How did you get started with bodybuilding?
Sport in various forms has always been a part of my life. Growing up in Rural Victoria I competed at a National level in Equestrian (Eventing) from age 4 to 21 until I moved to the city to follow my career. I became an Emergency Trauma Nurse and later an Emergency Paramedic. In my early twenties I then discovered that the gym became an incredible outlet to unwind and de-stress.
Strict dieting and intense training resulted in great changes to my physique so I decided to step it up a notch and compete for the first time in September of 2011.
Where does your motivation come from?
My initial motivation stemmed after I became ill in 2007 with various digestive issues making weight loss a difficult task. I had already suffered a twisted bowel so I endeavoured to make changes with both my mind and body to ensure better health. I then made the decision to go back to University to learn more about my anatomy and physiology in hope to improve my health even more. 7 years and 3 degrees later, coupled with the constant exposure to young avoidable illnesses at work I met my closest friend and trainer Dean Alexiou.
It is with such support that I maintain my motivation to strive for a better me.
What workout routine has worked best for you?
Being a shift worker I learnt quickly to listen to my body. I found aiming for workouts no longer than 45 mins worked best for me. I aim for 1-2 HIIT sessions per week with 20 min low intensity cardio on other days. Further high intensity sessions I found resulted in muscular atrophy for me. I tend to work by the analogy – ‘Work smarter not harder’.
A heavier weight does not necessarily mean getting results. Technique and posture are the key to isolating the correct muscle groups and reducing injures.
Full workout
Full workout
What is your diet like?
Your own physical feature you are most proud of?
- Meal 1: Untoasted Cinnamon Muesli (approx half a cup) added Bran for Fibre and Coconut for healthy Fats mixed with one scoop of Chocolate Proto Whey Protein
- Meal 2: Cottage Cheese, together with Salmon on Rye Crisp Bread with Cracked Pepper
- Meal 3: Grilled Chicken and Fruit Salad including; Skinless Chicken, Diced Apple, Walnuts and Feta combined with mixed Lettuce and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Meal 4: Celery cupped with Sour Cream and Cherry Tomatoes
- Meal 5: Grilled Barramundi and Vegetables combined with Sweet Potato, Peas and Corn
- Meal 6: Proto Whey Protein shake mixed with Blueberries
Your own physical feature you are most proud of?
Hmmm probably my core/abs. I never use to have abs and now that I do it feels amazing. All that hard work has finally paid off.
What is your supplementation like
I gain most of my nutrition from food however I do take the following supplements:
I gain most of my nutrition from food however I do take the following supplements:
- Multi Vitamins
- Xtend
- Chocolate Proto Whey (from AWA)