Name:
Lindi Coetzee
Age:
39 and a half.
Location:
Brackenfell, Cape Town.
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
25kg.
What do you do? [Job]
Software Support Manager.
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc.]
Padel, Board Games, chilling with friends.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
Somewhere either between 2015 or beginning 2016.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
I cannot even remember, Sleekgeek has been a part of my life for so long, it is difficult to imagine a life without it. It might have been a suggested like, or by word of mouth.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
That many people find it to be a safe space for them to not be judged, where they can be real without having the fear of being rejected or mocked or anything like that.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
Grew up in a very loving household where love was shown in the form of food. Grew up obese, and although we were active children, unfortunately nutrition was way worse, so I still just kept on picking up weight. The reality is the less you move, the less you want to move and the less you can move at the end of the day, I guess it was just a vicious circle, and having a sedentary job with very long hours behind a PC did not help at all. Emotions were also processed by eating etc. Because I realised that I do not have the body of my friends, I had to become the funny one, sometimes that is one of the deflecting coping mechanisms.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I am an adventurer deep down in my soul, but being held captive by my body. I saw the effect the extra weight has on the wider family, and as soon as one becomes older, how that becomes dead weight, etc. I don’t want to be a burden for someone else when I am in my mature years. We only have one body and we need to look after it. Me looking after my body is honouring my Creator.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I approach nutrition better, not the all or nothing approach anymore, but more sustainable and balanced.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
Dealing with certain emotions and situations.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Go out and play some Padel, it is cheaper than binging and don’t overthink the situation, you will feel better afterwards.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
So many times. My journey technically started in 2009, but it was rollercoaster all the way, as soon as I got a nice rhythm, some trauma or event will happen, and I backslide again. Lost approx. 40kg initially, then picked up way more etc. But my journey actively started again since July last year, there were times where I plateaued for a little while, but then I just needed to get over the mental bump and continue to hustle!
What is better since you got healthy?
Oh, my word, so many things! The biggest one of all is my mobility!!! Although I still have many challenges and am still a bit immobile, it is so much better than it was, so my quality of life has improved so much!
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Padel without a doubt! It is the best thing that could’ve happened to me last year by discovering it.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
Always been active, but since July actively in different forms of exercise other than just walking. I asked a few personal trainers for help, I was shown away by them, because they didn’t feel equipped to help me with all the challenges I have etc. I ended up with Ideal Physique where Stephan Mulder was prepared to train me. I am forever grateful for that. Unfortunately, due to circumstances I needed to stop that training now, but it has been invaluable in putting me on the right trajectory to get stronger, fitter and faster for Padel. Also started Padel in July last year.
What does your typical workout look like?
I mainly play games of Padel throughout the week, as much as I can, 2 x days a week of functional fitness at Stephan.
Favourite Exercise?
PADEL!!! Padel is life! A nice challenging competitive Padel match of 90 minutes!
Least favourite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Strength training, but I know it is needed and I can see the impact of it on the Padel court.
How does exercise make you feel?
Accomplished, that I am able to do something, and can maybe become good at it.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
With others, I don’t like to do anything alone. Much more accountability with others, no hiding.
Most embarrassing training moment?
I took a nasty fall on the Padel court before ever hitting my first ball.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Water, towel & headphones.
Your next training goal?
Get to a 2 point ranking in the Padel community. Currently on 1.06.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
Unstoppable – Sia.
Physical – Dua Lipa.
Shum – Go a.
Discoteque – The Roop.
Alive – Fragma.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
It has opened up a whole new world for me. My very limited world is being expanded and I love it!
I think the first and most important thing for me is that my quality of life improved! I am fitter, more mobile, and stronger than ever! I cannot imagine living the way I used to anymore. I felt so ugh and meh, and now I feel a lot better! Whenever there is a little while when I am super busy or out of my routine and eating unhealthily, I start to feel bad again, and then I once again realise why I am doing it and that I don’t want to feel like that anymore.
Getting involved with Padel made me meet a bunch of new friends that became like family! We all have a common interest. Padel. It is awesome to have this! You cannot not love that!
Training has made me realise that I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for. It is helping me to get out of my comfort zone, and climb out of this little box I put myself in.
These things are priceless, it cannot be bought with money!
I cannot see a life without it anymore. Changed for life!
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Braai or a proper lasagna.
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Braai 🙂
Favourite protein?
Fillet.
Favourite fat?
Chicken skin.
Favourite carbohydrate?
Pasta (within proportion of course).
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Balance! I do not only sniff apples and lick lettuce, I believe in sustainability.
How many meals a day do you eat?
3 x Meals a day.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
Nope, as soon as there are cheat meals involved, I personally feel it is not a lifestyle. Whenever there is an event or something and something different is eaten, I will just adapt the day and day or 2 after that to counter it, life does not have to be so complicated, eating etc. must not control your life. Eat to live, not live to eat!
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Winning a club Padel tournament with a buddy, outplaying some very active, fit and fast people.
Favourite quote?
“…By the time I would finish school I’ll be fifty? He smiled. “You’re going to be fifty anyhow” – Edith Eger
Favourite book?
The Choice by Edith Eger.
What inspires and motivates you?
I know I talk about Padel a lot, but nothing motivates and inspires me more at this moment in time, when I see that I am getting closer to the dropshots, or I am getting to shots I never thought I would make. When I see my mobility getting better it encourages and gives me the drive to keep going, because I want to get better! Loving the Padel friends I make, who always encourage me to keep going and actually want to play with this slow poke 🙂
For what are you most grateful?
Friends who encourage and support the journey. Being healthy, having air in lungs. While there is breath, there is hope!
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
You never know what world will open up for you when you take the first step. Your future self will thank you!
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Don’t wait for the perfect time or moment. That does not exist. The best time to start is now.
- You don’t need the fanciest equipment or the most money. Use what you have and roll with it.
- You don’t have to get it right perfectly from the start, it will never be perfect. Just keep going. Consistency is key. Make small sustainable steps, it is easier than big all or nothing steps.
- Have grace with yourself, we are all human. Nobody is perfect.
- Embrace and enjoy the journey! Don’t just focus on the goal.
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