Name:
Danalien van Wyk
Age:
36
Location:
Pretoria, Gauteng
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
17 kg
What do you do?
Debtors Clerk for a private medical practice.
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
- Entrepreneur: Buying and selling fashionable items
- Supporting local small businesses
- Dancing
- Socialising
- Vocalist in a worship band
- Fun walks and outdoor activities
- Going to the gym is my ultimate favourite
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
Not sure when I joined the group. I think it could have been 2015.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
Via the Facebook platform, I find the page and community very supportive, friendly and user friendly
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
Transformations and testimonies shared by other members of the community
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I started with the Free Sleekgeek Reboot Challenge, being a mother of three minor dependents born shortly after the other, I knew I had to take serious action. I’ve always had very high self-confidence, no matter how big or small the size of my jeans.
I am just happier living a healthy and active lifestyle and being a good influencer to my children.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I saw a picture taken at a wedding I attended in August 2015.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
My groceries consist of more whole foods than refined foods. I eat breakfast every day. I am more active and have more energy to be a single mother of 3 for the past 5 years, working full time, managing extra income opportunities and still finding time for myself.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
We are all human after all, sometimes we divert from goals due to the fact that we drought ourselves or we allow other people’s opinions to impact our abilities negatively.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Do it for yourself, do not allow anyone else’s inability to see your ability to succeed to prevent you from reaching your goals and dreams. Don’t wait for anyone’s approval to start your journey. If they can’t beat you they will join you.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
Oh definitely, it does happen and I get discouraged but then I look back at how far I have come. Reset, reevaluate and remember my goals and gains and then I use my past experience as a guideline to get myself back on track.
What is better since you got healthy?
I have more energy, my stress levels are mild, I have better skin tone, I can do more activities with my daughters and I am overall happier.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Running and weightlifting.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
2018 December we finally got a Planet Fitness health club within walking distance form home and work (I do not have a car).
What does your typical workout look like?
I always start with a 1 km run on the treadmill, it takes 7 min to run 1km on a 7-8 km /h pace followed by a 3 min cooldown. Then I continue my workout :
Day 1 – 20 min circuit
Day 2 – Ladies circuit
Day 3 – Weight training
If I have a good week I am able to go to the Gym 4 days
Then I spend more time focusing on legs, shoulders and abdominal training and a 3 km jog/power walk on the treadmill. Skipping rope between exercises.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Pushups and planking.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Burpees.
How does exercise make you feel?
I love to compare my personal best and gains.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
I use to be so dependent on someone to train with me but from experience, I’ve come to learn that it only holds you back from reaching your goals. It is convenient to gym with someone but I will not sit around and wait for them to join me. If they want to, they will know where to find me.
Most embarrassing training moment?
I was doing a CrossFit session – it involved kettlebell swings, burpees, pushups and some other upper body training. The next exercise was a handstand against the wall, my arms gave way and I hit the ground head first.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Hair accessories
Your next training goal?
I am past being skinny, I want to be healthy and strong. I would love to have a toned abdomen having had 4 pregnancies and normal birth experiences. It’s been the area that I want to change most. Also, the most difficult goal to reach.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
I do not have a playlist. I enjoy all kinds of music especially with great beat and rhythms.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc. – please be specific]
The gains keep me motivated, it is a good feeling when other people recognizes the changes and get inspired by your efforts.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
My Grandmothers sunday lunch followed by pudding.
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
3x egg white omelet with avo, garlic and white cheddar cheese.
Favourite protein?
Sirloin Steak
Favourite fat?
Fat on biltong.
Favourite carbohydrate?
Braaibroodjie and Tonic water
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Table push backs, say no to sweet treats and anything with white flour. Eat more green and leafy vegetables as a substitute.
How many meals a day do you eat?
On a budget of a single mom, way too little, I focus at a nutritional breakfast, at least 1 fruit a day, lots of water, tea and coffee with no added sugar or milk. A small lunch and dinner if I am hungry and no eating the left overs of the kids (because I do not want to waist any food).
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
An occasional cheat is allowed, moderation is key.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Running 4km under 30 minutes on the treadmill at a 8-9km/h pace.
Clean and Jerks and box jumps.
Favorite quote?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Favourite book?
Does Facebook count?
What inspires and motivates you?
I want to be 1% better than the day before, thus I aim to be 365% better and improved than the year before.
For what are you most grateful?
Health and my life gained by every effort taken to be where I am to date
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Start at your own pace, this is not a competition or a race. You only have to prove it to yourself, as long as you aim to succeed. Tomorrow is a new opportunity to take your life back the key is to be consistent. Do not give up!
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Breakfast is a must.
- Use the Green list as a guideline and see what woks for you.
- Getting healthy does not have to break your budget (review what benefits your circumstances).
- Its ok to deviate from your “WHY”, reset, reevaluate, refocus and remember to use your past experience as a guideline to get yourself back on track.
- Keep documenting before and after and current transformation information. The comparison will motivate you to become the best version of yourself.
6. Have fun while you are doing it, this is the best time of your life you might as well enjoy the journey.
You must be logged in to post a comment.