Monique Chilcutt
IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor- Age: 55
- Hometown: Sacramento, CA
- Location: Raleigh, NC
- Group Dance Instructor
- Fitness Model
- Certification: NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- Instagram: @modancer32
- Facebook: Monique Chilcutt
- Tik Tok: @Modancer32
As a writer/interviewer, I am blessed to have the opportunity to spread fitness and motivational material to those who seek out knowledge and inspiration. However, nothing gives me more of a thrill and purpose than to not only learn about those who bring inspiration to my life in a more intimate way. There is also no greater feeling than to provide you, my beloved audience, with real-life examples of people who persevered no matter their circumstances. They relentlessly execute their vision day in and day out.
People with a vision often execute with a sort of panic in their spirit and feel the speed of time probably more than the normal person. For them, to imagine a life without their passion is a life not worth living at all. Personally speaking, I don’t think I have seen many people more focused or more passionate than Monique Chilcutt. Within five minutes of looking at her Instagram account, you will be inspired by her vigor and love for life, dance, and fitness.
As a movie buff myself, it is something about those rise-to-power stories that deliver a powerful meaning of motivation, but it is nothing without a compelling backstory and an inspiring quote that makes you want to go out and take on the world. Of all the inspirational movies I have seen, if I had to attach one to Monique, it would be from a classic one called “A Star Is Born.”
“Look, talent comes everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it to have people listen to it, that’s a whole other bag. And unless you get out and you try to do it, you’ll never know. That’s just the truth.” -Jackson Maine
A Star Was Born
Hailing from Sacramento, California, the popular group dance instructor wears many hats. From a mom, wife, fitness model, and personal trainer, Monique thrives off using fitness to help others feel confident in their skin. Teaching fitness classes such as dance, barre, barbell, Guts and Glutes, all out of Lifetime Fitness in Raleigh, North Carolina. And to top it all off, this fiery spirit has managed to go from an Amateur Bikini Competitor to a now IFBB Pro in a matter of 2 years! But before we dive into the present, I want to open up by sharing the history of how Monique was born to be a star.
Since the age of 5, Monique’s mother raised her and her sister as a single mother while nurturing her love of dance and constantly keeping her active in it. Her skills developed quickly in specialties in ballet, jazz, Hip-hop, and tap dancing. Monique’s passion only grew as the years went on. From trying out for the Sacramento Kings while in college, to becoming a dancer in a modern jazz company as the principal dancer, Monique was destined for success. As she grew into a young teenage woman and was heavily influenced by her mother’s participation in fitness, her mind eventually gravitated toward the possibilities of more. Fast forward some years, Monique enrolled in college and majored in Health and Safety with a minor in dance. Although all arrows pointed to this being a great and lucrative career choice, she quickly realized she no longer desired this path upon graduation and getting out into the field. It was then she decided to pursue her love of dance full-time.
This scary but brave decision later proved to be the right decision as she ended up not only landing a position as a dance teacher at Step 1 Dance and Fitness in Sacramento but also as a prominent professional dancer for the Sacramento Kings This huge achievement should have kept her content and happy, however, you will come to find that Monique’s ambition is far too strong to stop there.
A New Untapped Journey
For as long as she could remember, Chilcutt’s life revolved around dance and now that love evolved into a career by sharing that same passion with others. However, she never knew fitness would be a dream she would chase. While settling into her new dance ventures, Monique’s mother was fulfilling her dreams in the bodybuilding industry. From the age of 45 to 55, Monique’s mother competed in numerous competitions, basking in the world of fitness. Therefore, Chilcutt was no stranger to the bodybuilding industry. One day a friend who was into bodybuilding recommended her to Trish Wood’s Iron Addiction Gym, located in Roseville, Ca. From here, her journey to become a pro bikini competitor began.
For a year, Chilcutt trained at Iron Addiction with Trish Wood and her trainers, competing in 7 bikini competitions and becoming obsessed with the sport. Even to this day, the number of competitions is still growing due to the success of becoming a pro athlete. While she has numerous accolades and experience under her belt, the life balance can be filled with land mines and hurdles. However, in the name of commitment, Chilcutt continues to do what she loves.
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In the Name of Commitment
Working as a lead dance instructor at Lifetime Fitness in Raleigh, North Carolina, and as a bodybuilding competitor, chasing a dream isn’t always easy. Choosing to be influential in the fitness industry can be a lonely climb, especially when friends and family aren’t as receptive to your goals.
Bodybuilding competitors as well as other athletes are required to condition their bodies through dieting and training. If you have met any competitors, they will be sure to tell you that this isn’t an easy task to accomplish. However, that is not even the most difficult hurdle. The most difficult hurdle is being around loved ones who subconsciously discourage your goals. From disparaging comments about your diet, physique, and lack of fun, empathy is not always there from that aspect.
Although this is a common aspect of a competitor, the show must continue. Discipline is the greatest key during the process of preparation for a competition. Not to mention satisfying clientele with their desired results. This can be draining mentally but there are several rewards other than hardware from the shows Monique Chilcutt competes in.
The Impact of Monique Chilcutt
Without a doubt, winning is on every competitor’s mind, and quality servitude is on every instructor’s heart. With that, an impact is created. Teaching dance classes gives Chilcutt the responsibility of giving her clients a place of freedom and confidence. Through fitness, she can prove resilience. Every day is not necessarily a great experience, however, there is a goal that is to be met. And with resiliency and the will to push through your feelings, you can win the day.
Since Chilcutt’s journey in dance and fitness, she has been met with gratitude and love from her clients. She has provided a new start for those who were stuck in the circumstances and some who were dealing with intense recovery and confidence crises. Either way, winning is a part of the goal, but sometimes winning is helping others overcome personal battles. Competitors have a love for the game but an obligation to the spectators. With great impact, great motivation is required.
The Motivation of Monique Chilcutt
During my interview with Monique Chilcutt, I learned a lot about her motivation in comparison to my own. As she pursues solidity in the fitness industry, she has a few things on her journey that feed her fire daily. She desires to influence her children to show them that in pursuance of their desires, hard work is the only ingredient you need to be successful. She takes her role as an influential parent seriously and only seeks to be a positive role model just as her parents have done for her.
Currently, Monique’s recent move from California to North Carolina to be closer to family and boost her career as a fitness professional was a pivotal moment in her career. As she grows in her profession, this provides her the opportunity to reach a larger audience on the opposite side of the country while expanding her passion. Monique hopes to continue to grow her influence as a group dance instructor, certified personal trainer, and now, an IFBB Bikini Pro! There are a lot of meticulous efforts that come with being a bikini pro, but much more when helping others succeed as well. Also, with so much stage presence experience, Chilcutt looks forward to uplifting the future of female competitors with her wealth of guidance as a posing coach. There will be much required, however, she is more than ready for the challenge. If you want to learn more about Monique, please follow her on IG, FB, and Tik Tok. Who knows, if you’re in the area, you might be able to snag a session with her! Peace and blessings family.
NPC Bikini Competitions
- WNBF Natural League, San Jose, Ca
- NPC Legion Sports Fest, Reno, NV
- NPC Sacramento Championship, Sacramento, CA
- NPC NORCAL Championship, Sacramento, CA
- Universe & NPC National Fitness Championship, Teaneck, NJ
- NPC North American Championships, Pittsburg, PA
- NPC Masters USA, Anaheim, CA
- NPC Teen Collegiate and Masters National, Pittsburg, PA
