In the latest in our series of articles with inspirational people, please meet Cee Oliver. Previously we’ve talked to people who had their switch on moment a little later in their life, but Cee has been on this journey since she was 15. So she has over 22 years experience, is a professional figure and fitness model and a champion in her sport, so she is certainly someone worth listening to.
I’m Cee Oliver age 37, I hold a BSc Exercise Sport Science, PGCE (GTP) Physical Education as well as several other Health & Fitness related qualifications that spans over 16yrs.
I’m a UKBFF British Fitness Champion & NPA British Fitness Champion. I also hold several regional titles along side international placing. Started body building 5 yrs ago and I’ve not looked back.
Have you always been in great shape – or was there a point in your life that you decided you had to change things?
I’ve competed in sports since I was 15, so 22yrs later and I still look for new ventures. I hated PE at school until I was 14-15 I then knuckled down and put my heart and soul into it to become the best I could be. In my teenage years I’ve competed / played for netball, rounders, football teams as well as a stint running for a local athletics club, whilst taking part in numerous team hand sports as a teenager.
Do you think that having a healthy body has helped improve your healthy mind?
I couldn’t Imagine not training at all, it keeps my mind focused at all times.
Stress exercise helps, run down gentle exercise helps.. For me it’s the miracle cure;)
Can you tell me your thoughts on girls being scared to use weights as they think they will bulk up?
They see the typical female physique and think that lifting weights will make them bigger. That’s not the case it will help them tone up and get in fantastic shape both physically and mentally. if they want to look like that it wouldn’t happen over night and they would have to take lots of Supplements and dedicate their lives to training, very admirable but most females want to lose the hips, thighs and bums as well as flat stomach and a few more inches small steps day by day makes a massive difference and taking the 1st step is the biggest one.
Motivating so many others can be rewarding, but who do you look to for inspiration?
For me this season it has to be the amazing Oskana Grishina the next Miss Olympia her shape is phenomenal along side my favourite like Dana Linn Bailey & Louise Rodgers.
Can you tell us more about the kind of competing you do?
I’m a trained figure and fitness British champion.
I have to perform a routine showing a range of strength movements combing in flexibility,high energy routines and my own style it doesn’t mean you have to be a gymnast but it does mean you need to be flexible and highly energetic. Along side that I compete in the fitness symmetry round, so for my class you need to have the body and the routine it’s hard work but fantastic.
Can you remember your first completion, what did you learn from it?
My 1st company was 2008 NPA trained figure it was in Batley in UK. Trained by Ian Duckett ( Body in design) It was the most nerve wracking thing I had ever done and the figure class was packed if I remember correctly over 11-12 in the class. Steping on stage for the 1st time in front a big crowd in a large building was hard, but I loved the challenge and I performed well and placed 3rd I was over the moon. 5 yrs later I’m still here 😉
Can you tell us about the workshops you run to help others compete?
I’m looking to develop online workouts and 1-1 small group workshops that will help those that are new to BB making sure they know what to expect from nutrition, training and 1st step to competing or experience posing. Giving them advise thought out their journey.
What is your absolute favourite exercise/body parts to workout?
I don’t really train abs that much I guess I’m genetically gifted they stay 24/7 😉
I like training my shoulders.
What are your personal goals for 2013?
I’m competing internationally in Spain, Ukraine & Madrid this season with a top Strength & conditioning coach within the UK – Mark Coles (M10) who will be pushing me through tough workouts to get in my best shape ever, using a range of methods I have never tried before which is fantastic.
Cee is also branching out as an actress, in her 1st movie role, a small part in an MMA movie to be announced in July 2013, Cee will be linking up with the multi title martial arts champion and successful actress Zara phyithian. So be sure to look out for that.
Interview by Barbara Graham through our Facebook resource – Beginners Guide to Getting Ripped – Check it out for more tips and information
You can follow and find out more from Cee on her own website www.ceeoliver.co.uk