Fitness Model Interview:Nancy Lockington |
The Interview: 1. What's your background? How did you get started in the fitness industry? I've always admired the athletes shown on the Fitness Canada / America pageants on television. In the summer of 2001 I was asked to coach gymnastics to a friend who was interested in competing in her first fitness event, and for a brief moment I thought of giving it a try myself. Remembering that these competitions are done on stage in front of cameras and lots of people...I quickly changed my mind. My "stage fright" would not allow me to follow through with this idea! My friends, however, after a lot of coaxing, convinced me otherwise...yeah right" ..and to just go ahead and give it my best shot! Soooo...I have very convincing friends! I started training in September 2001.
That would have to be my first competition. The fact that I actually got up there and faced my fears was the most incredible sense of accomplishment I have ever experienced. I actually placed 1st, but winning seemed so un-important compared to just being there!
Fitness and Fitness Competitions are quickly becoming a very big part of my lifestyle. I work as an accounting clerk at a log brokerage firm (a typical 9-5 job) during the week and coach gymnastics during the weekends to ages 3 - 12yrs. I also coach part time to fitness competitors and am presently in the process of completing my Personal Training Certification.
My goals are simple. I hope to inspire others to stay fit and healthy naturally, obtain their own personal goals, and raise funds to help with research for the Canadian Cancer Society. One of those special friends that convinced me I could compete, recently lost her battle with Cancer. She never did see any of my competitions, but she is always with me on stage! My next physical goal is to place in the top 10 next year at the Fitness Canada Pageant.
Wow...busy! I start my day at the gym for 1hr cardio at 7:00am and then off to work from 9:00am - 5:00pm. I'm back at the gym by 5:30pm for 1hr weight training and either back home to study for my personal training course OR shadowing my trainer for practical trainer experience. Somewhere in amongst all that I find time to do my daily necessities. My boyfriend's not sure if I live at the gym or with him....hee hee.
I'm still experimenting with my foods. Basically I eat 6 meals/day that consist of lots of protein and low to moderate carbohydrates. I make sure I eat my carbs and fruit before 1:00 and try to consume a consistent amount of protein. Snacks are green veggies, with my favorites being fresh snow peas, green beans, and protein bars.
This is also in an experimental state. I train differently throughout the year depending on when my competitions are. During the "off season" I train at 3 sets @ 20 reps (same weight for each set) for strength and maintenance with 1hr cardio every day of the week: Mon: Quads/Biceps Competition Training is a little different..I train for a little more muscle volume and fine tuning 3 sets @ 12/10/8 reps (increasing weights for each set): Mon: Chest/Triceps/Back
I make sure I have my multi-vitamins (Nu-life), protein shakes (NHF), protein bars (NHF & Nitrotech), and Udo's oil every day.
My trainers, Christine & Chris Austin - Body Co Fitness, have had an incredible impact on my staying fit. When I started training with them a year ago I really wasn't sure if I was going to accomplish my goal. They definitely keep my on track! I enjoy reading the articles in magazines such as Oxygen, Muscle & Fitness Hers and Fitness RX. I also enjoy talking to other fitness athletes at competitions and on the WNSO and FitSights forums. I've had the pleasure of meeting fellow athletes in my local area who have given me a tremendous amount of support and assistance. My biggest motivation comes from my friends and family, especially my boyfriend.
I have quite a few favorites. Here are just a few: WNSO (www.worldnaturalsports.com)
First and foremost, make sure you are doing it for yourself! Never get discouraged...remember you are improving yourself every day. And most of all...have fun with it.
I don't believe we should determine how fit we are strictly by how much we weigh. Lets take a look at inches...how many inches would you like to lose? Basically, I would suggest an intense cardio routine every day (30 - 60 min) followed by a full body workout and a strict eating habit of low carbs and high proteins. Make sure you talk to a nutritionist to set you up on a proper eating schedule.
That would have to be...my age. I haven't met too many co-competitors who have started Competitive Fitness training at 38 yrs old. Not bad for an old woman...tee hee! I think it helps others realize there is always room for improvement (physically, mentally and spiritually) at any age and I plan on improving every year in some way, shape or form.
I recently completed my first Calendar / Mouse Pad and can be ordered through my e-mail (nlockington@shaw.ca). To view go to http://members.shaw.ca/royalcity. This is just one of many projects I've arranged to contribute to the Canadian Cancer Society. I would like to thank all my sponsors from the past year; BodyCo Fitness (www.bodyco.ca) "Never under-estimate yourself...there is no such thing as can't"
Back to Fitness-Model-Advice.com
|
|
|
