Here’s a quick Q&A with Loren Agostini who came 1st in the women’s transformation category in the latest 8-week Ultimate You Challenge.
- Give us a short history of your journey to health and fitness before the challenge.
Before the Sleek Geek challenge I used to train almost every day, once a day, except on weekends. My diet was unfortunately not up to scratch and on weekends especially I would enjoy sugary treats and burgers, pizza, etc. (all the “bad stuff”).
I joined other weight loss programs previously and they did help me to loose weight, but I’ve never been toned before as I am now.
- What prompted you to join the ULTIMATE YOU Transformation Challenge?
A couple of my friends joined the challenge previously and as they did so well, I was very interested to try it out for myself.
- Give us a quick overview of the nutrition and eating plan that you followed during the challenge.
I initially followed the Paleo diet. It was quite a challenge cutting out carbs and dairy. I was very light headed as my body had to adjust to the new diet, but as soon as my body got used to it I started feeling much better.
In the last three weeks of the challenge I increased my carb intake slightly as I increased my weight training (I ate oats in the mornings and sometimes basmati rice instead of starchy vegetables in the evenings).
I made sure I cut out alcohol completely for the entire 8 weeks.
- Give us a quick overview of the training and exercise plan that you followed during the challenge.
I would train twice a day during the week and once a day on weekends. I made sure that I mainly do cardio in the mornings and then weight training in the evenings.
In the mornings: 2-3 times a week I would run (between 7km and 10km) and twice a week i would join a spinning class. In the last three weeks I would only do spinning classes or hill training or I would train legs (mostly upper thighs as it was my problem area).
In the evenings: Certain days I would join a grid class at Virgin Active (HIIT training) before I started with my weight training. The weight training was split up into: Biceps, triceps, back, chest and shoulders. I would train one of the five muscle groups every day.
On weekends: I would join a grid class on Saturdays. Sundays, if I do not make it a rest day, I would join the spinning class.
- If you could give 3 pieces of advice to future challengers, what would they be?
Set your goals, decide on how you are going to achieve them and stick to your plan. Do not give up! You are your worst enemy.
Train with someone that will push you and that knows how to train. If you don’t know how to do something, ask.
Listen to advice and positive criticism.
- What did you find most valuable about your experience?
I learnt a lot about myself and how far I can push myself to achieve my goals. What I learned from the Sleekgeek challenge I can take with me for the rest of my life and ensure that I live a healthy, happy life. I have always had a bit of a low self-esteem, but through completing this challenge I have never felt so happy and confident in my body before.
