Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category

Cee Oliver Interview

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

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.

Cee Oliver Fitness Pro performing a single arm row

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 

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Lucy Doyle Interview

Thursday, February 14th, 2013

For our latest interview we spoke to Lucy Doyle. Lucy has not only gone through, what could be described as a very typical female journey of believing her youthful genetics would keep her trim for life, only to be crushed by the realization that life just doesn’t work like that, but her journey through added weight, self loathing and life threatening illness back to a strong, confident, enviable physique and mindset, has already inspired thousands of others to a better path.

Lucy has been kind enough to give us some insight to her change, what makes her tic and her plans for the future.

Lucy Doyle - There is no failure except in no longer trying

My name is Lucy and I am married with two children aged 7 and 8.  So I was going to start from the beginning, but hey I don’t think I’m alone in saying I don’t even know when the beginning was, how it crept up on me but it sure as hell did!!

I grew up the tall lanky one in my family, always had it “easy” in terms of weight control- could eat what I like… My life was a whirlwind, met my wonderful husband when i was just 20 and we married and had children straight away.  I was pretty cocky when I fell pregnant with my oldest, looking at other soon to be mums that were in their early 30s.. Knowing at the young age of 23 i’d just ping back into shape.  Boy was I wrong!!!  To cut a long story short, it went downhill from there, overeating during pregnancy, developing a life threatening condition, being hospitalised. Over the following 3 years I gained several stone and was stuck in the spiral of self hate.. binging… hating myself more… comfort eating even more and finally- accepting that i was a woman now and this is the size i was probably meant to be.

What do you think made you finally decide to make positive changes in regards to your health. Was it a gradual realisation or did you have a “lightning bolt” moment? 

Due to a variety of reasons- obesity, lack of exercise and a very painful family trauma I became severely depressed and began to get weaker and weaker.  I developed Chronic Fatigue and I felt like a ghost.  My initial wake up call came when I fell asleep, only briefly, but it was enough.. in the park with my two toddlers playing. I finally hit rock bottom and felt angry that my children weren’t safe with their own mummy.  The following year or so, in truth was a  blur, I began dieting.  In typical form, I wanted the weight gone immediately and i knew id stop at nothing so I began following all the fad diets.  I was around 13.5 stone at 5ft 6… I did the cabbage soup diet, the Cambridge diet, Atkins, lighter life and when I had the strength I would just starve myself. At this point I felt very alone, very little support especially from other females.  Had i of had that, I know that they would have helped me see I didn’t need to go to those extremes!  I lost several stone.. great, awesome- or so I thought! Yet my body was as weak as ever, had to sleep so much and often my husband would have to take over… it got to the point where i could no longer do up my own buttons, my body was not functioning and it had eaten up every bit of muscle I had because of the starvation!!

So enter phase ll… 2008 2 years later I had lost 3 stone and thought I was pretty fly ha ha……. Then the disaster happened.  We went clothes shopping and whilst in the Matalan changing room I caught a glimpse of myself OH MY GOD!!!!!!!  I think at this stage I was about 9.5 stone which sounds ok right?  But then why did i look so jelly like, no shape just a blob?  From that moment on I vowed to address my damaging behaviour and promised to get myself AWESOME on the inside not just on the outside…. But where to begin..

When you started, did you feel it was hard to believe you could really do it, or was being fit and toned too hard to imagine back then.

I didn’t know where to go, who to speak to.. even worse family were saying I was being ridiculous, after 9.5 stone is hardly over weight!! But yet I knew something wasn’t right but couldn’t explain it..  I saw an advert for P90x and my husband and I bought it and began following the program, boy was that hard!!  Then one day i was watching Peter Andre’s show and saw Nick Mitchell from UP Fitness- I knew instantly that i wanted to meet this man, knew he would have the answer.. and guess what he and his team did.

For the first time ever I had my body fat measured with callipers and finally, finally hard the explanation I needed as to why if my weight was low did I look and feel so god damn fat!!

I was thee “skinny fat person”.

Yup that’s right, not an ounce of muscle on me, just bone and fat.  Why? Well because of all the crash dieting, my body desperately trying to protect me!! Ohhhhhh boy…. that is the very moment that my little me climbed up and lit the match to ignite the fire to change and in 1 year and 3 months I have NEVER looked back!!!!

Do you think that having a healthy body has helped improve your healthy mind?

I suffered from depression for many years, insomnia was my enemy and I spent so much time ruminating… Wish someone had told me to get off my arse and go for a walk!!! A healthy body and healthy mind is a marriage, you cannot have one without the other.  I am grateful every day for the physical changes, but I am also so so happy that my mind is in such a healthy place and so much stronger to deal with things

You really like to encourage girls to support each other, can you tell me more about how you noticed how we treat each other, and share some of your thoughts on this?

It is something i am hugely passionate about.  I never had this support when I was overweight, depressed and especially when i was supposedly at an ideal weight, but in a bad place.   Sadly we live in a world where it becomes so easy to judge each other, sabotage each other’s attempts- not out of hate but out of our own longing to change.  The fact of the matter is.. what means more to you, a man wolf whistling you as you walk down a street or the girl that comes up to you in the supermarket and says she thinks you look amazing?  We love to have the approval of other women and we know oh so well how good it makes you feel when another girl offers you encouragement.  It works both ways though Barbara, I am not talking about just slim women being kind to overweight women… slimmer women also have their demons, troubles and doubts.

Its ok to be envious, it’s ok to feel that knot in your belly when you see an attractive woman- it doesn’t make you a bad person!!! Hell I’m always saying to my hubby “oh god look at her legs, look at her arse” lol… but do girls every consider paying that person a compliment?  Probably not because they think she doesn’t  need it… bet she does!

My main focus is creating an environment where between girls we can have a safe haven and show some honesty, get real and say the things that they really think- without fear of being judged, demeaned or shamed.  I believe that is where the core of what needs to be changed, lies.  I had so many questions I wanted to ask but was always too afraid to ask them.. I want to change that.

How do you make time to work out and make good food choices, while being a busy mum?

I’m going to be controversial and say “I got selfish”

I can hear it now, the mums going well alright for her, but i cant…..  YES you can.  At one point I was working FOUR jobs, running a home with a hubby, 2 kids and 2 crazy dogs!!  Its not easy at first but you get used to it.  I know people may think but that’s cruel putting yourself before your kids, but in fact I am giving them something priceless… I strong, healthy and happy mummy.  I cant make time for you, nor can your trainer.  Sit down and plan your week, preparation is key.  Let your kids go to an extra club once a week and use that time to train? Get up an hour earlier… Rope hubby in, let him cook twice a week while you nip off to the gym.  Sunday afternoon make it family cook up time, get everyone involved and prepare meals for the week.  The fact is, it IS possible and I am proof of that!

Have you found all your friends and family to be supportive of the new you, or have you been surprised at some of the reactions?

The straight answer is no.

This is why women need to support each other and create support networks.  I very rarely meet anyone that have had supportive extended family ie parents and siblings.  They do not tend to like change and the more you change, they feel that their failures are exposed.  I am gradually learning not to seek approval from those areas, as it will usually lead to upset on my part.  I do not however feel hateful towards those people, I try to consider the bigger picture and know that they too have their insecurities and that when they berate you, tell you you’ve gone too far, look disgusting- that really that is just a shadow of how unhappy they feel inside.

Accept it, move on and seek support networks in other women with similar goals, who won’t attempt to sabotage your efforts.

Would you ever compete?

Wow, up until now I would have said not in a million years; however I have just entered Miss Galaxy Universe.  I have entered this competition because its rather different to other competitions.  Really sense of sisterhood, everyone is appreciative and respectful of other peoples physical and emotionally journey and for me I hope it to become symbolic of how far I’ve come.  I am not in it to win it, just loving being a part of something with other girls

What is your absolute favourite exercise?

Deadlifts. Not only does it work my weakest parts, but I love the stress it releases when you concentrate and focus… feel almost cleansed of your troubles after a set..

Any favourite recipes you can share with our readers?

Hmmmm well those who know me, know that im a sucker for wastage.  I have a tight budget so hate to waste anything!! My favourite recipe is making my own nut milk (soak choice of nuts over night, rinse and then refill next day, blitz in a blender and then strain through a sieve)  Rather than ditch the left over mush, I like to put it in a bowl and added blended dates and some coconut flour and then roll into balls, roll the balls in coconut and hey presto a delicious treat and more importantly no waste!

What are your personal goals for 2013?

My goals for 2013 are to follow on from my Precision Nutrition Certification.. nutrition is a never ending study. I hope to certify as a BioSignature Practitioner by the end of the year and I hope to develop my learning of the emotional and motivational side of nutrition and change.  My personal goal is to hit sub 14% body fat, to fully deadlift at least twice my bodyweight (PB 108kg) and to be able to do chin ups in double figures!!

Interview by Barbara Graham through our Facebook resource – Beginners Guide to Getting Ripped – Check it out for more tips and information

You can follow Lucy’s continued journey, fitness and inspirational tips on her Facebook Page. Be sure to like it, share it and get involved.

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Melissa Bender Interview

Monday, February 4th, 2013

A common quote that comes up time and again is “I really want to get fit, but I don’t have time to get to the gym. What can I do at home?”. Melissa Bender is here to help. Melissa is renowned for her online videos demonstrating how to work out at home when the gym is just out of your reach. 

Melissa Bender Interview

Melissa is an Occupational Therapist who works in a skilled nursing facility, so some of her patients are there for short term rehab, and other’s live there permanently. Her job is to help people become stronger and more independent in all of their life skills. She has two cats, Gambit and Buffy who like to make guest appearances in her workout videos.

Can you tell us if you have always been into keeping fit, or was there a point in your life that you decided to change?

I have always been an active person. I went to high school in a walking school district (no buses), so I got used to walking 3 miles per day during my commute to and from school. I also danced, and later did yoga, which kept me active. However, in 2007 I decided to become a flight attendant and quit the dance team that I was on. I wasn’t living the active lifestyle I had grown up with. As someone who wasn’t used to an “exercise program” I lost a lot of my athleticism. When I started dating my husband I decided to start running with him. I was shocked to learn that I could only run a few blocks before I had to stop and walk. Slowly I built my strength and endurance back up, and learned to love exercise.

Tell us why you decided to focus on making videos for people to work out at home.

I decided to start making videos for people to work out at home for two reasons. First, I was in graduate school, I missed teaching yoga, and I felt like school was consuming all of my time and focus. I needed to do something for the pure enjoyment of it, and I had been planning on starting my blog/videos for a couple of years but kept putting it off. I decided to go for it, and start sharing my passion for fitness! Second, I believe that EVERYONE has a right to be healthy, happy and fit. I have often heard people say that they can’t get in shape because they can’t afford a gym. I firmly believe that you can stay in shape by creating a healthy lifestyle out of your own home, and I wanted to share that with others. If I can influence even one person to make healthy changes in their life I feel that I have made a positive impact on the world. As a therapist I see the difference that fitness makes on your overall health and recovery. Physical fitness can be a strong foundation for mental fortitude, and it teaches you what you are capable of. Everyone deserves to experience their own strength, and know that they are capable of handling anything that comes their way.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals

I am motivated by the way exercise and fitness makes me feel. It makes me feel strong, positive, energetic and alert. I set goals that are achievable, and get excited about all of the stepping stones I hit along the way. For example, instead of saying “I want sculpted abs” I focus on the functional aspect of the goal. So my goal might be to improve the length of time I can hold a plank by 10 seconds, or increase the number of hanging leg raises I can do in 60 seconds. By focusing on the small improvements you can make in your fitness, you are working toward the long term goal but you also recognize your progress along the way.

Do you have anyone you look to for fitness inspiration?

Absolutely! My husband inspires me. He is in the Athletic Hall of Fame at the University where we both got our undergraduate degrees for running. He inspires me daily through his own dedication, but also because when I got married I mentally decided that part of my responsibility as a wife is to stay as healthy as possible so that we can have a long and happy life together. I am also greatly inspired by Jamie (Eason) Middleton. She is a wonderful motivator and fitness inspiration. She seems to have found a wonderful balance in her life of faith, fitness, health and love. I find that admirable.

You look fantastic, do you eat healthily too?

I try to make healthy choices, and I love vegetables. I try to eat foods that are more natural. The list of ingredients should all be things I know and recognize. However, I also have a sweet tooth! I don’t consider any foods “off limits” but I do try to eat clean about 90% of the time.

What is your favourite body part to work out?

Abs! And glutes. That’s two body parts. I truly enjoy working my abs, and utilizing all of the muscles that make up the core. Glutes I enjoy working out because it makes me feel strong. Like the core, I enjoy coming up with workouts that utilize all of the muscles that make up the glutes.

What are your personal goals for 2013?

I have several!

-I am planning on competing in my first NPC competition in March. I think it will be a great challenge and motivator. It also encourages me to make healthy eating choices.

-I also want to set a new personal record for my 5K time. I am able to run a 5K about 2 minutes faster on the treadmill than I have done in races. I would love to change that!

-I want to make a fitness DVD.

-Run a half marathon.

-Increase my pull up personal record.

Interview by Barbara Graham through our Facebook resource – Beginners Guide to Getting Ripped – Check it out for more tips and information

Melissa’s workouts are all on her blog. These workouts are the actual workouts she does to stay in shape: www.BenderFitness.com and youtube: www.youtube.com/mdloughy

Like and Follow Melissa on facebook: www.facebook.com/MelissaBenderFitness

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/BenderFitness

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BenderFitness

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Serene Husseini Interview

Friday, January 25th, 2013

Does lifting weights make you bulky? How do you start if you it’s all new to your? What does it take to be stage ready? Continuing in our quest to find out what makes the people who inspire others through their actions be so inspirational, we are so pleased that Serene Husseini agreed to talk to us about her journey from over weight to stage ready and help answer some of the questions that stop so many people from making the changes they desire.

Serene Hussein Squatting with Big Weights

Health and fitness is my true passion and I am finally on the path I believe I was supposed to take. This is surprising to me, even now, as I was once the chubby girl who hated exercise, loved fast food and didn’t give a thought to the impact it had on my health. I began weight-training around three years ago when I met my current partner in my local gym, and with his encouragement, I began to lift weights. Now, at the age of 24, I still love weight-training like I loved the first ever session – I crave that rush of satisfaction after a workout and how energised it makes you feel. What’s even more exciting, I now own that local gym! When once my journey was uncertain and blurred, the path has become crystal clear – I know exactly what I want in life and I won’t stop until I get there. Goals will be met and aspirations will be fulfilled.

Firstly Serene, Thankyou for speaking with us. Can you tell us if you have always being interested in being in great shape, or was there a moment that felt you wanted to change/improve your health?

No, I haven’t always been in shape. I started exercising after returning home from university and realising I had gained nearly 2 stone! I had begun to dislike what I had become but even then, I wasn’t hugely motivated to exercise – I had to be pushed through classes at the gym and hated the thought of battling the treadmill. But I knew I wanted to lose weight and improve my health so stuck at it for a couple of years. The real turning point was when I started weight-training – I became an addict from the off-set and I haven’t looked back since! I loved the way it made me feel and the way my body changed as a result.

How do you keep yourself motivated when you have to deal with work, life and everything else we deal with on a daily basis?

Well I am fortunate enough to own a gym where I work full time so I rarely need to ‘find’ motivation. It’s just there, both right in front of me and within me, and working out to me is like any other daily activity like eating, drinking, sleeping. I know it’s going to happen whatever my mood so I don’t need to stress about it too much. I have no excuses!  Plus, the members are fantastic, hugely supportive and always interested in how my prep is going.

Is there anyone that you look to for inspiration, someone who offers great advice, or just has an amazing body that you aspire to be somewhat like?

Wow, that’s a difficult one. I admire lots of bikini and figure competitors including Ava Cowan, Nicole Wilkins, Ashley Horner and Felicia Romero to name a few. I feel I can identify best with Felicia in terms of physique but also because she seems to be a true girly girl like me.  However, I also love Andrea Brazier’s look! In terms of advice, I turn to my coach, IFBB pro and former Mr Olympia competitor, Eddie Abbew, IFBB pro Dennis Francis who trains at my gym, as well as a huge array of people who I communicate with through Twitter. I love my fellow tweeters!

You are a Personal trainer, can you tell me how it makes you feel when women say to you they don’t want to get bulky?

The proof is in the pudding – all I have to do is ask them if they think (as a size 8), I look masculine or too ‘bulky’ and when they reply ‘No’, I tell them that I train intensely 5 days a week, I consume my bodyweight and a half in protein daily and use extra supplements like creatine, amino acids and HMB to build as much muscle as I possibly can so their few sessions a week will not make them become big or bulky. They will only become tighter and more toned.

What would you say to someone, to try and re-educate them that this isn’t the case?

Firstly I would explain that whilst cardiovascular exercise is great for health purposes and burns a few pounds, it won’t change the shape of their body. If they want a smaller waist, pert bum, shapely legs and defined arms and shoulders then weight-training is the answer. Most women want to look feminine and curvaceous and this is where weights can help. Not only that, resistance training keeps the metabolism higher for longer and muscle burns calories at a speedy rate. Additionally, muscle is denser and takes up a smaller surface area so looks tighter and smaller on the body. Therefore, the more muscle a person has, the quicker fat is burned and the tighter and more toned they appear!

What advice would you have for someone that wants to start lifting weights but has no idea what to do?

I would advise them to find a good Personal Trainer to ensure that they learn good form and technique from the beginning as poor technique can result in serious injury. I would suggest they start out using light weights and higher repetitions practising isolation moves for each body part so that they learn to engage each muscle properly. When they feel more confident, they can then attack the bigger compound moves and increase the weight.

You recently stood on stage for the first time, can you tell me about that experience?
Yes I did my first show with only 6 months of preparation – the UKBFF qualifier and placed 2nd with an invite to the British in October 2012! I was pretty nervous backstage but as soon as I got on the stage the nerves fell away and the feeling was incredible. I just told myself this is it, I’ve worked my butt off for it so show off and I did! When I received an invite to the Championships, I couldn’t believe it and dived straight into preparation for the next show without a second thought.

What made you take on the challenge of competing?

I had been weight-training intensely for a year and a half and trialling various methods of dieting. Other gym members would ask me what sport I was training for and I also replied ‘nothing, I just like to train’. Then I started to become more familiar with female fitness competitors in magazines like Flex and mentioned in passing to Dennis Francis that maybe I could compete one day but secretly never thought I’d be ready anytime soon. In that instant, he was on the phone to Eddie Abbew and a few weeks later I was sitting with Eddie discussing preparations for competition! It all happened so quickly, I barely had time to reconsider and I’m glad I didn’t!

People will assume that because you are a PT, you would know everything to get yourself in competition shape, so can you tell us why you would choose a coach, and the importance of having that experience when you want to take your body to the next level?

While I know a lot about preparing my physique for show (you quickly get used to your body and the way it works), I cannot stress how important it is to have a coach. Firstly, Eddie knows a million times more than I do, he has worked with thousands of bodies and has probably been in every possible situation.  Secondly, towards the end of dieting, you become more tired and weak from a lack of carbohydrates and what you see in the mirror is often not a true reflection of yourself. Having an extra pair of eyes there is great as he can direct me all the way in accordance with how my physique changes. Most importantly, you need someone who is honest – as family members and loved ones can be soft for fear of hurting your feelings – and Eddie is just that! He will tell me his thoughts exactly and for that, I cannot thank him enough.  The few weeks before stage are crucial and everything must be done exactly right to bring your best to the stage.

You are in the middle of preparing for another competition this year. Can you tell me what you enjoy, or find hard about the preparation stages?

To be honest, I enjoy the dieting and prep for stage. I am sort of in prep all year round but the diet is tightened 14 weeks out. Within this time, I do have my down days when I just wish I could sit on the sofa and eat chocolate but I just keep reminding myself of how I want to look on stage and I am instantly back on track. With dieting, it’s a game of you’re in or you’re out and I choose to be 100% in – if I don’t look as good as I should up on stage, I want to be able to say ‘at least I tried my best’ – I don’t want to give myself reasons for why I wasn’t as conditioned as I could have been or as defined, so I stick to the plan exactly.

As your diet and preparation becomes more strict in the last 12 weeks leading up to an event, how do you juggle social events, eating out. Do you need to just say no?

Socialising is very difficult during the final 12 weeks. Alcohol is most certainly a no-no however I do generally have a weekly cheat meal until the final weeks so can often base any social events around these. Often I will go to events with my own tupperwares but if it is in the last 4-6 weeks, I often just avoid socialising altogether because it’s just easier.

Are your friends/family supportive at this time, or do you find yourself constantly saying no to people trying to feed you lol?

Yes and yes. I am fortunate to have an amazing family and friends who are hugely supportive of what I do and my aspirations in life. My partner is my rock – he keeps me grounded and helps me throughout contest prep and he is the one that has to deal with my mood swings close to competition! Yes I do find people constantly want to feed me, especially when I am dieting which can make it more difficult but after you have said no over and over, they understand and stop offering. Haha! I fly abroad to see my grandma post-competition so she can enjoy feeding me up!

Finally, can you tell us what your favourite exercise is, what your favourite cheat meal is, and who your favourite inspiration is?

Oooh tough question! My favourite exercise would have to be Romanian Deadlifts (Note from Mark – these are often mis-titled Stiff Leg Deadlifts, they are quite similar, but there are important differences. Have a read at THIS if you haven’t already for more on this) –  nothing hits the spot quite like it and hamstring training is brutal! My favourite cheat meal – if I want a real cheat I’d choose a burger and chips (preferably a gourmet burger place with organic beef!) but if I fancy something a little cleaner, I’d opt for peri-peri chicken or sushi. Finally, my fave inspiration would probably be Felicia Romero! I just love her whole image and I can identify with her body shape and tone. She also seems grounded, level-headed, girly and dedicated which I like!

Interviewed by Barbara Graham for our Beginners Guide to Getting Ripped page – Check it out for more information and post your own questions for Serene and she just might pop in to answer them.

You can follow Serene on Twitter as she prepares for the next UKBFF qualifier: @Serene_Husseini

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Jeremy Reid Interview

Friday, January 18th, 2013

Ever thought you are so far off ripped that it is something you could never achieve? Jeremy Reid is here to not just tell you different, but to show you. He wasn’t born a body builder nor did he think he would be when he started his journey, but he is living proof of what momentum and dedication can truly achieve. Through our quest to show a ‘Beginner’s Guide to Getting Ripped’ we felt that Jeremy was a fantastic role model and someone that everyone, no matter what level, could learn from.

Jeremy Reid Fitness

We approached Jeremy about sharing his story and inspiration and he very graciously agreed to speak with us about his journey. Have a read, feel inspired and follow his continued journey and inspiration.

Can you tell us what things happened that made you decided to turn your life around and get in serious shape?
It all really started when I weighed myself for the first time in a long time. The scale read 280lbs and it scared me, I certainly knew I was “heavy” but not that heavy. However I didn’t take action for several more months and several more pounds later (I’m guessing my start weight was around 300lbs). I had no experience in training or nutrition but knew that I needed to exercise so I joined a gym and did cardio 6-7 days a week, and at least do some of the basic nutrition things everyone knows about (stop drinking regular soda, no fast food, no candy, etc.). I also was a heavy smoker and I knew that had to go so I immediately stopped smoking, as well as drinking alcohol heavily. Just off that alone I dropped about 70-80 pounds in a matter of months. Shortly after starting I did as much research as I could on nutrition and fitness to take everything to the next level.

When you started out, did you simply want to lose a few lbs, or did you know you would keep going until you were in such awesome shape?
When I was first starting out I just knew I needed to drop some fat. I never imagined I’d start competing as a bodybuilder in the future, I just knew I was obese. After I lost about 60 pounds I started lifting weights and quickly fell in love with the way it made me feel and once some more fat came off, the way it made me look.
How do you keep yourself motivated when you have to deal with work, life and everything else on a daily basis? Motivation has never really been a problem for me. I set my mind to something and I make it happen. From the moment I started lifting weights I’d look at the photos in the magazines of these big guys and I’d picture those muscles on me. I burned that image in my head and strive after that not only in my workouts, but all day when meals need to be eaten, or prepped, etc.

Even now, I have multiple jobs, a family of 5 to support, etc. but it’s such a priority to me that I just make it happen.

Is there anyone that you look to for inspiration, someone who offers great advice?
There are a lot of people I look to for inspiration. Honestly all these people on my page that tell me I’m an inspiration, it makes me work harder and fuels that fire even hotter in me. The coach I hired for my first contest prep ended up becoming a very close friend. He is a huge national level bodybuilder and has shared so much advice and guidance in the last couple years it’s amazing and I am extremely grateful.

Did you hire a coach or trainer, or is everything self-taught?
I was self-taught for many years. I’ve learned a lot from talking with other people that obviously knew what they were talking about, and reading a lot of books and websites. I did study and get my personal training certificate a few years ago just to do it and advance my knowledge. It wasn’t until I started my prep for my first bodybuilding competition that I hired a coach to do my diet and workouts.

What advice would you have for someone that wants to start lifting weights but has no idea what to do?
Something that is very important to me now but I never considered when I started, is injury. I LOVE the sport of bodybuilding and something like a torn muscle could take me out of it so I lift smart and use proper form to make sure I am bringing incredible intensity in the gym but not to the point where I am going to hurt myself long term. Accidents could happen, and I have injuries I work through, but that makes it even more important to lift smart. I’d say if you are just starting out, do as much research as you can. If you can afford it, hire an experienced personal trainer to guide you into this sport the right way.

What made you take on the challenge of competing?
It was simply the next step. I had been living the lifestyle of a bodybuilder so naturally I wanted to at least experience it once. I hired a coach, we picked a show and did it.

As your diet and preparation becomes more strict in the last 12 weeks leading up to an event, how do you juggle social events, eating out. Do you need to just say no?
Yes and no, if it’s an event that I can pass up on without hurting a friends or family members feelings, I’d rather just stay home and focus. However I have went to several events in the past while dieting for a show or photo shoot. I usually show up with my trusty cooler of meals and simply drink water. I try to stay away from restaurants, but have gone to several during preps with family and didn’t eat the food.

Are your friends/family supportive, or do you find yourself constantly saying no to people trying to feed you lol?
All in all, they are supportive. My immediate family especially is very supportive but as we go to friends house sometimes they don’t really know just how restrictive my diet needs to be at times, and I have gotten a lot of judgment because of it. It comes with the sport.

Finally, can you tell us what your favourite workout is, what your favourite cheat meal is, and who your favourite inspiration/athlete is?
YES! I LOVE lifting arms, I’ve always had a large torso, big chest, big back, but small arms, even now they are a lagging body part so I love to go in there and just destroy them, then walk around with them all pumped up wishing that was the size they’d stay at! Haha

My 2 favorite foods for cheat meals are either a HUGE homemade cheeseburger and a mountain of baked fries, or a pizza.

Without a doubt my favorite bodybuilder is IFBB pro Mark Dugdale. I have always liked his physique but after seeing his videos and then talking with him it was awesome to see how much he loves God and puts God and his family first. That was such an inspiration to me. I was blessed with the opportunity to catch a couple workouts with Mark last year. It was amazing. I learned so much and got to go to dinner with him and his wife, they are both amazing people and we’ve kept in touch since.

What are your personal goals for 2013?
I’m excited I finally created my Facebook page, I have always liked helping people and this will allow me a platform to help and inspire on a much larger scale. I plan to be very active on here this year. As far as my physique goals, I competed in NPC middle weight at my last show. I was at the very top of the weight class so I am taking the year to build as much muscle as possible and hopefully come into 2014 as a competitive light heavy weight.

Interview by Barbara Graham through our Facebook resource – Beginners Guide to Getting Ripped – Check it out for more tips and information.

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