjoy it so much! Ha-ha! Is there anything you'd like to add that I didn't touch on?
I wanted to say thank you to Tony with OAMG and Therese Janc for stepping up and inviting me to shoot in Chicago! I had the most amazing time with them and absolutely love all my pictures. I can't wait to shoot with Tony again; he is an amazing photographer and made me work! Ha-ha!
WP: He is really an amazing photographer and you two work so well together! What is the best way our readers can reach you if they have any questions?
They can contact me at Monica@monicabrant.com. Or, if you don't reach me, please try my assistant, Therese Janc, at monicabrantjanc@yahoo.com.
WP: Monica, thank you so much again for doing this interview! It has been an absolute pleasure. Your dedication to fitness and to helping others is a true inspiration! I can't wait to see what you are going to accomplish next!
Thank you so much! That is very sweet of you to say! I do love what I do and am thankful that God has allowed me the longevity in the industry and dedication to stay true to my (His) path. He has blessed me tremendously with amazing support from my family, friends and fans. Thanks to all of you that have helped me along the way!
World Physique Magazine Winter 2011 issue is on sale now in our website store. It will be on stands in selected smaller stores on Jan. 28th. It will be on stands in selected Barnes & Nobles, Borders, Book World Inc., etc. on Feb. 5th, 2011.
