Attractiveness is a subjective construct that means different things to different people. For most women, this word conjures up images of skinny runway and glossy magazine fashion models.
“Everybody wants to look their best, which could mean becoming slimmer or achieving a muscular physique,” explains qualified personal trainer and online coach, bootcamp instructor, CrossFit L1 and Metafit coach and Biogen-sponsored athlete, Lelani Loots.
Skinny stereotypes
Despite her chosen profession, Lelani didn’t always fall on the muscular side of the attractiveness spectrum.
“I will never understand how I ever convinced myself that being thin would bring happiness and help me feel accepted.”
At that stage in her life, Lelani weighed just 55kg, which was considered underweight for someone who is 1.80m tall.
“While I never restricted my food intake, I just made sure that the scale stayed at 55kg or less with hours of cardio every day. I wanted to be skinny as all my friends were skinny and small. But I never was happy about the way I looked,” recalls Lelani.
Strong and fit
Eventually, Lelani grew tired with the way she looked and felt. “I no longer wanted to be classified as skinny. Rather, I wanted to become stronger with more muscle. Basically, I wanted to become strong and fit like Wonder Woman!”
Determined to transform her lifestyle, Lelani created a meal plan and workout program for herself by using Fitness magazine for tips on what to do and how to eat healthily and exercise effectively.
“I learned about things like workout splits, diet, correct form, and adapting to exercise through variety and progressive overload.”
So, instead of spending hours in the gym on cardio equipment, Lelani spent more time in the weights section performing HIIT workouts using light weights with a combination of movements.
Feeding muscles
“I started to eat more, adding meals before and after workouts, which made a huge difference.” She also included whey protein, a pre-workout and CLA in her nutritional plan.
Lelani’s supplement stack:
- Pre workout: Biogen Pre Burn
- Post workout: Biogen Iso-Whey
- Biogen RAGE Thermo
- Biogen Protein Bites
READ MORE | Choc Whey Doughnuts Recipe
Her new approach meant Lelani was soon adding shapely muscle to her physique. However, this meant that the number on the scale started to move in the opposite direction to what she was accustomed to.
“Seeing my weight increase was difficult at first. Thankfully, I learned to measure my progress by the metrics that really matter, like my strength, ability, endurance, health, and happiness.”
Lelani has since added 24kg of muscle to her physique and has never been happier.
Lelani’s weekly workout split:
- Monday: 10:00am: 40 min cardio session at the gym on the stepper. 18:30pm: CrossFit
- Tuesday: 10am: Lower body workout with 20 min on the stepper
- Wednesday: 18:30pm: CrossFit
- Thursday: 10:00am: 40 min cardio session at the gym on the stepper. 18:30pm: CrossFit
- Friday: REST
- Saturday: 8am: Upper body workout with 20 min swim
- Sunday: 8am: 40km mountain bike with hubby
“I am no longer a slave to the scale, which means I don’t fixate on measuring my progress and basing my self-worth and self-esteem based on my weight.”
In fact, Lelani soon realised that weight training is far more effective than cardio at burning fat, even at rest, because it builds metabolically-active muscle.
“Little did I know that lifting weights and eating enough would get me to the body I had always wanted!”
Strong body, strong mind
Lelani explains that she now eats at least 2,200 calories a day and takes care of herself with a holistic approach that focuses on mind, body, and spirit.
“I measure strength not just based on my physique but also by heart, mind and devotion. I pushed hard to fight through my weakness and become a stronger person overall.”
Following her transformation, Lelani also chose to follow her new passion and become a qualified fitness professional to share her new approach with others who need help.
“I started 6 and 8 week online challenges to help others achieve their goals while showing them that eating healthily can be easy and tasty, and that you can make your training interesting and fun.”
Lelani says she teaches all her clients that there are no quick fixes or easy ways to achieve your goals. “You need to work hard, remain consistent and positive, and just enjoy life.”
She also draws motivation and fulfilment from helping people online or at the gym.
“I just love answering people’s questions to the best of my ability. When people reach out to me it keeps me sharp and motivates me.”
Fitfluencer status achieved
She is also proud of her other achievements, especially as a fitness trainer for 5 Colour Fitness on Supersport.
“I’m one of the fitness talents for FHA. It has been amazing working with new sponsors, taking on new challenges, visiting places I have never seen, and growing as a person with so much more confidence.”
READ MORE | New 5 Colour Fitness Season A Tale Of Two Cities
Lelani also took the bold step of entering the 2020 Biogen Face of Fitness, which has opened new doors in her career.
“The annual cover model search looked like a lot of fun. I made the top 32 the year before and really wanted to make it to the top 12. I entered again in 2020 and I achieved my goal. I basically entered to put myself out there and take a step towards achieving my goal. And I can now proudly state that I am a Biogen-sponsored athlete and #TEAMRED member!”
READ MORE | 12 Finalists One Step Closer To Cover Model Status
Quick facts
- Favourite workout? A long challenging HIIT workout with a combination of weights, gymnastics and cardio.
- Favourite exercises: Overhead squats and wall balls
- Favourite healthy dish: Anything oats – baked, overnight, or normal oats! I’m the biggest oats fan.
- Must-use supplements: Biogen Whey Protein
- Top diet tip: Eat regular meals, eat high fibre foods and drink sufficient water
Connect with Lelani: @lelani_loots
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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