Farrah Rymer is a Mrs SA Finalist, a mother, and owns her own business. We had a chat with her about her Mrs SA journey and what makes her a #strongwomen.
How has your life changed since reaching the semi-finalist of Mrs SA?
My life has changed completely. I have been blessed with a lifetime opportunity to be a voice for other women. It is so wonderful to inspire ladies on such a large scale. There is nothing I want more than for South African women to love who they are and to really feel empowered.
What made you decide to enter into Mrs SA?
I have a passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves. I entered Mrs SA so I can change the way women feel about themselves. We are all strong individuals and sometimes we just need others to believe in us and to show us that we are amazing.
What do you hope to accomplish if you had to win Mrs SA?
I want to give total support to the ‘End Girl Hate’ movement. I feel that there is not enough encouragement and support from girls and women in South Africa. Having a qualified psychology background, I would hold workshops that give girls coping tools.
I want to create awareness to show South Africans the struggles that some women are facing. Although this is a massive undertaking I believe I can make a meaningful difference.
How do you find motivation and the energy to pursue your passions, your business and still stay active and healthy?
The Mom Boss life is always crazy but two things keep me motivated every single day. The first thing is my clients. I am the owner of Fit Babes Elite which is an online fitness business for women. To see the changes mentally and physically is absolutely mind-blowing. Not only do I inspire them but they really inspire me.
The second thing that drives me is my gratitude. It’s so important to remind yourself how blessed you are. My quote for me ‘Every day is a new opportunity to improve on the person you were yesterday.’
Why do you think it is important to have balance?
Balance is the key to a happy fulfilled life. Yes, it is essential to look after your body by eating well and training hard but you also need to enjoy life as well. So let your hair down, enjoy a naughty treat and glass of bubbles every now and then
Take us through a day in your life?
4:00- I wake up
5:00- train clients in my Fit Babes Elite gym
7:00- I get my two little girls ready and drop them off at school.
7.30‐8.30 is my time to weight train and have breakfast.
9.30 to 12:30- Training more clients in my private gym.
12.30- Collect my girls from school and homework time and some lunch.
13.30- Designing customized online meal plans and training programs.
15.00‐ 18.00 training more clients
18.30- Make dinner for my family
20.00‐20:30- My cardio time
20:30- Watch TV and prep everyone’s food for the next day
22:00- Showered and ready for bed
What does your diet/nutrition look like?
Diet is incredibly important. I only use Evox supplements and I love their whey shakes as an easy on-the-go snack. If there is one thing that is extremely important it is to track everything you eat.
My diet changes according to my goals. So if I am competing, my coach gives me a very strict diet usually consisting of oats, eggs, chicken breast, and lean red meat. Off-season I love eating a higher protein and good carb diet (more veggies and salads). My favorite cheat is an ice-cream or waffle.
What does your training look like? What kind of training do you believe in and why?
I absolutely love weight training. I used to be one of those women who was terrified of putting on major muscle by lifting a 3kg dumbbell. Little did I know back then how hard I would be training now, just to get toned. I love varying my training regime. I always include compound exercises and use different techniques and equipment for an interesting workout. I also enjoy a little HIIT training once a week.
How has the pandemic affected your fitness lifestyle?
Luckily I have had a fully equipped gym at home. Training has always been my ‘sanity’. Although I really missed getting out of the house and just having a change of scenery.
How do you stay strong and healthy mentally?
I have a wonderful support structure at home. This motivates me to be the best I can be. As a wife and mother life can be chaotic at times. I feel that I must not only take care of my family but for myself as well. It’s important for every woman to set some time aside for themselves.
Do you have any fitness plans for 2021?
Absolutely. I will be taking part in all the NPC shows this year. Hopefully, Covid will not prevent our international show/pro qualifier at the end of the year. I won both my lineups in December last year. So it’s about raising the bar in terms of self-improvement when I step on the stage again.
Please take us through a workout you’re loving right now
Booty workout
Warm-up
4 sets of each:
- Banded wall abductions x30 reps
- Firehydrants x15 reps each side
- Dumbbell reverse lunges 20 reps each side
- Banded donkey kicks x15 reps each side
- Medicine ball squat x15 reps
- Standing banded kickbacks x12 reps each side
- Banded Clams x 15 each side
Do you have any advice for ladies on how to create a healthy routine?
The key word is in your question ‘routine’. With a routine comes consistency! If you have a good fitness program and stick to it you can accomplish anything.
Who/what inspires you?
My mom. She is a strong, compassionate and driven woman. She does everything she sets her mind to. She is and will always be my role model.
What is your favourite #strongwomen quote?
Strong women don’t have attitudes, they have standards.
Who inspires you to be a strong woman?
Honestly every time I open my Instagram profile I am inspired to push myself. I just love seeing all the positivity and the self-growth of the beautiful ladies I see.
Do you have a strong woman moment to share with us?
Yes, last year I had the opportunity to chat with ladies on Radio 702 about weight-loss. I specifically chatted about my personal experience with losing pregnancy weight. It was wonderful listening to the ladies calling in. Their experiences and unhappiness changed over the period of the interview. They wanted to do something about their health. This talk seemed to ignite a spark of change from within them. This experience showed me that empowered women, empower women.
Author: Logan Leigh Rix
Logan blends her passion and profession by working as a digital and social media marketer and content creator in the fitness, health and wellness industry. She’s also a personal trainer, former Face of Fitness finalist and Fitness Magazine featured athlete.
You are so incredibly inspiring Farrah! Thank you for doing whatever you can to uplift and empower women. You inspire me to be better every day! <3