Name:
Ash Fernandez
Age:
34
Location:
JHB
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
Total lost: 86kgs
What do you do? [Job]
Operations Officer
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
I am the development officer for IFBB Ekurhuleni. I also offer my assistance with an NPO called Women of Stature. I enjoy hiking, and painting and I love to travel!
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
I joined Sleekgeek in 2014
How did you find Sleekgeek?
Social media
What is your favourite part of the Sleek geek Community?
The Inspiration and motivation one receives through like-minded individuals who want to embrace a healthier lifestyle. It’s rather fulfilling to have that backup and support, even on a social platform. Weight loss can be incredibly emotional and at times draining. It requires a lot of mental focus and there are times when you feel defeated. From a simple post, we receive such positive feedback and at times it may be all we need to stay motivated or to get back on track.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
My weight gain was due to medical reasons. I underwent gallbladder surgery in my early twenties and it resulted in some complications which led to a number of more surgeries and an excessive weight gain of over 60kgs in a space of 12 months. It was traumatic. Due to the sudden weight gain, I became increasingly depressed. My mental health took such a knock. I wouldn’t leave the house if it was not necessary. I refused to be seen in public.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I had a choice to accept the circumstances or to put up a fight. I chose to fight.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I avoided photos, social events, any eye contact, and in general, I didn’t live life to the fullest. The new me embraces every opportunity. I love getting dressed up and feeling great about myself. I now insist on taking photos – annoyingly so, for those who know me.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
I struggle with Body-dysmorphic disorder. It may be something that many could relate to. They see the weight loss and assume or expect that I am content and at peace. There are times when the disorder does creep in. Your body is different after weight gain. Equally to that after weight loss. You have additional skin to contend with. Your face may look more tired and less full. There is so much pressure on ourselves when we extract images from social media from fitness model pages to use as motivation or body goals and expect ourselves to look perfect. It’s unrealistic for those who have lost an astronomical amount of weight.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
At times when I feel overwhelmed, I deactivate my social media. I take a short break. I remove myself from the comparison of others. However, with the latest movement seeping through, where models and influencers are openly showing their true bodies, revealing their imperfections, it’s almost lifted that high expectation I placed on myself and allowed me to be content where I am. The more open we become with our imperfections, the healthier our mindset becomes, and the more confident we feel in our own skin. I still have fitness goals. Fitness models still motivate me to keep pushing, but I don’t allow the dysmorphic disorder to consume me as it did before, we are all “imperfectly perfect”.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
All the time. This is why I always emphasize to others on the same journey to invest in a good coach. They understand the phases your body goes through. They understand water retention, calorie deficit, and nutrition. They can adjust meal plans when this happens. That also keeps you consistent, food doesn’t get boring, and you have someone that can really keep you focused and on track.
What is better since you got healthy?
A little more than everything.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Weightlifting – I see far greater results.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I first focused on my health before I dived into training. For the past few months, I have been prepping to compete in the bikini category for IFBB.
What does your typical workout look like?
60min of weight lifting and 15 – 20 min warm-up cardio. 5 days a week
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc
I really enjoy working my legs and glutes. Squats and leg presses.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Burpees and cycling.
How does exercise make you feel?
I feel I have been productive. I have a ball of energy even after training. The old version of myself would eat potato chips on the couch and watch Netflix. Now I don’t want to relax. I want to burn that excess energy I’ve built up.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
With others. It’s great to have someone with experience to assist with your form and offer advice. Having a teammate also prevents you from slacking and missing workouts.
Most embarrassing training moment?
I have yet to have one.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Your own towel, disinfectant, and a hydrating drink.
Your next training goal?
Compete in bodybuilding in 2023
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
- Whatever it takes – Imagine Dragons
- Sick like me – In This Moment
- Speed of light- Jesse Clegg
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
I feel far more confident, I feel healthier, and overall happier since I incorporated training into my routine. I use training as a chisel to sculpt my body into what I desire, and that in itself brings its own element of confidence.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
I love beef lasagna
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
A chicken wrap
Favourite protein?
Chicken
Favourite fat?
Avocado
Favourite carbohydrate?
Rice
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Eat better, not less.
How many meals a day do you eat?
5 to 6 meals
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
I usually have a small portion of a cheat meal. If I crave chocolate, I will eat a piece and then give the rest away. I learned that I tend to crave things when I tell myself I can’t have them, so instead, I pace myself. I don’t overdo it.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
In 2022 I was asked to be the ambassador for Harleyq fitness.
Favorite quote?
“Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping”- Jordan B Petersen
Favourite book?
Atomic Habits
What inspires and motivates you?
I’m passionate about health. Knowing the dark place one can creep into, especially when we feel so little value within ourselves, knowing how much strength it takes to climb out of old habits, and then seeing remarkable transitions. That motivates me. When others form better lifestyles, it’s not just physical; our bodies reflect what we feel within ourselves, and it’s great to speak to others who have struggled and overcome it. I love seeing “glow-ups”.
For what are you most grateful?
My family and my friends. They have been there through the thick and the thin – literally.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Sometimes we need to step aside and be a little tougher on ourselves. I am pro tough love. I didn’t sit back and expect the weight to fall off. I knew it required me to put aside that self-pity, I stopped making excuses. Results cannot be achieved when we keep justifying our poor behaviors. You need to acknowledge if your current lifestyle is not working for you. You deserve better and it’s okay to want more from your life. But you need to fight for it. Fitness is not handed over to you. You need to take it and work with it.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
Honestly, I worked with a team. I had an endocrinologist, a coach, and a phycologist working with me.
- I had to ensure my hormones were balanced.
- A coach to ensure that I trained and ate within my calorie deficit.
- And a psychologist that helped address issues to ensure that I do not fall back into the same patterns and emotionally eat. (optional)
- Make friends with like-minded people who will motivate you and keep you on track.
- Read as much as possible on health and wellness. Knowledge really is power.
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