Name:
Kim Matthee
Age:
37
Location:
Welgelegen, Cape Town
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
Started at my heaviest, 86kg, current weight 75.5kg
What do you do? [Job]
I work for an awesome company called ATM Solutions. We place ATMs all over the country for convenience and increase foot traffic
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc].
I like to read, to sit on the beach all day, shop, and mostly spend time with my loved ones.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
Must be about 6 or 7 years ago
How did you find Sleekgeek?
Elan sent me an inbox asking I would like to join a wellness community.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
Just the utmost support, motivation, and non-judgment of the group.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
My transformation has been a long one. I was severely underweight as a teen and in my young adult life. It was only after I joined SG that I aimed to be healthy and fit. I gained a lot of weight, after this realization, trying to find the balance between starving myself and eating too much. And thankfully lost some of it, in the SG winter challenge four years ago. In early 2019, I got ill with my stomach and chest, had yet another failed relationship, and just started making really bad habits. I was drinking a lot, eating whatever my heart desired, with little to no exercise. I was also on Cortizone for 6 months which doesn’t help.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I saw pictures of myself at my cousin’s baby shower. It shocked me to my core. On top of that, I decided to stop all my medication (please consult your GP before doing this), and focus on my health, in a holistic way. Good food, sleep, and exercise.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I get up every morning and within an hour I’m working out. If I don’t do it straight away I don’t get to it at all.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
The commitment. It’s hard work and I have plateaued a few times.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Just keep doing it. Took a while but started seeing changes in my body after about 4 months.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
YES YES YES. Mid-year I was stuck on the same weight for two months and got so despondent. I felt myself backsliding very quickly until I saw someone post on SG about changing your exercise habits and trying something new.
What is better since you got healthy?
My breathing for sure. I hardly use my pump and haven’t needed one stint on the nebulizer or going back on medication.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Yoga for sure will always be my first love. I started running recently and am enjoying that time as well.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
Actively since May. We have a little home gym room and started with weights.
What does your typical workout look like?
Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings, I either do weights or 35 min general work out with lunges, crunches that sort of thing.
Saturday I run if my tendon allows, and Thursday I do an advanced yoga strength training course. Sometimes I mix up the workouts, just on how my body feels on the day.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Vinyasa Yoga for sure.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
I don’t do burpees!! Ever. And hate core exercises, but I do it.
How does exercise make you feel?
When I start it’s always a mission. I’m the worst procrastinator but LOVE how I feel after. I love how strong I have gotten, and how I can run without losing my breath.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
Alone. It’s my time. Three kids, a job, well life really, I don’t get much time alone. And find this is a good time to regroup and think about my goals. UNLESS it’s yoga, I prefer people around. It’s great energy.
Most embarrassing training moment?
Non so far. Let’s hope that stays.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
I always have a large bottle of water, my Fitbit, and a towel.
Your next training goal?
There are a couple of yoga inversions I would like to try. And for running, my goal was to hit the 8km mark. Once the injury is better will try this again.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
Work Bitch – Britney Spears.
Ghost Town – Adam Lambert.
Kiss me – Indecent Obsession.
Come on Eileen – Dexis Midnight Runners.
I will wait – Mumford and Sons
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
I started running when my weight was stuck and I hit a plateau. I am a severe asthmatic and was told I would never be able to run. Even at my fittest time, I got tired of climbing stairs or walking up a hill. My partner started this program for me to start very slowly and build up to a run. By my third month, I could run 5km without stopping. The first time I ran a 3km straight I cried solidly for 30 minutes. Its been one of my biggest accomplishments in my life. Furthermore, my breathing has increased significantly better.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Pizza or chicken wings
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
I really love a good salad. So any salad with a bit of protein.
Favourite protein?
Fish
Favourite fat?
Avo
Favourite carbohydrate?
Sweet potato.
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Try to eat as fresh as possible. Not everything should be found in a tin.
How many meals a day do you eat?
Two.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
Friday nights I usually allow myself anything I want.
Sleekgeek 8-Week Challenge
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
The running thing above ☺
Favorite quote?
“Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life,” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
Favourite book?
Far too many to mention. The most life-changing for me was The Alchemist and very closely Veronika decides to Die, both by Paolo Coehlo.
What inspires and motivates you?
Different people in my life, inspire me in different aspects of my life. I follow a few people on Instagram as well and draw inspiration from them.
For what are you most grateful?
My family
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Honestly? Just start. And take it day by day. Nothing is accomplished by doing nothing.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
Firstly get informed. What might seem healthy isn’t always. Ensure you move every day for at least 30 minutes. Doesn’t have to be a full sweat, but even a gentle walk. Your journey is different from everyone else’s, don’t get despondent, don’t compare, and don’t give up. Lastly, this is a lifestyle so embrace it. Have a glass of wine, have a cheat meal, don’t turn a bad day, into a bad week, month, or year.
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