Lucie Anslow - Q&A
What made you first decide to change yourself / your life?
I literally looked in the mirror one day and decided that hiding behind the smock tops and being miserable every time something didn't fit me didn't have to be a way of life. It was at that moment moving up to the next dress size wasn’t an option and I knew that I was going to make a change. This was when I decided I had to do something!
Tell us how you went about making the change?
I started by looking at my lifestyle and realised that I hadn't been to a gym and trained properly for a while; I had been going and talking to my friends while watching TV on the cross trainer which let me believe that I go to the gym so therefore I must be fit. As a result of this realisation, I knew I had to do things differently. Initially I invested in a Personal Trainer who completely changed my outlook on exercise. It went from a chore to an exciting, motivational and challenging experience. Together, we not only looked at my exercise regime (or lack of it) but also my eating habits. By keeping a food diary (which I still do) it made me think about what I placed inside my body every single day, leading me to think why I eat what I eat and what my body requires to do the tasks I ask it to do. This led me on to introducing more protein into my diet and actually eating more, more often. Initially I found this quite daunting but being a member of Fitness First, seeing the advertising for Maxitone every time I visited, reading the literature and understanding why your products help me achieve my goals I knew it was the right addition to make! Proper exercise, correct eating and the right supplements have given me my body back! I am fitter, faster and have achieved things I never thought I could. I used to say things like "I can't run" but now I say "How far are we going today?" and "Can we do more than last time?!"
How did you first hear about Maxitone products and what made you try them?
I use the Cardio Theatre system in the gym which showcases Maxitone and I also started to read more fitness related magazines and books which were featuring Maxitone products. After talking to other members at the gym and learning such a lot it was an easy decision to try the products. They would be essential to gain the results I required.
What are your favourite Maxitone products and why?
Sculptress shakes: I have these as a mid morning snack with an apple or by adding some soft fruit into them with a blender and ice. These are great as they add the protein that your body needs, not only to help the metabolism and burn fat, but also to help it repair itself from the exercise I put it through. They also stop me feeling hungry and they taste fantastic!
Definity CLA: I love these because they help speed up my body's metabolism and burn excess fat. These are a brilliant, quick and easy solution.
Finesse Omega: Fish oils which are good for my heart and strengthen my arteries; they have to be good! They also contain Omega 3 which is a good fat that helps support weight loss. Again, these are a quick and convenient solution.
Sculptress bars: These are my perfect "naughty" but good for me treat. They taste so good! Around 2pm is my normal treat time! Sculptress bars are worth waiting for and they give me a boost in the afternoon that keeps me going for hours. I feel naughty for indulging but still know and understand that they are doing me good and are helping me achieve my goals. What confectionary product does that?!
If you could give one tip to anyone reading your story and wanting to replicate your achievements, what would it be?
One tip is tricky after everything that I have learnt recently but I would say nutrition is the key. Achievement of your perfect body is not about eating less, it's about giving your body what it needs – learn about nutrition and supplements.
What's been the single best thing about the changes you’ve made?
I have become so interested in fitness and nutrition that I am studying to be a Personal Trainer. I have recently completed my Level 2 Gym Instructor course and I am now also a qualified Boxercise instructor and an Indoor Cycling instructor! I would have never dreamed that I could have done this just 12 months ago!
What's your favourite way to exercise?
I really love Boxercise, Free Weights, Kettle Bell Training and getting out on my Mountain Bike. There is, however, nothing I won't try with my new found confidence and one of my favourite things to do is to try something new or different.
How do you treat yourself when you've achieved something positive?
Knowing that I look good makes me feel great! I love to hit the shops and get a slinky new outfit to wear on girlie nights out with my friends.
What made you enter the Maxitone Body of 2009 competition?
Entering this competition would never have crossed my mind 12 months ago. Since then though I have achieved so much, both physically and mentally, and entering the competition was a way of celebrating all of the changes that I have made. I am already really proud of what I have accomplished but winning this competition would definitely be the icing on the cake (no pun intended!). I also thought that maybe I might be able to motivate someone to make changes like I have. It would be great to think that someone could read my story and be inspired!
