CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: INTERVIEW WITH NEW ZEALANDER ALEX ARAMAKUTU
How long have you been training?
I joined the gym in April 2009 but only really starting training properly when I took on Aimee as my personal trainer in July 2009.
When did you decide to get into body sculpting?
In about October 2010 my fitness and weight were at a point that I thought maybe I could do a body sculpting competition. I wanted to enter one before I turned 40.
What is the best thing about being into fitness?
The best thing for me is that it gives me time to myself. I’m a working mum so life is very busy for me juggling the demands of a full time job with the demands of a young family. Going to the gym or a run is time for me to hang out with myself………….its also a great way to de-stress.
What was the biggest challenge for you during competition season?
The biggest challenge for me was to stay as calm as possible at home and at work which was really hard when I was hungry and tired and I just felt really grumpy.
How long did it take you to see a change?
Within a few weeks of being on the diet I started noticing a change. I’m lucky because I have a fast metabolism so my body responded quickly to the diet and I lost fat quite quickly.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
What was the food you missed the most?
Lollies !!! I love soft lollies and in particular red liquorice.
What are the main foods you seek to keep lean and strong?
Protein works best for me.
What would you advise women out there who stay away from weight training for fear of ‘bulking’ up?
I had exactly the same fear when I started at the gym!! But I’m living proof that there is no need to worry. Since I took up weight training I’ve become far more toned and I’ve lost weight. I’m leaner than I ever was.
Top 5 tips (diet and exercise) for dropping unwanted body fat?
What is a typical day in the world of Alex?
Any tips for fellow clients on fitting the gym into their daily routine?
Being flexible and planning ahead. I was once moaning to a good friend that I could never find the time to exercise and her response was that if I really wanted to exercise then I would find the time. She was absolutely right. For a long time I went to the gym at night-time after the kids went to bed because that fit best with our family routine. Now I get up early in the morning because that works best for us………….either way my friend was right – I managed to find the time to exercise because it’s important to me.
What influence has personal training had on your nutrition and gym routine?
A huge influence!! When I first joined the gym I put on 5kg in a matter of weeks because I wasn’t using the equipment properly and I was eating more junk food because I was telling myself I was exercising more so I could…………………how wrong could I be!! With Aimee’s help, I learnt how to use the equipment, what exercises worked best for me as well as a variety of exercises. She taught me about what foods I should be including in my diet and which ones to reduce or avoid.
Would you recommend personal training?
What is the best thing about personal training?
For me it was having someone who was as passionate about me achieving my fitness goals as I was.
What is your biggest accomplishment, in or out of fitness?
Aside from my family, it has to be standing out on stage in September in my first body sculpting competition.
What does your fitness future hold?
Definitely more body sculpting competitions………………….and maybe some Personal Training 🙂
Age: 38
Occupation: Project Manager
In-season Weight: 55kg
Off season weight: 61kg
In season dress size: 8
Off season dress size: 10
Competition details: NABBA Wellington.
Figure Tall: 35+
