Nicky Edwards - Q&A
What made you first decide to change yourself / your life?
I have always had a weight problem and it had left me with low confidence and self-esteem. In 2006 after completing the London Marathon (and not losing an ounce through my training) and after a number of big life changes I re-joined my old gym and decided to review my life habits. I had lost weight previously but had piled it back on and so this time i was determined to change my lifestyle once and for all and to make sure the changes were permanent.
Tell us how you went about making the change?
I initially joined the gym and used the cardio machines and alongside reducing the sugary comfort foods that had become the main subsidence of my diet I managed to lose 2 stone. However I eventually hit a plateau and whilst my fitness levels were high was struggling to tone up those stubborn areas or make any further gains. I spoke with trainers in the gym and used their advice and ideas and also started using spin classes and interval training as alternative workouts. However when I set my sights on achieving my full potential I took on a Personal Trainer to support and train me and in this also extended my own training knowledge. I achieved goals I would have never thought possible and months after we stopped training together have been able to maintain the results because of what I learnt.
How did you first hear about Maxitone products and what made you try them?
My personal trainer discussed how important it was that I had enough protein in my diet and following his advice I researched Protein shakes to aid my recovery and ensure that nutritionally I was gaining all I needed in my diet. Following a lot of research into the multitude of varieties available I chose Maxitone Sculptress shakes (Strawberry and Chocolate flavoured) as it offered all the nutritional goodness I needed and was of a high quality and recommended.
What are your favourite Maxitone products and why?
I still use Sculptress Shakes as a start to each day after my workouts and have recently acquired a taste for Definity Crisp and Sculptress bars which are always found in my gym bag or handbag in case I am caught short and hungry. When I started training I also utilised Definity CLA and Sculptress capsules to support my training. Being active all day I find that Maxitone products are convenient and easy to support my training and also to ensure that I don’t fall back into old habits of convenience foods.
If you could give one tip to anyone reading your story and wanting to replicate your achievements, what would it be?
Believe in yourself and listen to the advice of people around you. I learnt so much from my trainer and others in the gym.
What's been the single best thing about the changes you've made?
Being told that I was an inspiration to others to train and get fit has given me so much confidence. For so many years I have felt that I was destined to look the way I did. Now I know that nothing is impossible and it has given me the confidence in my personal life to make positive changes.
What's your favourite way to exercise?
I love my early morning workouts and go to the gym 5 days a week using cardio machines and weights. However when time is short I love my gym's spin classes as a fast, effective workout.
How do you treat yourself when you’ve achieved something positive?
When I was initially losing weight I bought a new pair of shoes for every half stone I lost. Now I relish in clothes shopping being able to enjoy buying outfits I would have never dreamed of wearing a few years ago.
What made you enter the Maxitone Body of 2009 competition?
Maxitone's Body of 2009 competition was my inspiration to push myself to my limits and see what I could truly achieve. It was by chance that I saw it advertised in a magazine and having hit another plateau it encouraged me to seek advice and train in new ways. It opened my eyes to resistance and endurance training and has truly changed my whole perspective. I have a new body, a new outlook and it has made me realise that anything is possible!
