MONA LIZA REYES

Physique Profile Series: The Hottest Bodies Talk. Hear What They Say

Name:: MONA LIZA REYES
Alias:: "Mo"
Age:: 31
Home Base:: San Jose, CA
Day Gig:: Franchise Development (Blendz – www.blendz.com)
Body Props:: California State Title NPC – Figure Overall Champion ’06. Completed 4 marathons (Honolulu – twice, San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll, Walt Disney World). Featured in Andrew Oye's "The Oye Body Survey" Physique Profile Series.
Body Battle Cry:: “Never underestimate the heart of a champion!”
Connect:: www.goteammo.com or www.myspace.com/monellereyes or www.myfittribe.com/user/mona-liza-reyes

1. What two words best describe your build/physique/figure? Why?: Feminine and Athletic. Many figure competitors feel the “need” for implants. I don’t knock their choice, but breast size doesn’t determine femininity. I’m also a ring card girl with more muscle than ‘typical’ ring card girls; so, it’s great when women approach me at fights to take pictures and say, “You have the physique I want!”
2. What part of your body deserves to be honored in the “Physique Hall of Fame?” Why?: It’s a toss-up between my abs and calves. Ironically, I never train my calves, a source of my insecurities growing up. (My nickname “Monelle” became “Manlegs.”) Now I’ve grown into my calves and they “pop” in those 5-inch Lucite competition heels.
3. When did you first realize your body was sexy, appealing or exemplary?: Early in my career, I felt awkward because I wasn’t as “well-endowed” as other fitness models. Photographer Terry Goodlad inquired about my bra with straps that kept showing through my outfit. I admitted I used the padded bra “to make up for the titties I don’t have!” He told me sexiness wasn’t about what I lacked, but what showed through my eyes. That moment made all difference in how I carry myself.
4. In the quiet moment before you begin a workout, what’s the first thing that goes through your mind? And what is the last thing that goes through your mind as you conclude a workout?: “Someone out there is training harder than you.” and “Finish Strong!” are the first & last things I think of during my quiet moments. I pray for the strength to not cheat myself on cardio – which, as a clock-watcher, I dread. At the end, a huge sigh of relief is the absolute last thing.
5. Who is your physique/fitness idol or role model, and what body part would you steal from that person for a day?: In the 80’s, I admired Olympic track & field champion “Flo Jo” (Florence Griffith Joyner) for her lean, athletic, yet feminine, physique. In the 90’s, it was all about Janet Jackson. It was my dream to have her 6-pack abs—which I finally got.
6. Who or what inspires you to accept the daily challenge of building your physique/figure?: The vision of my body looking better than before inspires me. When I feel I may falter in my diet or training, I imagine that my competition is doing what needs to be done.
7. If someone wrote a book or song about your body, what would it be called?: “Chunky Monkey.” Former co-workers gave me that nickname as a term of endearment, since I love monkeys. But, despite my physical transformation, I still have the mentality of the girl I was 7-10 years ago.
8. Your name appears as an option on a restaurant menu, and you order the dish/beverage. What food/drink does the waiter deliver to your table?: Easy! I’ve created my own smoothie known to many as the “Monalicious Mixxx”— soy milk, blueberries, bananas, granola, honey, power scoop of protein and ice. The only thing is it turns your teeth and tongue blue.
9. What would a talking mirror say about your body if you stood naked in front of it?: “DAMN! With a tan, you’d look so much leaner!” Then I’d turn around and it would say, “Never trust a big butt and a smile.” (BelBivDeVoe)
10. If you received the ultimatum: workout or die— but your other favorite thing was simply too hard to resist— what is that one other thing you love (besides loved ones, family, friends, etc.) so much that you would actually choose it over your “final workout?”: I haven’t experienced this yet, but I’d love to be a cover model for a publication like Filipinas Magazine, because my true desire is to be a proud representation of fitness for Filipino people around the world.