Quick Stats

Name:  Alex-Maud van der Westhuizen
Age:  20
Competition weight:  49 Kg
Current weight:  52 Kg
Current city:  Potchefstroom, South Africa
Occupation:  Student

How did you get into this lifestyle?

I always had a passion for exercise, sports, gym and well just being active. When I finished high school my brother and Richard told me that I should compete, at first I thought they were kidding…me on stage in a bikini?! Never!

“I thought to myself! I’m too shy to even speak to some of the people I know haha.  So I did my first novice beach bikini competition last year April, without really prepping for it, kind of a last minute decision and fell in love with the sport!”

Since then I only started with the serious gym thing and started working my way up. I’m currently still learning a lot myself, and appreciate every bit of advice. It is a lifestyle and it’s in my nature!

What do you love about it and how do you stay motivated and disciplined to stay on track with your training, and your diet?

To be honest there isn’t much that I do not like.

“I love the training, all the great people I’m getting to know, the self-confidence I am developing and a lot of knowledge that I am gaining through all of this. Not only knowledge about training, dieting or competing but of the real world out there.

Seeing the changes to my body, other people noticing the changes, girls coming to me for advice, the great compliments that I receive from people I never met before in my life, and just knowing that I am motivating others, motivates me!”

My awesome gym wear, sponsored by Getlogged Lifestyle, also helps me to stay on track. I never ate much junk food or sweets in my life, not that I never did, I probably still had more than I should have; But eating right is not that bad or hard as people make it out to be. I don’t always have the money to stick to a perfect diet (I am only a student), I just try to eat as clean as possible and try to eat more or less according to the diet that my friend, Cindy Marshall, worked out for me. I like to treat myself with Supashape goodies to satisfy my sweet tooth.

“I love training so it’s easy to stick to it, if it’s hard it only challenges me. If I can’t complete a set I will try each week to improve, which can be tough if your mindset is not right. If you want to control your body, you first have to control your mind.”

What were some of the mistakes you made when starting out in the gym?

I made a few small ‘form’ mistakes in my training on certain exercises, like turning my hands a little outwards or something like that. My brother helped me with that, and now my best friend and also boyfriend, Richard, if he sees that I am not turning my hands for example. I don’t really know about any other major mistakes that I made or maybe still make, until somebody tells me. So I think I am doing an OK job.

What competitions have you competed in and your placings?

2012

• BBSA IFBB NW Novice and Development Show | Beach bikini | 1^st
• Miss SA Xtreme | Beach Bikini | 1^st
• TTT Nutrition Classic | Beach bikini | 2^nd
• BBSA NW Provincials | Beach bikini | 1^st
• BBSA IFBB South African Championships | Beach bikini | 1^st
• BBSA IFBB World Championships | Beach bikini | No placing

2013

• Nabba Pretoria Classic | Beach bikini | 2^nd
• WBFF South Africa | Beach bikini | 5^th
• Miss SA Xtreme | Beach bikini | 1^st
• IFBB H&H Bodybuilding and Fitness Classic | Beach Bikini | 1^st

I also received my South African colors.

Tell us a bit about your experience competing in Budapest at the Ifbb Worlds in 2012?

I was still new to the whole competing thing, and didn’t know much about stage presence and still feel that I need to work on it, but I was so excited! It was an amazing experience and I learnt so much. Next time, if I am lucky enough to get another chance, I will do better!

“The fitness industry overseas is just so big and so intense, I get goose bumps just thinking of it.”

“If you could only experience how much those people love what they do and how good they are at it, you would get so motivated by them.”

The competitors over there are magnificent and have excellent physiques. If you want to compete internationally, you will need the whole package, which is not all just about your body but a lot about how you present yourself and what makes you stand out in a line-up, as big as 20 or more girls, whom all look top standard. I honestly think that a judge has a very difficult job to do.

What are your future plans?

I am currently a student at NWU in Potchefstroom, where I am studying MBW in Recreation, working to get my honors degree in bio kinetics. I am thinking about going overseas for maybe just a year or so to get good experience in the workplace after studying. After that I would love to find a job in Cape Town, where I would work until I have more experience to open my own practice.

“Competing wise…I don’t intend to stop until I feel that now is the time, which might be never.”

I would love to get my pro status in IFBB, but it isn’t that big of a dream of mine at this stage of my life.

“I feel that I have a lot of time to still compete and I don’t need a pro status to feel that I achieved something, because through just competing I have already achieved so much. The changes I make to my life, the people that became apart of it all, and being fit and happy when competing makes it all worth it. And let’s not forget the trophies haha.”

How do you manage to keep a balance between everything?

It is hard to say no to friends all the time and to say I can’t eat ice-cream, pizzas and so on, but you don’t always have to sit at home and eat your chicken or fish. I usually take my food with me, take healthy snacks to the movies or picnics and try to alternate in a certain situation.

“I try to do things on my cheat meal days, but all my friends know me like this and support me in every way. Some of them even join me! I don’t drink and I have never been much of a party animal but I do love to hang out, dance the night off and do “normal” things as many would like to call it.”

I always train in the afternoons and if it happens that I can’t gym, it won’t hurt missing it, as long as I eat healthily. People often have a misconception of healthy eating.  Most times, healthy eating, is my diet.

Take us through an average day of yours:

• I get up at 5 am if I need to study, otherwise I’ll get up at 6 am.
• Go jogging with my friend at 6:30 am and eat my oats and egg whites when I get back.
• I then check what time my class starts, get ready and go to class.
• Then come back home to do my work, study or whatever jumps up. Don’t forget that in-between everything through my day I eat, like five times a day and clean my flat as well!
• In the afternoon, normally about 5 pm, we go to the gym, my favorite time of the day.
• Then, go home and relax, work or socialize a little (facebook, bbm, anything like that) and then sleep. Can’t go to sleep too late and can’t get up too late in the morning.

Give us a brief description of your philosophy on your diet, pre contest and during the off season.

Keep it clean during and after and you will get the most advantages out of it. Never cut out all of your carbs and its good to have cheat meals.

“Off season should not be a time where you now can eat everything, everyday. Don’t go overboard, I personally don’t think that it is good for health to gain all that weight and then drop it that fast again.  Too much of anything is not good for you…”

What’s your favorite healthy meal?

I actually love every meal and don’t have a favorite, but if I had to choose my favorite healthy meal, it would be my oats and egg whites.

“I usually can’t wait to go to sleep just to wake up and have my oats!”

Do you believe in using supplements?  If you do, with all the different supplements out there, what would you say are the most essential ones that need to be taken?

I believe in all natural. I am not against supplements, but I want to do it the natural way. It will take me much longer to get to where I want to be, than it would take a girl using supplements, but I prefer it that way. I do drink shakes, because it is easy to take with during classes and works out cheaper than eating a lot of chicken, but I only drink one a day excluding weekends.

Give us a brief description of your philosophy on your training and on average how long do you workout for?

It must be a challenge, I am testing myself and my willpower and working to become stronger. During your weight training it has to burn, don’t stop when it starts to burn, because it works better through and after the burn. If I can’t do it today, I will work harder to do it another day! An average workout takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

How do you measure your progress? And how often?

I should be measuring myself, but I never stick to doing it, I don’t know why haha. I haven’t even measured my body fat once…still really want to do it. So I rely on Richard and my family and of course competition photos.

Do you utilize a lot of cardio in your training routine? What’s your favorite form of cardio?

It changes as I change my program and a lot of times I will do cardio if I have enough time. With my classes starting later, we go jogging early in the morning and that is my favorite cardio to do.

What would you say are the three best exercises women should include in their leg work outs to really focus on their hamstrings?

• Bridging
• Good mornings
• One legged dumbbell stiff dead lifts.

Fitness models or bodybuilders?

Well, I like the fitness models more, but have a lot of respect for the bodybuilders for what they do and achieve with their bodies.

Favorite female fitness icon(s):

Jamie Eason, and Michelle van Rooyen. I think there are so many others, but I really look up to Jamie for achieving so much and for learning from her mistakes. She is now helping girls to work their self to the top in the fitness industry the right way and not the way she did.

Favorite Quote:

“Alle goeie dinge kom met tyd… All good things come with time.”

Advice for someone wanting to change their lifestyle and achieve their ideal physique?

Anyone can achieve their ideal physique, you just have to really want it and be willing to give up some of the sweet stuff.

“Start with your mind and then your body. It might take a very long time and even feel forever, but don’t give up because hard work will pay off.”

You might just give up only one more step away from your ideal goal, and you would have never known what you could have achieved.

So my advice to anyone wanting to achieve their ideal physique, is to believe in yourself and know that you can!

Where can people get hold of you?

• Facebook: Alex-Maud van der Westhuizen
• Email:  alex-maud[at]hotmail.com

Photography Credits

• Robynne Fitzpatrick
• Bee Photography
• Senepe Studios
• Q.W.E.R.T.Y Photography

The post One on One With 20 Year Old, Multiple Beach Bikini Winner, Alex-Maud van der Westhuizen appeared first on FitNish.com.

Quick Stats

Name:  Roxy Firmani
Age:  24
Height:  1,71 m
Competition weight:  55kg
Current weight:  58kg
Current city:  Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
Where do you train:  Virgin Active, Sunninghill
Occupation: Brand Executive for OPI

How long have you been training for and how did you get started?

I started training when I was about 16. But nothing too serious; just cardio and the circuit! My Dad used to do Bodybuilding Shows so I would tag along with him to the gym every now and again!

“About 2 years ago, I met a very influential man in the fitness industry and I decided to start training to compete!”

Did it come easily for you or was it quite a ‘life’ adjustment?

Because I have grown up in a fairly active family it came quite easy. I am also SO passionate about being fit and living a healthy lifestyle that it really is something I enjoy!

What do you love about it?

I love knowing that my body is in its peak condition! Being fit makes doing anything and everything a lot easier and living a clean and healthy lifestyle ensures that I rarely get sick, always feel energetic and enthusiastic, and that I will have better luck with my health and body condition as I age!

What competitions have you competed in and your placings?

2012

• Fitness SA
• Body Beautiful SA, Bikini, 3rd

Last year I competed in my first show, Fitness SA. Although I did not place in the Top 10 it motivated me to work harder for my next show. I then competed in Body Beautiful SA and placed 3^rd in the Bikini Division line-up!

You were a part of the JAR (Nutrition Store) team. How did that work out and did it help with your training and dieting?

Being part of team JAR was and is amazing.

“This is a tough industry and having a group of people to support and motivate you all the time is great.”

It is also nice to have a team of people with different knowledge about training and dieting. We can all put our minds together to better our understanding of what works and what doesn’t!

What are your future plans?

This year I plan to compete in 3 or 4 shows, the main one being WBFF SA on the 19^th and 20^th of July! I also want to do a nutrition course and try to get more involved in helping other people get into the fitness competition scene! I love helping people with training and nutrition and it is my dream to one day, make a career out of it!

Take us through an average day of yours:

Because I work full time I have a very early start to my day!

• I wake up at 4:30am, gulp down my Titan Labs Isomax or Slim Core shake and go to the gym. I’ll do a small amount of cardio (just to get the blood flowing) and then hit the weights section!
• After that its home to shower, eat and get to work by 8am.
• During my contest season I will normally hit the gym after work (two or three times a week) to get in an extra bit of cardio.
• Then its home to chill, prep my meals for the next day and get to bed for some beauty sleep

Give us a description of your philosophy on your diet:

I have quite a balanced philosophy on my diet. I don’t believe in a so called ‘Diet’, I believe that you should eat clean (no processed foods) and eat regularly! I eat 5 – 6 small meals a day and I ensure I get a good amount of Protein, Fats (the good types) and Carbohydrates (Low GI).

Here is a sample of my meals that I pretty much stick to all year round:

• 5am: Titan Labs Isomax/ Slim Core Shake
• 7:30am: 50g of Oats and 3-4 Egg Whites
• 11am: Chicken Salad with Avo/Nuts
• 1pm: Chicken Breast with Vegetables and Sweet Potato/Brown Rice
• 4pm: Another Titan Labs Shake and Some Almonds
• 7pm: Lean Protein Source (Chicken/ Fish/ Ostrich) with Vegetables
• 10pm: Slow release protein (Low Fat Cottage Cheese/ Titan Labs Aftermath)

What keeps you motivated and so disciplined to get through your training and sticking to your diet day in and day out?

I find that I am most motivated and disciplined when I stick to a routine and have a goal to work towards!

“Setting goals is something you should do every month. I make sure the goals I set are realistic and are measurable.”

Every month I sit down and measure my current goals, and then re-evaluate them accordingly. Without goals there would be nothing to work towards! And without a routine it becomes very hard to maintain discipline!

What’s your favorite healthy meal?

I absolutely love the good fats! Avo’s, Almonds, Peanut Butter; I could eat these all day every day! I also love my Titan Labs Aftermath Dessert Protein! It is such a good thing to eat before you go to bed because it keeps a constant source of energy for your muscles while you sleep AND it tastes like chocolate mousse! I always make mine and put it in the freezer for a bit so it is like chocolate ice-cream

What’s your supplementation like?

There are a few supplements I use on a daily basis:

• Multi-vitamin: This is essential when you train on a daily basis
• Protein Shake: A quick and easy way to get your protein requirements, and great for when you are on the go, need to have a snack OR straight after a training session!
• BCAA’s: These are essential when you train. They aid in muscle recovery and also prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue. I mix a serving of Glutablast and Amino Rush from Titan Labs and sip on that while I train. It tastes great and helps your muscles while you train!
• Fat Burner: Only during my competition season! Good to help get leaner for my shows! I would highly recommend Xcelerate from Titan Labs – it is by far one of the best on the market these days!

Give us a description of your philosophy on your training and on average how long do you work out for?

I don’t believe that you need to spend hours in the gym every day! I spend about 45-60 minutes at the gym and believe me that is more than enough. As long as you make that time count! I do a split training program, so I train each muscle group once a week (except for legs).

So for example I will train:

• Chest on Monday
• Quads on Tuesday
• Back on Wednesday
• Hamstrings and Glutes on Thursday
• Arms and Friday
• Shoulders on Saturday
• Sunday’s I rest!

How do you measure your progress? And how often?

I do not believe in the scale! Body weight is such an ineffective way to track progress, especially because muscle weighs more than fat! I believe it’s how you feel, look in the mirror and fit in your clothes!

What’s your take on utilizing cardio in your training regime? What’s your favorite form of cardio?

Like I said earlier I always do a few minutes of Cardio before I start my weight training session! My favorite type is High Intensity Interval Training. This is bouts of high intensity cardio with rests in between! So for example I will sprint for 1 minute and then walk for 1 minute for up to 20 minutes.

I also do steady state cardio once or twice a week. That is medium intensity cardio for a longer period of time (about 40-60 minutes)

What’s your secret to having rock solid abs? What would you say are some of the best exercises women should include in their ab work outs?

The key to Abs is Diet! You can do 1000 sit ups a day but if your diet is wrong you will never see those abs! So keep your diet clean. I love to do weighted crunches and leg ups!

Fitness models or bodybuilders?

The person who I look up to most, the one that got me interested in this industry, is Jaco De Bruyn. He has been a Mentor and an Inspiration from the get go. And then of course there is my coach, Kirk Wentworth! He is the most knowledgeable, passionate and helpful person I know! He really has helped me get to where I am now and helps me with all of my competition prep!

Favorite female fitness icon(s):

Wow I have so many! At the moment I must say I have a bit of a crush on Bella Falconi, her physique is just mind blowing! I also follow Anna Delia, Jamie Eason, and locals such as Anna Wood!

Favorite Quote(s):

This one sums it all up:

“Eat Clean. Train Mean. Stay Lean.”

I also love

“It never gets easier, you just get better.”

What were some of the mistakes you made when starting out in the gym?

Thinking that cardio was going to give me a toned physique! I see so many girls at the gym every day slaving away on the treadmill and their bodies never really seem to change! I also don’t think people realise how big a role your diet plays in seeing the results you want!

“Girls need to stop being afraid of both the weights section and protein shakes!”

Advice for someone wanting to change their lifestyle and achieve their ideal physique?

Take it one step at a time. Too many changes at once can become overwhelming and disheartening. Also make sure you get proper advice from someone who knows what they are talking about. I’ve seen some crazy diets and programs given to friends that are just ridiculous!

“My rule of thumb is that the person you get your advice from, should have the physique you wish to achieve, that way you know that it worked for them and should in turn work for you!”

Where can people get hold of you?

• Facebook: Roxy Firmani Fitness Model
• Twitter:  @RoxannePaige
• Email:  roxyfirmani@gmail.com

The post One on One With Bikini Competitor and Team Jar Member, Roxy Firmani appeared first on FitNish.com.

Quick Stats

Name:  Dani Waterston
Age:  26
Height: 1,69 m
Competition weight:  56kg
Current weight:  59kg
Current city:  Johannesburg, South Africa
Occupation:  Psychometrist and Client Relationship Manager/Nutritionist
Sponsored by:  Evox Supplements and Ironrodds Gym

How did you get started or have you always been active and lived a fit and healthy lifestyle?

I have always been involved in an active lifestyle. My family has always been health/fitness conscious so I always had exposure. But this type of physical attention put pressure on me to remain a certain way.

“I struggled with body issues and other problems growing up. My weight fluctuated a lot during this time, along with my self-esteem and self-image.”

At the end of 2009 I was partying a lot, drinking and leading a very unbalanced and in essence destructive lifestyle. Needless to say I packed on a whopping 20 kgs between 2009 and 2011! Denial became my best friend during this time.

I was deeply unhappy and I knew it. I realized that I was carrying a lot of emotional weight and decided to tackle it on four levels:

• Mentally
• Psychologically
• Spiritually
• Physically

I started with my trainer Doug Rodd, got an eating plan, threw myself back into therapy and began my journey.

“I created little goals along the way.”

I wanted to do Body Beautiful as a friend had done it the year before and I NEVER thought I could do it. My goal was achieved in September 2012 and that is when this incredible opportunity to begin my career in the fitness industry began

What do you love about it?

There is no better feeling that I experience like the one when I challenge myself. By stepping up on stage and knowing that I have worked countless hours to get there is the most empowering experience.

What competitions have you competed in and your placings?

Last year was my first year competing.

2012

• Body Beautiful, 9^th
• Rossi Classic, Top 10
• WPF SA Champs, 5^th
• USN Face of Fitness Challenge, Top 6

What are your future plans?

I recently completed my Masters in Psychology and qualified as a nutritionist. My entire life journey with food, health and fitness has been quite complex and last year (after my shows) I realized how crucial it is to have someone aid in maintenance and containment after reaching your goals. To be honest, I did (and I noticed many others) dipped into a bit of a depression when all the hype ended.

“I plan to get into coaching and offer a maintenance service to help individuals (in the fitness industry and around) maintain their goals and reintegrate themselves as this ‘new person’ into normal life.”

I’m not giving away the whole plan but I will be combining psychology with nutrition to achieve a holistic approach to this

I definitely plan on continuing to compete and go to Vegas within the next 3 years! It would be an amazing experience.

Take us through an average day of yours:

• I usually wake up 5am/5:30am. Put my gym clothes on and hit the gym – either Ironrodds 3 times per week or Morningside. I train for an hour (mainly heavy weight training).
• After I get home I practically inhale my Evox shake and oats and get ready for work. I work at a consulting company.
• The rest of my day is usually spent visiting clients, replying to emails and some admin.
• During competition season I may train twice a day so I will hit the gym again around 4pm for some interval cardio.
• That’s followed by walking my dog and then lazing in front of the TV/going for dinner with a friend.
• Then finally I return to my bed, around 9/10pm.

Give us a description of your philosophy on your diet

My philosophy is pretty simple:

1. Eat consistently
2. Never go hungry
3. Eat foods you enjoy
4. Have enough protein
5. Avoid sugar and high GI carbs,
6. Plan your day ahead
7. And most importantly EAT WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY.

“So often people mistaken emotions for hunger and as a result make unhealthy choices that make them feel miserable afterwards. Listen to your body.”

My diet is pretty strict: 6 meals a day, protein and low GI carbs. I have at least 4L of water a day. When I am not competing I keep to the same structure but of course it is less rigid – I am human after all and love good food!

How do you stay motivated to keep on training and sticking to your diet?

This is quite a tough question to answer as it was difficult to motivate myself at the beginning of this year. The most important thing to know is that you have to dig deep. That is what I do. I think about what I want and how to get it, remind myself to be patient and just keep going.

“There are many mornings that I want to sleep in and many dinners that I want to eat the plate next to me but I constantly remind myself what it is I am trying to achieve for myself. I feel amazing after a workout and that feeling is motivation in itself.”

I have recently sought a lot of support from my Evox team mates (Rudi Pretorius and Jacques Greeff) and they have been great! They definitely help keep me motivated.

I also keep things exciting. I make good tasting food, I like the gym clothes I wear and I write down my training routines to keep track. In essence I take pride in what I do and when I start seeing results it drives me more to continue.

“If the reward outweighs the current situation go for it! It isn’t easy but it is so fulfilling in the long run.”

What’s your favourite cheat meal?

I have to admit I have a sweet tooth. I’m a sucker for muffins, cake, ice cream and chocolate but I LOVE more wholesome foods like pizza and pasta. I try treat myself to more meal based treats than junk as I have become very sensitive to sugar and it puts me on a bit of a sugar-high.

What supplements do you use?

I use a range of Evox products. Specifically:

• 100% Whey
• Synergy whey
• Caseine whey (on occasion)
• CLA
• BCAA
• Glutamine
• Evox Hydro Heat
• MCT oil

Give us a description of your philosophy on your training and on average how long do you workout for?

WEIGHT TRAINING IS GOLDEN! Your body is capable of doing so much more than you think it can. The weight section gives you the freedom to truly challenge yourself. Ask a trainer for guidance though as incorrect training can lead to injuries.

“I do believe cardio is important but I enjoy high intensity interval training (HIIT) cardio as you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time.”

I weight train 4-5 times per week and do HIIT cardio about 4 times per week (30min max per session). I enjoy long distance running too but not during competition season.

How do you measure your progress? And how often?

I do a body fat assessment and measurements once per month and weigh myself numerous times during the week. I don’t advise that others weigh themselves this often though – competition dieting/training/measuring is different to daily life.

How much cardio do you normally perform each week? What’s your favourite form of cardio?

I absolutely love the stepper. I do interval based cardio on this for 20 minutes. This consists of 2 minutes warm up and then an increase in intensity every minute for 4 minutes then back to base lines level. This ‘4 minute intensity increase’ is repeated 3 more times after that. Let me tell you after that you really feel like you’ve had a serious work out! I don’t do a lot of cardio in general. I like to do about 30-40 minutes twice to three times a week. However I do an extra 20 minutes after my weights during competition season. Once a week I take my dog for a 30 minute power walk as well.

What would you say are the top exercises women should include in their back work outs?

I definitely recommend:

• Bent over rows
• Wide grip lat pull-down
• Bent over barbell row
• And (my favourite) Renegade rows.

These are great and such a challenge!

Fitness models or bodybuilders?

Ronnie Coleman is a living legend! Fact! I have to take my hat off to my coach Doug Rodd as well, as he is an ex body builder who did incredibly well during his competing days.

Favourite female fitness icon(s):

Jillian Michaels (from The Biggest Loser) is my fitness idol. She is inspiring and motivating. My fitness girl crush is Jamie Eason, she is just wow!

Favourite Quote:

“Your life is a physical manifestation of your thoughts.”

“Every possibility already exists.”

What do you think are some of the biggest mistakes or myths that many girls fall prey to when starting out in the gym?

I feel there are 2 major downfalls: Women do too much cardio, and are afraid of weights.

• Myth #1: Cardio burns fat. Yes, HIIT cardio does, but not hours on a cardio machine, this burns muscle! In fact, weight training has proven to be more effective in fat burning as your metabolic rate is raised and you burn more calories for the 24 hours following your workout.
• Myth #2: Weights make woman bulky. This isn’t possible as women do not have enough testosterone to bulk. The amount of weight training a woman needs to do in order to gain muscle is quite a large amount. I weight train 4-5 times a week with heavy weights and do I look all manly and bulky?

Advice for someone wanting to change their lifestyle and achieve their ideal physique?

DO IT! Actions beat good intentions every time! Don’t just think about it, rather implement your actions.

It is hard, it is a mental challenge and you will want to give up BUT don’t. It is much easier breaking it down and taking it slow. E.g. commit to gym 3 times per week on 3 specific days, visit a nutritionist for a realistic life plan, visit a trainer for an exercise programme/sessions and commit to sticking to it for 3 weeks. Finally, face the fear. Go have a body fat assessment, use a pair of jeans that track your progress and, yes, weigh yourself.

I like to use the scale as it shows consistency. HOWEVER it can be an invalid reading, but it is still an important measure to use. If you do not want to know your weight have your nutritionist document it – you need to know where you stand.

The gym isn’t for everyone. If you are one of these people, no problem! Take up something you enjoy: dancing; outdoor walking; road running; martial arts; cross-fit; swimming. There is so much to do and all you have to do is decide that you want to do it and DO IT!

Where can people get hold of you?

• Facebook: Dani’s Facebook Page
• Twitter: @daniwaterston
• Email: dani.waterston[at]gmail.com

The post One on One With Evox Sponsored Athlete, Dani Waterston appeared first on FitNish.com.

Quick Stats

Name:  Tamara Kester
Age:  22
Height:  1.69 m
Competition weight:  54 kg
Current weight:  57 kg
Current city:  Johannesburg, South Africa
Occupation:  Personal Trainer

How long have you been training consistently for and have you always lived a fit and healthy lifestyle?

I have always been a sports fanatic and was involved in competitive sports from a young age.  I only began the gym side of things about 2 years ago.

What do you love about it?

I love the way being fit and healthy makes me feel!  A healthy body is a healthy mind.

What competitions have you competed in and your placings?

2012 Season

• H&H Classic, Fitness bikini, 4^th
• Ifbb Gauteng North Provincials, Fitness Bikini, 3^rd
• Mpumalanga Nabba Championships, Miss Beach bikini tall, 1^st
• Nabba SA Championships, Miss Beach bikini tall, did not place

What made you decide to start competing?

I had always excelled in the sport I had been competitive in.  I wanted a new challenge, both physically and mentally.

What are your future plans?

I have just finished studying to be a personal trainer so that in 2013 I will be gaining experience as a trainer, as well as bettering my physique for competition.  I am also planning on studying Bio kinetics at TUKS and am aiming to work with athletes in the High Performance Center, where ultimately, sports conditioning will be my main focus.

Take us through an average day of yours:

• 6am wake up, eat breakfast and pack lunch for work
• 8am- 5pm… WORK WORK WORK (eating my many meals at my desk)
• 6-7:30pm is spent at the gym training.
• Eat dinner before 8pm
• Shower and then dig into the books.
• 9:30pm bed time

Give us a brief description of your philosophy on your diet, pre contest and during the off season.

My basic diet on season consists of egg whites and oats, chicken breasts, green vegetables, almonds, green apples, steak and hake whilst limiting salt, sugar and dairy intake.

My basic off- season diet is basically the same, I just allow myself more cheat meals during the week.  I don’t think it is possible, nor necessary to restrict yourself continuously especially seeing as my off season consists of higher intensity training and the extra calories are needed to build that extra muscle.

Do you believe in completely eliminating unhealthy foods from your diet, or rather not eliminating them just limiting them?

I don’t believe that it is healthy in our day in age to eliminate unhealthy foods completely.  The way I see it is that humans adapt, and we have adapted to the foods that are put on the shelves, the steroids that are pumped into our meat, the pesticides that have been sprayed on our crops and the preservatives put into 90% of our foods.  Everything in moderation is perfectly fine!

Do you believe in using supplements?  If you do, what would you say to a woman starting out thinking she needs to take many supplements in order to lose weight?

I am proud to say that I used absolutely NO supplementation whilst  ‘on season’.

“If you follow the right diet and training program, supplements are not necessary.”

At the moment I am only taking a whey protein shake to try to build some extra muscle fullness.  The Optimum Gold Standard whey is expensive, but worth it.

Give us a brief description of your philosophy on your training and on average how long do you workout for?

I believe in quality not quantity.  If you know what works for your body, your sessions should be quick.  I do about 30 mins weights, 30 mins cardio on and off -season.  Leg sessions are an hour, and cardio close to competition goes up to an hour.

What’s your favorite form of cardio?

Haha Nobody likes cardio, but my best would be spinning.

What would you say are the three best exercises women should include in their arm work outs to get toned, strong arms?

• Concentration curls for biceps
• Dips for triceps/chest
• Side lateral raises for shoulders

Fitness models or bodybuilders?

I am a Jay Cutler fan!!! I also like Kai Greene and believe next year is his year for the Mr. Olympia title.

Favorite female fitness icon(s):

I am going to be really predictable and mention the common favourite, Jamie Eason!

Favorite Quote:

“That one hour spent in the gym is important, but the key to seeing results is how you spend the rest of your 23”

How do you stay motivated with your training and when you have to diet, and avoid giving into cravings?

I appointed myself a motivational gym partner and trainer who would keep me going. Regarding diet, I would Google the nutritional info of the food I was craving haha!

Advice for someone wanting to change their lifestyle and achieve their ideal physique?

When my mother quit smoking and I asked her what made her quit and stick to it, she said,

“You have to WANT to do it”

So, If you’re not sure about it and already have doubts, you will not succeed.  Your mind set is everything.

Where can people get hold of you?

• Email: tammykester[at]live.co.za
• Facebook: Tamara Leigh Kester

The post One on One With Tamara ‘Tammy’ Kester appeared first on FitNish.com.