Cordier family promotes health and puts fitness first

Shane Cordier has dedicated the past few years of his life to ensuring he is both physically and mentally fit.
As a qualified personal trainer and the health and fitness manager at a local gym, Shane has motivated his wife, Chantelle to join him on the ‘health wagon’.

The Newcastle Advertiser met with the power couple, who elaborated about the importance of family fitness and the need for a healthier lifestyle.

ALSO READ: PREVIEW: Ridwaan’s fitness obsession is fueled by a passion to be healthy

Men’s fitness with Shane:

Fitness has always played an important role in Shane’s life, whether it was in the form of sport or working out at the gym.

In order to help motivate more men to live a healthier lifestyle, Shane shared a few tips about the importance of staying fit.

“Firstly, one needs a positive mindset before signing and committing to that 24-month gym contract,” he said.

“A positive mindset will ensure you get to the gym on a daily basis, or set a daily exercise routine at home if gym is not an option for you.”

Then, he emphasised, there was motivation.

“Whether you motivate yourself or have a support system, motivation is the key to success. Therefore, it is advisable to have a friend or family member train with you, as this will ensure you both stick to your exercise routines.”

What are the benefits of exercise?

“If you work in a stressful environment, then the gym will become your ‘happy place’. Exercise is a natural stress reliever, and it will leave you feeling relaxed and at peace when you’re done.”

Where do I start?

“It’s important to set goals for yourself, but remember to be realistic. You cannot expect to lose 10 kilograms in a week or even in a month, but with patience, persistence and perseverance you will eventually start seeing and feeling the difference.

Remember to reward yourself

“There will be times you feel like giving up because we tend to notice the negative things rather than the positive. However, keep yourself motivated by rewarding yourself with every milestone and goal you achieve. At the end of the day, keep on working hard and soon you will be feeling like a brand new person!”

Women’s fitness with Chantelle:

“I’ve always been a very active person, but when I was about 16 I started binge eating due to depression. I picked up about 15 kg in one year and was uncomfortably overweight and I hated my body.

That’s when I decided I needed to make some changes in my life. I started jogging and getting more active. I started losing some of the weight very slowly, but I was never really happy with my body or my health.

About four years ago, Shane and I found each other and his passion for health and fitness motivated and inspired me to get strong and healthy. I started cooking healthier meals and exercising as often as I could.

As soon as our daughter could start eating solid foods, I introduced as many different types of vegetables as I could, and tried not to change the natural flavour with sugar and salt. Her favourites at the moment are sweet potatoes, pumpkin, corn and broccoli.

Recently I won an entry into the Kelfit Summer Body Transformation Challenge, and this truly opened my eyes to the way I see food. From eating about twice a day, I had to go to eating five times a day.

I didn’t have time to go to the gym, so I took exercising at home to the next level, doing a squat every time I took an item out of the washing basket when I hung up washing, or doing lunges as I vacuumed the house.

READ NOW: Muscle-man wins national title

Our daughter enjoys working out with me, so she’s always happy for me to use her as ‘weights’ for certain exercises.

The best advice I can give to busy women is to have a balanced and nutritious breakfast, of which my personal favourite is oats, with salt and sugar free peanut butter and chocolate whey protein.

Prepare nutritious lunch meals on a weekend, so you can take food to work with you.

That will keep you from making unhealthy food choices during the day. Lastly, try to add vegetables or salad, as well as protein to every meal. Protein keeps you satisfied for longer, and vegetables are low in calories.

I love motivating women of all ages to feel good about how they look. You don’t need to look a certain way to be beautiful!”

Contact us

WhatsApp: 082 874 5550

Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

Make sure you follow us for regular updates: