Welcome to the Sleekgeek and adidas “Perfect Fit” series.
We’re sharing the powerful stories of ladies in our community who have all used exercise and training to create massive change in their lives. adidas believes that “through sport, we have the power to change lives” and these ladies prove it.
Sylvia Frank is a Sleekgeek Nutrition Coach who we gave the “perfect fit” with a Medium Support Bra as well as tights and footwear to match her style.
In this interview, you can read all about her inspiring journey of change from overweight community member to coach.
Watch the video below of Sylvia talking to us about how training and sport have changed her life.
Name: Sylvia Frank
Age: 49
Location: Gordon’s bay
What do you do? [Job] I run a non profit organisation/ foster care home. I am also a Sleekgeek Nutrition Coach, Personal trainer and Chef.
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc] I love nature, hiking, swimming, long walks, quiet quality time, music, art and cooking. I am dying to start Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) and canoeing. I just love water! I adore all animals, love working with rescue animals and rebuilding their spirits. I enjoy writing stories too.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
About 3 years
How did you find Sleekgeek?
A friend suggested that I take a look at the page.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
All of it! The people, the loving and non judgemental atmosphere, the great group energy. Witnessing amazing transformations.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
The old me drank loads of booze, smoked up a storm and ate everything that was not nailed down. I was deeply depressed, loathed myself and desperately wanted to die but I could not end my life for fear of what it would do to those who were trying to love me.
I never wanted to hurt anybody else. I ate all day and night. I even ate in my sleep! I actually planned to eat myself to death so that it would not be called a suicide.
How sad is that. I slept all day and took handfuls of syndol pain killers if I woke up… in the hopes that I would escape being awake again. I was drowning in fat, struggling to breathe and move. I thought there was no way out of my hell.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
Looking at pictures of others who lost the weight, hearing of others like myself, who struggled with depression and self loathing. Realising that there may be something salvageable in me.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I LIVE. I chose to LIVE. I move freely, I exercise. I feel all emotions and manage them all. I eat healthily to keep myself strong and in positive mindset. I love and help others to rise above the same situation I had been in. I love my life. I am accepting myself more each day.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
I struggle to accept that I left it so late to heal. I have this smaller body and all the feelings of possibilities arising. I want to do all the things I missed out on in my obese youth. I want it all, but I am older, so some things I want to do are not age appropriate or my body may be too old to risk doing them without injury..but I’m sure as hell going to try!
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Go for it. Try it all! Life is fleeting, you missed out on so much.. grab it now. Don’t worry what anybody else says or thinks, this is your life.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
Fairly often actually. But I learned to get back on track fast..no guilt. No shame. Just progress. I learned to push through and keep grinding even when it seemed as if I was not progressing. I learned that numbers are not as important as feelings of wellbeing.
What is better since you got healthy?
Everything!
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc] Walking, jogging, body weight training and swimming.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I started with walking, then swimming. Then added proper training with a PT during the last 1.5 years.
What does your typical workout look like?
Warm up, 45 mins body weight/ weights or resistance band training, cool down, stretches.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc] Slamball squats!
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc] Burpees How does exercise make you feel? Alive, invigorated, light in body and mind, in control, happy and stress free.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others?
Both depending on mood and need.
Most embarrassing training moment?
First day I started. I felt that I could not do anything properly.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Dumbells, resistance bands, slamballs
Your next training goal?
Jog 5km without rest, increase weights
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
- Prince – Let’s get Crazy
- The Cure – Friday I’m in Love
- Madonna – Express yourself
- Matt Bianco – Get Outa Your Lazy Bed
- Depeche mode – Personal Jesus
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life?
I am leaner. I have full mobility and can move faster. Balance has improved because core strength improved. Mood is better and I am off all Blood Pressure, cholesterol and mood stabalising meds. My confident level is boosted and I am free from stiffness and pain.
I have met great people and I am stronger and capable of more. Training together with correct eating helped me shift 72kg of my excess weight so far.
YOUR ADIDAS BRAS AND TIGHTS EXPERIENCE
Watch the video below with our adidas bra expert explaining the various supports we selected for our ladies and their on camera reactions.
How did your adidas bra and tights experience make you feel?
I loved it. I felt like I have finally been seen in the same light as the strong and capable people that I admire so much. For me it felt emotional at times. Being filmed in front of the coach that helped me find myself (Elan) was very moving for me.
Being able to reflect out into life what he showed me has been incredible.
The bra fitting with the professional bra fitter was great! Women who have lost lots of weight, like myself, struggle to find a bra that offers side boob support and control. I got the perfect bra. I can now run without knocking myself out and no more chafing!
My tights are amazing, everything is held in place and firm. Now I have the confidence to train without fear of jiggly bits showing. I am hopelessly besotted with my adidas tights!
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Sushi
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Depends on mood and time of day. Sometimes spicy chicken breast strips with quinoa and sautéed red, yellow peppers. Sometimes oats and chocolate whey ?
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one] Everything in moderation but try to build meals with lean protein, good fats, lots of vegetables and a smart carb.
How many meals a day do you eat?
3
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
No..but stick to 80/20 rule
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Losing 72kg and wearing ‘normal people clothes.’
Favorite quote?
If it feels good – do it! (Sorry nothing more profound!)
Favourite book?
Trust me – you don’t want to know.
What inspires and motivates you?
People that go through hell and come out the other side to help others do the same.
For what are you most grateful?
The plasticity of the mind. We can all change when we choose to.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Don’t talk yourself out of starting, all the things that you think are standing in your way – aren’t. It is you that is building your perceived obstacles.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
Start Educate yourself Follow through. Quit the excuses, they are hindering you. Trust yourself
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