FigureRX Spotlight on Monica Brennan
at the 2008 NPC Contra Costa Figure Championships

FigureRX Magazine Volume 5

To discuss this article or to see how Monica did in her show please visit the FigureRX forums.

Editor's Note: Because of her impending wedding, Monica chose not to compete in Contra Costa and we will see her back on stage early in the fall. We decided to go forward and feature her now.

At the 2007 NPC Contra Costa Figure Championships last May, one of the most stacked and competitive shows at the local level last year, we did a double take when we saw the top six athletes in Class C. The talent level looked to be good enough for nationals, led by RX favorite Danyell Johnson (Leavitt) with her world class midsection. Tanya Merryman began her comeback at the show and showed up looking shredded and gorgeous with her trademark leg development, placing third ... on her way to a pro card in fitness at Nationals later that year. Future star Jessica Troha finished in sixth and then went on to win the NPC California State Figure Championships before making an impressive showing at USA's.

But what about the second place finisher, 25-year old Monica Brennan, who blew us away with the combination of her physique and beauty? Well there is a lot to be said for making your national debut as impressive as possible, and Monica has spent the off-season making even more improvements to the amazing foundation she has built with years of weight training and kickboxing. That step onto the national stage is a little bit delayed because she is getting married next month, and we wish Monica tremendous happiness in her marriage and life. We are looking forward to her national figure debut which may be in New York in September or Atlanta in November, but in the interim you can see her as our FigureRX spotlight athlete for the NPC Contra Costa Figure Championships, held on Saturday, May 10th.

Monica's Fast Facts:
Name - Monica Brennan
Height - 5'6"
Weight - 115 lbs contest/ 130 lbs off season
Birthday - 25 years old
Home town - Alameda, California
Hair / Eyes - Blonde / Blue
Favorite music - R&B, Classic Rock, Alternative Rock
Favorite diet food - Egg Whites
Favorite cheat food - Pasta
Current occupation - Personal Trainer
Athletic background - Boxing, Weight Training
Latest news - Getting Married on June 29, 2008

Please tell us a little bit about your background, such as where you grew up, your family, other athletics, academics, when you began weight training, and how you became interested in competing.

I had 3 older sisters who I had to defend myself against, LOL. I really did, I started working at the age of 12 at a coffee shop and in order to learn how exactly to defend myself I took up boxing. Any money I made went to my personal trainer, Chris Cardonia, from the Bellmore Kickboxing Academy in New York. We would weight train together and I noticed how fast my physique developed. I loved boxing but that was where my relationship with weight training took off. I did a bit of soccer in middle school but I liked boxing, it sounded tough and it was fun!

What is your training philosophy (heavy or light, cardio, lifting)? Are there any particular body parts that you consider to be strengths, or weaknesses?

I enjoy the winters for focusing on the development of muscle so I lift much heavier and stay within a low repetition range. When February rolls around, I start to increase my cardio. I remain mindful of not over doing it so I don't lose too much muscle. At the same time I continue my weight training routine. At that point I concentrate on muscle maintenance instead of building muscle.

As for strengths and weaknesses, my upper body development has come more naturally. Even when I first began weight training I noticed huge gains in my back and biceps almost immediately. My legs were really difficult to develop. My family has the genetic disposition for cellulite so fighting that has been a never ending battle. I have worked diligently on my lower body development. I just go at it as hard as I can once a week and it's beginning to finally pay off.

What was your first show in the NPC? What led you to make the big move from Long Island to California?

I was having a difficult time growing up (I guess that's the nicest way to put it). I went through a real rough spot in life when I was about 22 years old. I called my Aunt who lives in Alameda, California and she said I could stay with her to get things back together. I came with the intentions of staying for about a month, since I was between jobs. At the gym I ended up meeting my soon-to-be husband. I've been living in Northern California for almost four years and the experience is still surreal!

Weight training became my source of relief. I was at the gym twice a day just to find some sanity. Now it is my passion, I have found it so rewarding that I can't get enough!

My first show in the NPC was the Fresno show in March of 2007. That is where I fell in love with the sport!

Did kickboxing help you to develop the great foundation that you have for figure, or was it primarily the weight training that went along with it? How far did you take your kickboxing career and what was your favorite moment?

Kickboxing has played a major part in who I am today. It has taught me a great deal about how to channel my emotions. With the exception of a few spars, kickboxing was always just for recreation. After I moved to California I began again at Kings Boxing gym in Oakland but at that point I was too involved with weight training.

Do you have any plans to compete nationally this year? Is there anything in particular that you plan to focus on before competing nationally?

I definitely have big plans for a National level show this year. Apart from my wedding, it's the second biggest highlight this year. I'm still contemplating which show to do. After the wedding, on June 29th, I'll be able to focus more.

I plan on doing the NPC San Francisco show in September. It's a small show but it will help to prepare me to face the nationals.

Where do you find the best training and diet advice? Where do you work out and who do you work out with? Is there anyone in particular who you would like to thank, such as a sponsor, significant other, etc?

I get great training advice from Oxygen magazine. I train with a good friend and motivator, Peggy McCormick, and she is my main source of training and diet advice. I work out at the Alameda Athletic Club and I train with Peggy every morning at 6am.

Peggy is the reason why I began competing so I owe her most of the credit. My fiance Bill Morris has also been a wonderful motivator, especially when it comes to doing my cardio. Andreas Cahling and Truly Huge sponsor me. They have both provided a lot of support and confidence in me.

Gene X. Hwang from Orange Photography has taken all my photos. He's a wonderful person who has a great presence while maintaining his professionalism at all times. He's a pleasure to work with!

And most of all, My Mom!

Do you have any role models in bodybuilding, fitness and figure?

First and Foremost, Arnold Schwarzenegger, his Encyclopedia of body building has been a great source of information! Monica Brant is another role model of mine.

Thanks Monica!

To see Monica's contest history and a list of all of her appearances on FigureRX please search for her name at Bodybuilding Weekly.