A body to match a lifestyle

Dedication, motivation and consistency.

Teresa Nel has the above in spades, which contributed to her division win at the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Iron Man Novice competition earlier this month.

She described taking top honours as a distant dream.

“When it really happened, I knew that all my hard work had paid off, and winning was basically the cap to a long and difficult, but satisfying journey.”

Although she considered competing its own privilege, Teresa said the honour of winning was one she would cherish for a long time to come.

“I started preparing more or less six months before the competition. This involved a specific eating plan to maintain and build as much muscle as possible. From about two months out, my diet and workout plan changed, and the focus was on dropping as much body fat as possible before the competition.”

In achieving the desired look for the judges, Teresa constantly measured and weighed herself within specific tolerances for the division.

At this point, she trains twice a day, six days a week.

“One session is weight training and the other a cardio session. The week before the competition is the most difficult as energy levels are low, and reducing water and salt is absolutely draining.”

However, dedication, motivation and consistency are factors vital to bodybuilding.

Teresa explained many enthusiasts could get to the gym and train hard, but struggle with a clean, proper diet.

“This requires firstly knowledge of what to eat and when to eat. We only spend one to two hours a day in the gym, but it’s how you control your diet, hydration and rest away from the gym, which really matters.”

Genetic potential is another crucial factor which makes or breaks an athlete.

“A lot of people want to look like someone else with different genetic potential, instead of trying to achieve what their body will allow.”

Reviewing her daily schedule, Teresa explained she wakes at 4am to prepare the day’s first meal, before undergoing an hour’s training.

At 6am, she begins preparing breakfast for her family.

With work starting at 8am, Teresa leaves time to enjoy lunch and snacks, providing the energy she needs to train after work ends at 5pm.

“At that time, I get home and prepare for gym. I am a spinning instructor at New Active so either that, or just normal cardio.”

After preparing dinner for the family at 7pm, Teresa wraps up her day, and is normally in bed between 8.30pm and 9pm.

Hectic as her lifestyle may be, Teresa understands the benefits too.

“Besides losing weight, daily training boosts confidence, posture, stress relief and will also stop you getting colds or flu. There are so many benefits to daily training, too many to mention.”

Teresa is now in preparation for the last qualifier for the Arnold Classic, hosted at uShaka Marine World within two months.

In August, she competes at a provincial IFBB competition at the Playhouse.

“From there, I will follow my coach’s advice on what is next, based on my results.”

Teresa agreed she was an ambassador for bodybuilding, stating the sport had an amazing influence on her life.

She hopes to have the same influence on others interested in physical exercise.

“I always find myself giving advice to people regarding fitness and lifestyle, both young and old, and feel I am constantly promoting the sport wherever I go.”

Concluding, she thanked coach, Kelly Stegen, her sponsors and friends for the support.

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