She might not be a champ like her brother yet, but Monique Norval (24) and local figure model certainly is strong and determined to take the bodybuilding world by storm.
In just her first year, Monique impressively finished second in two major figure modelling competitions. She was placed second during a World Beauty Fitness and Fashion (WBFF) event held in July and again second at the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association of South Africa (NABBA) provincials.
Monique, always known as an active young girl, first got into the weight of things (in the gym) at age 15. At the age of 17 she started with weight training with her dad and brother George, and started training with heavy weights at age 22.
“I just love lifting heavy weights but in particular how good it makes me feel after an intense session,” she told the Record.
“I do not have to train the way I do, but I want to do it. I want to look a certain way and feel good but at the same time enjoy it.”
Despite her muscular physique, the pretty Monique stands at 1,60 metres short and weighs 55kg (58kg during off season) only. She describes herself as an easy-going person and loves spending time with family and friends … and she has a huge shoe fetish.
On a more serious note Monique defines bodybuilding as a lifestyle.
“It takes a lot of hard work but, if you have the passion, it makes everything a lot easier.
“Come competition time for me it’s about showing your best physique on stage. The recognition that goes with it makes all the hard work you have put in worthwhile.”
Her biggest challenges are the intense training, to avoid cheating and have lots of patience.
“It takes time to build a great physique, but patients is key to great success and excellent results.”
Asked what reactions she get from the public when walking on the beach or in public Monique said, “The ‘stare’ is sometimes positive and at times negative”. Her message to other women with the same interest is, “Don’t believe the misconception that lifting heavy weights will make you bulky or make you look like a man.
“It takes hard work even to have a toned body.”
