The Fitnessmagsa community got to know 2018 USN Face of Fitness finalist Yvette Ferreira a little better when she hosted one in a series of #USNFoF Instagram takeovers.
If you missed the chance to engage, here’s what Yvette had to say… (or watch it)
What type of work do you do?
I’m a facilitator/trainer at a big telecommunications company.
How do you find the discipline to stay in such great shape?
I love how working out makes me feel. I love getting stronger. I love growing. I love seeing results. That keeps me disciplined.
What is your best at-home workout?
When I travel and don’t have access to a gym I do this workout:
- Jump squats
- Step-ups on a chair
- Push ups
- Jump rope
- Burpees
- Arm switches
I try to do as many as reps as I can for one minute and take 20-second rests in between.
People plateau. Do you know what to do, even if you have changed your workout?
Change what you eat. Minor tweaks to your diet can deliver results. And be patient. Maybe do a carb cycle… that always works for me.
How do you train for an upcoming fitness competition?
Depending on my current physique my coach will do minor tweaks to my diet and may perhaps add some cardio. My training doesn’t really change much. I always try to push as hard as I can.
What are your tips for leaner legs?
I love doing step-ups, lunges and the stepper. I believe those help lean out my legs. Nutrition and consistency are also important.
What is the best compliment you have received?
Whenever somebody says I motivate and inspire them, that’s the biggest compliment.
How do you get motivated to get up early or to work out after work?
A ore-workout and my man.
Do you believe all our bodies are built differently?
Yes, we all have beautiful bodies. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin.
How many calories do you take in per day and what are your macro ratios?
I have never counted calories, but I’m starting on Monday, actually. I’ll be posting info on this daily as this will be a new challenge for me.
What is better for your body, yoga or pilates?
In my opinion pole fitness is best for flexibility and strength, but each to their own. Do what you enjoy most.
What kind of products should be in every woman’s gym bag?
A skipping rope, USN BCAAs, ankle weights, a waist trainer, a grip solution, a lock, earphones and lip ice.
What are your feelings on protein bars and what is your favourite?
I feel like one is never enough and I don’t discriminate, I love all USN protein bars.
Have you ever tried flexible dieting or intuitive eating? What is your opinion?
I try to keep my diet as flexible as I can, as I love eating a variety of foods. I’ve been following a strict athlete plan as I was planning on completing again this year, but then I entered the USN Face of Fitness and my goals changed. As of Monday (26 Nov) I’ll be following a different approach to dieting, where I plan to count macros and calories. Follow me on my Instagram account if you want to see my new approach.
What meals do you eat to prep for shoots?
Mainly lean proteins and vegetables.
What made you want to get into the fitness industry?
I didn’t choose the fit life, the fit life choose me. I just love bodybuilding and eating what I eat. All the extra is just a blessing from God.
What is the best way to lose weight and tone up?
Feed your body proper nutrition, eat healthy balanced meals and love the food that you eat. Drink lots of water, work out regularly and do the exercise that you enjoy.
How many years did you train for before you reached your fitness goals?
I’ve been training since 2012, but I only started competing in 2017. I prepped myself. I didn’t have a coach and I placed third in my first show.
How do you stay motivated when the going gets tough? Do you even have bad days?
My boyfriend motivates me. He pushes me to work harder on the days that I feel like quitting.
Why did you enter the USN Face of Fitness?
Because it looked like fun! I want to help other women (and men) feel better about themselves and this is a great platform to help me achieve that goal! Plus I get to meet other people like you, who are just as passionate about fitness.
Do you eat before or after a gym session and if so, what?
I eat before gym if I am hungry, but I listen to my body. I’ll have a shake or meal after training too. Depending on my goals, I’ll have either tuna with veg, or chicken and basmati rice. I always add flax seed oil or low-carb sauces because life is too short to eat dry food.
What cardio do you do you and how many days a week do you do it?
Usually I’ll do about 20-30 minutes four times a week. When I am prepping for a fitness competition or a photoshoot I up it to 40-50 minutes six times per week, depending on my body’s overall condition.
Which supplements can’t you live without?
USN Whey Protein and BCAAs. Both supplements are so versatile and you can have them whenever you want. You can make tasty healthy treats with both. They also assist with muscle recovery and building muscle.
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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