@MyGymspiration Hi Katie, so please introduce yourself by briefly telling us who you are and what you do ;)
@KatieLEllis82 I'm 31 and live in Hertfordshire. For my day job I work as a procurement analyst, and also a part time masseuse. I have a passion for healthy living and spend all my evenings in the gym training to improve my physique and fitness levels. I am currently 5ft 6 and my weight is 54.2 Kilos.
@MyGymspiration We heard you was in a competition recently, which one was it that you competed in and how did it go?
@KatieLEllis82 Yes I recently competed in Miami Pro Universe as a Bikini Model in November. The competition went really well and I was pleased with how I looked and performed for my first competition, unfortunately I did not place however I received some very positive feedback from the judges.
@MyGymspiration How long did it take you to prepare for the competition?
@KatieLEllis82 I started the building Phase of my training in April, I was previously a long distance runner so I needed to build quite a bit of muscle to change my physique.
@MyGymspiration What was your main diet in preparation?
@KatieLEllis82 Very high protein so lots of chicken, fish and eggs along with healthy fats, almonds and walnuts.
@MyGymspiration How many times did you train a day?
@KatieLEllis82 I trained once a day six times a week. Each session was 1 to 1 and a half hours working different muscle splits on different days. I also did High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and fat burning cardio.
@MyGymspiration What was the craziest thing you had to do for the competition?
@KatieLEllis82 For me I would say the water loading this happens in peak week I was drinking up to seven litres of water a day to hydrate by body ready for water depletion that happens 48 hours before the competition. I was in constant need of the toilet and my sleep was very disturbed.
@MyGymspiration Did you have any rest days?
@KatieLEllis82 I had one rest day a week but some weeks I did train 7 days, although it upset my trainer. I also tried to get a least 7 hours sleep a night as recovery is important. During the last 8 weeks you go through what’s Called the cutting phase where your carbs decrease and your portion sizes decrease, my sleep was affected as I was hungry. I ate Six meals a day every three hours. If I trained late in the eve sometimes It would push my last meal to after midnight so I would set an alarm to get up and eat. The Supplements I had were CLA, BCCA, Optimum Nutrition Protein and Casein.
@MyGymspiration Did you learn anything from doing the competition?
@KatieLEllis82 One of the main things I learnt is that you need to believe in yourself ;)
@MyGymspiration Is there anything you would have done differently?
@KatieLEllis82 Yes defiantly! During the building phase I didn’t eat enough carbohydrates, it’s really important in order to build. I was worried about gaining weight but if you eat the correct carbs and have a balanced diet you will not gain weight. So next time I will eat more!
@MyGymspiration Who was your biggest support through the competition?
@KatieLEllis82 This is a easy one my coach Jon Sessions, he was there for me all the time from my training to my nutrition and being understanding as I got tired and emotional during the cutting phase. He always managed to push me during training but keep me smiling at the same time so I enjoyed it. I heavily relied on him and would not of made it on to the stage without the confidence he filled me with.
@MyGymspiration Would you do it again?
@KatieLEllis82 Yes definitely! I already have things lined up for 2014!
@MyGymspiration What advice would you give anyone who was thinking of taking part?
@KatieLEllis82 You need a good trainer and nutritionist. All meals need to be prepared everyday to avoid slip ups. I would also recommend a stage coach to teach you how to perform on stage. This was really useful to me and I would say a must.
@MyGymspiration Do you think you will keep up the strict routine or are you going to take it easy now the competition is over?
@KatieLEllis82 I was in the gym the day after the competition to carry on training as normal. I did give myself a refuel week after the competition where I indulged in all the things that I had missed, but I am back to clean eating and working on improving my body ready to compete in 2014
@MyGymspiration What are you Maxing on Dead lift?
@KatieLEllis82 60 kilos
@MyGymspiration What are you maxing on Squat?
@KatieLEllis82 60 kilos but I mainly use leg press
@MyGymspiration .Just for fun…. What’s your fav pizza topping?
@KatieLEllis82 Pizza when I have this it’s such a treat spicy beef!!
@MyGymspiration how many pairs of trainers do you own?
@KatieLEllis82 My weakness 11 Pairs
@MyGymspiration What star sign are you?
@KatieLEllis82 Scorpio
@MyGymspiration What music do you like to listen to when you train?
@KatieLEllis82 R&B Mainly but when Im running Old School Garage
