Name:
Michelle De Villiers
Age:
43.
Location:
Centurion, Gauteng.
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
46.25kg.
What do you do? [Job]
Actor, Acting and Voice Coach.
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc.]
Consuming knowledge of any kind. Toy collecting. Vintage old and new. Basically, I am a weird hoarder.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
Since September 2021.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
A distant cousin needed a team mate for a challenge. Saw it on FB and that’s how I found the community.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The constant support from the people and the owners are boots on the ground. I love that.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
It seems like I was always there. Decades. Fat for as long as I can remember. I was one ball of pain and misery.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
Another bout of inflammatory illness and skin infections. I could hardly walk. I couldn’t anymore.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
MOVE.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
Accepting that things are actually possible. I can be fit, I can walk that far. I am not who I was. I tend to be filled with old fears.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Accept the change and embrace the now. Let go of past.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
Oh yes. Winter is TOUGH. You need to have your head set right. Plateau’s you need to focus on consistency and just keep going!
What is better since you got healthy?
EVERYTHING!!!!!! I CAN’T OVER EMPHASIZE THAT.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
The simplicity of walking.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
2 Years.
What does your typical workout look like?
1 hour cardio and 20 minutes strength.
Favourite Exercise?
A good long walk.
Least favourite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Burpee.
How does exercise make you feel?
Proud.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
Alone. Freedom. Dance like no one is watching. Its all about me.
Most embarrassing training moment?
Accidently hitting the speed button on treadmill to 10 and flying off the back like a projectile.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Water. Phone. Ear Phones.
Your next training goal?
5km Park walks every weekend.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
Jesse Clegg Let it Burn.
Imagine Dragons Bad Liar.
Francios Van Coke Daarsy Boys.
The WEEKEND Blinding Lights.
Metallica – The Unforgiven.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
It has completely changed my sense of myself in the world. I am allowed in it. To move and explore it. It helps SO MUCH WITH ANXIETY. I feel human.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Steak and chips.
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Steak and salad.
Favourite protein?
Chicken Breasts.
Favourite fat?
Butter.
Favourite carbohydrate?
Apple.
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Food for fuel not for comfort.
How many meals a day do you eat?
2 x Meals a day.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
I have changed this notion to an experience. Every 8 weeks we have a glorious food experience. Cheese sauce, pizza, whatever. 3 course meal and just delight in high quality food joy.
MINDSET
Favourite quote?
To be or not to be? That is the question.
Favourite book.
Don’t make me choose. Neil Gaiman – American Gods.
What inspires and motivates you?
Everyone. You can find gold in every river.
For what are you most grateful?
That I am going to see 55 because I loved myself enough not to give up. I will see my daughter live her life.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Start small, add little Lego blocks to your world you’re building. Somedays they are tiny, and that’s fine. Keep building. An object in motion stays in motion.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Be consistent.
- Forgive yourself.
- Something over nothing.
- Excuses get your nowhere. Stop that.
- Its 1kg at a time. Just one. Its one step at a time. Just one.
You must be logged in to post a comment.