Interview series for Good Friday, the lovely Sally Matterson

Today on the OC Fitness Interview Series we have yet another Aussie female trainer, Sally Matterson. I came across Sally's work after following Clean Health out in Sydney and was impressed by her work ethic and online presence in the social media scene. She always puts out useful information, walks the talk and I think you will find this interview one of our best! 

Walks the talk...

Can you give us a bit of background about you and your business?

I started in the industry a little over 10 years ago now and have developed training systems that encompass my 10 yrs of experience. I have experienced what works & what doesn’t and have literally seen hundreds of bodies transformed before my eyes using these training systems.

My business is located out of one of the most reputable fitness franchises in Australia, Anytime Fitness and I have used the opportunity to grow these systems by having a team of trainers that can implement them. This has been an awesome venture as now I can touch and educate a greater amount of people to train and eat the right way and not waste their time in the gym.

What’s your inspiration for doing what you do?

Well let’s start by telling you the day I had – I had 6 re-assessments today and the total weight loss between them was 27 kgs along with 29% Body fat.

Is that enough inspiration!? I love helping people and I could not think of a better job than being someone’s guide to better health.

How did you get into it?

After always being fit and healthy as a kid I came to Sydney from the country in pursuit of a big dream in fashion.

I realised that I was the most stressed out, unhappy and unhealthy I had ever been in my life and I knew to get happy again I needed to get fit. From that moment on fitness not fashion was the ultimate career for me. Although funnily enough I am looking at producing a line of fitnesswear in the near future so it’s amazing how some things in life can work their way around when the timing is right. 

What’s the most important factor in your own development as a professional?

To continually expand my knowledge, research and education. To be able to pass this onto to other trainers and more importantly to the greater community is my ultimate goal as a Personal Trainer. I want to bridge the gap between ”fitness model or bodysculpting” and “average gym goer” who is looking to change their body shape for the better

Who is your clientele?

I feel we deal with a niche clientele. Sure we can help someone that is overweight or obese and they will get an awesome result following our principles however our systems are a lot more cutting edge than just the calories in calories out combined with thrashing yourself on the treadmill mentality.

I see the brand SMPT as a lot more cutting edge than this. We can take a female or male that is in reasonable shape and make them look exceptional! Now that is what we are about! Actors, media personalities, models, presenters, singers and athletes have all used our systems and been very happy with the change to fitness and physique.

Sallys first comp vs now...

What is your method? How do assess your client’s needs?

Goals are the first thing we address, which for most is to feel better and look better.  Then we undergo an assessment that covers nutrition, programming and bodyfat to lean muscle ratio. The whole package to ensure their needs are being meet.

Ongoing support through forums and online coaching are also available.

Where do you go from there?

I am developing our brand to have more online activity. I recently had enquires from Germany and most recently Canada so I need to help these people achieve their goals also. The only way is to make the programming and nutrition aspects as interactive as possible through the use of presenting to camera.

Do you deal with all aspects of your clients? Nutrition, Training, Psychological?

Absolutely. We find sometimes the head is the thing that stops us the most from achieving our goals. We regularly assess or clients goals to make sure they are staying on track.

Training session out of Clean Health in Australia.

What do you say to clients/athletes who aren’t making progress as quickly as they would expect?

Be encouraged to keep going. Things do not happen overnight but if they stick to plan it will! If you have had years of incorrect training and nutrition it takes a long time to undo these things.

A lot of people say I want to look like you”” and I say ”be careful what you wish for” in other words it is hard work there are no short cuts and it takes years to get good muscle development that’s why it needs to be a lifestyle change. But if you are determined to change the results will follow.

Do you specialize in a particular area?

6 & 12 Week Body Transformations

What do you think is the biggest mistake females make generally when embarking on their quest to a bikini body?

Doing endless cardio and not enough resistance training that will really change your body shape

Who are your favorite top 5 experts in fitness and strength in the world?

Charles Poliquin the foundations of our systems are built a lot on Poliquins principles. Very well researched and you only have to put them into practice to know they work.

Daine Mcdonald (my old coach and director of Clean Health a mentor of mine who has taught me a lot about the business and training)

Amanda Latona Not sure of her expertise but damn I want her booty!

Michelle Bridges for her ability to impact a nation, her content is very mainstream but it has helped a lot of overweight people find health again which at the end of the day is what’s most important

CT Fletcher is a motivational personal trainer with tough love. His content is brilliant.

What are your top 5 nutrition tips for females looking for a lean physique?

Find out how much protein you should be eating

Invest the money in pharmaceutical grade supplementation that helps with stress and aid detoxification

Dark leafy greens

Eat good Fat to burn Fat

Enjoy your rewards when you have them!

Sally's explanation of Biosignature, a great tool for fat loss or muscle mass gains.

Your favorite 5 exercises?

Deadlift, Front Squat, Split Squat, Chin Ups and Behind the neck Shoulder Press

Top 5 tips for ensuring results?

Muscle Activation with correct technique – the 2 go in hand!

Correct Nutrition & supplementation

Correct Programming

And the right attitude!

How could big conglomerate gyms of today improve?

More FREE advice on how to lose fat! I hate people wasting their time and I am passionate about getting the truth out there!

What’s next for you and your business?

As above online development

I am developing our brand to have more online activity. I recently had enquires from Germany and most recently Canada so I need to help these people achieve their goals also. The only way is to make the programming and nutrition aspects as interactive as possible through the use of presenting to camera.

Last one:

What’s the motto you live by….

“Make lifting become your healthy addiction and watch your body shape change”

Thanks so much for reading guys and girls, hopefully Sally's interview will inspire you and has give you more information with which to use! 

Also if you have watched Sally's explanation on Biosignature we offer this service too at OC Fitness, just drop us an email ollie@ocfitness.co.uk and we'll sort out a consult!

Heres Sally's links

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sally-Matterson-Personal-Trainer-Fitness-Model-Competitor/171896479532909#

http://www.youtube.com/user/SallyMattersonPT?feature=mhee

https://twitter.com/sallymatterson

Interview series continues with Olympic Weightlifting Coach Marius Hardiman of OXP!

You requested, so I shall deliver.

Recently on the facebook page I asked who people would want interviewed on the Interview Series. Well here we have ex-commonwealth weightlifter and owner of Oxford Powersports (OXP), a weighlifting club on the outskirts of Oxford. With the Olympics last summer the sport of weightlifting got a good amount of coverage, hopefully more clubs like this will spring up with quality coaches and quality equipment. Head coach Marius Hardiman answers some questions with regards to his views on training.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF TRAINING FOR AN ASPIRING YOUNG SPORTSMAN?

I would say to work on excellent technique (I am presuming these are under 16s O)

The best lifters from my sport had extremely good technical coaches,  were loaded up later rather than too soon. Many lifters were stronger but lost to the top lifters through technique and consistency built from patient coaching.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MOST YOUTH TRANIEES COULD WORK ON TO GET THEM NOTICED AT THERE GIVEN SPORTS?

The things that stand out to me is someone listening, being consistently at training, work rate is always noticed, work away from the coaching environment even if it is mobility, rehab, extra kicking or fitness. Most players have an off season, I would expect base fitness to be maintained during that time. Any injury would be also sorted out.

My lifters are always with me so they don’t get an off season, I can monitor recuperation constantly. I spend most of my time holding them back to be honest. They all try to train to hard for long periods, it’s important to recover.

DO YOU THINK YOUTH DEVELOPMENT HAS COME ON IN THE LAST 5 YEARS?

Definitely, there are a lot more opportunities to learn and train now. It has become more of a problem to get the right coach these days. Talent identification has become the norm (LTAD)

So many years of science in sport that has reached even grass roots now.

Years ago if you didn’t live in the right area you would not have access to sport like you do now.

Enough said...

YOU ARE HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN OXFORDSHIRE, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST HURDLE MOST YOUTH TRANIEES HAVE TO OVERCOME?

I think affording to seek proper coaching is a problem, also as I have said, finding that coach that can fulfill your aspirations. Also a lot of commercial nonsense going on under the guise of sport, you have to find somewhere you don’t outgrow too quickly.

WHAT NUTRITIONAL ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG PLAYERS OR DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE YOU SEND THEM TO?

I never watched my diet too closely, I ate clean with plenty of meat and potatoes. Porridge was a favourite pre comp/match fuel.

Nowadays I would send people elsewhere for diet advice, too complicated for me, I find it a completely different subject to what I do.

FOR THOSE THAT DON’T KNOW WHAT SPORTS HAVE YOU COMPETED IN?

I played County Cricket and County Football, then Olympic Weightlifting for most of my years. I played American Football for a very short period then went to rugby which I thought was way better. I also had trials for the GB Bobsleigh team.

I now race MX and have competed in Downhill Mountainbiking, I also ride Snowboards for winter leisure.

YOU COMPETED A WHILE AGO HAS YOUR SPORT CHANGED SINCE YOU ‘RETIRED’?

I retired in 2002, sport has changed quite a bit. I think there are more pathways created, there is more low level funding.

Your opportunities have increased but so have the targets you need to reach.

I just could resist! Maz back in the day.

WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST INFLUENCIAL PERSON IN DEVELOPING YOUR TRAINING METHODS?

My coach Eddie Saxton would use old methodology and new, he was thought of as unconventional sometimes.

I read Zatsiorskies “periodization of strength training” which I found to be the most useful of a pile of books. It was the one I would refer to first, I would recommend that for understanding how to place your training in a cycle to maintain motivation and energy. It is from the soviet Union training methodology, as early as the 60s (all scientific).

HOW SHOULD YOUNG PEOPLE TRAIN? BASICS FIRST AND BUILD OR COMPLEX EXERCISES AND WORK BACKWARDS?

I think technique (basics) first, then build on complexity. Be good at simple things. Too often I see people doing complex things when the simple stuff will suffice. Looking on the internet is not always best, what works for one athlete is not necessarily good for you, in fact I quite often see people doing stuff and they don’t know why they are doing it.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERUSED TRAINING METHODS IN YOUR VIEW?

Olympic lifting without doubt, which brings so much to a player and has the most efficient carryover to anysport.

Plyometrics is also underused.

HOW IMPORTANT IS FLEXIBILITY?

So important, inflexibility can result in injury, it hinders speed and strength. Think of how powerful and quick gymnasts are. In sport you are going to get injured at some point, you don’t want to be already struggling with mobility.

WHO HAS THE BEST WORK ETHIC OF ANY KID YOU HAVE TRAINED?

Eddie Church, bought to me having failed the “fast” test at Wasps. Trained every session hard, ate correctly, ran outside of rugby training. In the 6 weeks we had between his retest at Wasps he broke his arm. He still got to within 3 points of passing the “fast” test. A retest was set 6 weeks later in consideration of his arm. He passed with one of the highest scores ever.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE KEY TO MAKING PROGRESS IN TRAINING?

Listen, work hard with quality, rest. They are all as important as each other.

YOU HAVE ONE TRAINING SESSION IN THE GYM… WHATS IT GOING TO BE?

Back squats

Snatch from hang

Power clean

Power jerk

Snatch pulls

MOTTO'S TO LIVE BY?

Your career is short believe me, give it everything, listen to everything.

 An old lifter once said to me “you are a long time retired” it’s true.

Train smart.

Thanks Maz, if you should want quality Olympic Lifting in Oxfordshire i suggest you get yourself down to OXP! Here are all the details you need:

http://www.oxfordpowersports.co.uk

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oxford-Powersports/383644201654420?fref=ts

OC

Interview Series Continues with Jean-Claude V....

Ahhh so i tricked you, it's not Jean-Claude Van-Damme but it's the next best Jean-Claude that i can think of!

 I first met Jean-Claude Vacassin on the Body Development Mentorship program, run by owner Tom Crudgingdon. We both were obviously there to learn from a guy who has been in the industry for 20+ years who has amassed a huge amount of knowledge. 

The great thing about these sort of mentorships is you get to train with like minded individuals looking to improve not only their own physique but pick up new/ old knowledge to utilise in their own program design to get their clients results faster and with more variety. On the mentorship you train multiple times a day with these other trainers, you make a vibe in those sessions like no other and I was immediately impressed with Jean-C’s work ethic, knowledge and motivation. Jean-C is owner and head trainer at W10 in London, a fantastic semi-private training facility with results flowing from every trainer and client. His knowledge is fantastic and if you get a chance to get to W10 please try out their different approach to the personal training industry!

JC owner and trainer at W10 Performance.

Can you give us a bit of background about you and your business?

I’ve been in the industry twelve years or so, previously having a short stint doing a corporate job, which wasn’t for me.  The first ten years or so I spent doing as many hours of learning and actually training as many people as I could (I did lots of both), before opening W10 three years ago.  

W10 is what we refer to as a personal training gym.  My aim was to bridge the gap between mainstream health clubs (which I have an aversion to) and traditional spit and sawdust gyms (which I enjoy training in).  People generally have a straight choice between the two, both of which I feel are missing something, and I wanted to provide a hybrid of both. 

What’s your inspiration for doing what you do?

Honestly, now, it’s my two children.  I do recognize how cheesy and clichéd that answer is, but if nothing else comes of my time doing what I’m doing, at the very least I’ll be able to pass down some solid education and beliefs about health and fitness to my kids.  From a broader perspective, I also wholeheartedly believe that if we can positively influence others around us to live better we will live in a healthier and happier community.

What’s the most important factor in your own development as a professional?

My own continued learning and interaction with people whom I learn from and who challenge me.  I also continue to apply and re-experiment with everything I learn.

Who is your clientele?

Most of our clients are regular folk who want to ‘get into shape’.   The rest are personal trainers and the odd (a description which applies to most of our lot!) person in the public eye.  The majority of our members come to us with general health and/or body composition goals.   We don’t necessarily promote ourselves as a rapid body transformation gym (although we do some of that stuff) so most of our members are long term folk who I think it’s fair to say are much fitter, stronger and healthier than your average gym goer. 

What is your method?

Methods and systems drive me mad if I’m honest, they are polluting the industry.  I understand that we all need to make a living out of this and that that requires a degree of self promotion and a need to try and differentiate one’s self in a competitive market, but most people’s systems and methods (there are exceptions) are of load of PR driven bollocks.  You cannot apply the same ‘system’ to everyone for every goal, it doesn’t work like that unfortunately, you have to use the best training and nutritional approach for the person and their goals at a given time. 

For the most part we use a conjugate training approach.   Most of our members train two to four times per week and are after fat loss and general fitness.  A typical workout would include movement prep work, some strength training, into some more volume based assistance/corrective/prehab work.  We might then finish with some metabolic conditioning.  The time we dedicate to each would depend on the person and their goals.

How do assess your clients’ needs?

We evaluate all of our clients.  What we do is simple, but it’s effective.  We use a fairly sophisticated body composition testing system and we take postural photographs.  We might also do circumference measurements.  We then do a basic length/tension evaluation, an overhead squat assessment and a gym based movement assessment looking at ability to squat, split squat, push, pull, bend and basic core stability.  If we find anything that we’re not sure about, or if someone has acute pain, we always refer out to our chiropractic partner who will screen and/or scan at a deeper level.

My feeling on evaluations is that most people do them because it’s ‘what trainers do’, but it doesn’t actually have any bearing on how they programme for people, which strikes me as a bit of a waste of everyone’s time.  There’s too much intellectual masturbation that goes on in this area (I’ve been there), but in reality ‘more’ rarely improves the experience or outcomes for a healthy client. 

The longer you work at this, the easier it is to evaluate people.  There is an argument for simply using training as the evaluation.

Do you deal with all aspects of your clients? Nutrition, Training, Psychological?

I think any successful personal trainer needs to offer a 360 service if they want to be successful, which does involve training, nutrition and psychology.  However, we also need to recognize what our limitations are and how far our scope of practice extends.

We work with training and nutrition and do our best to educate, influence and openly and honestly communicate with the people we work with.  Beyond this, we have a functional medicine practitioner who can look at nutrition and diagnostics to a deeper level and a chiropractor who helps us with physical aspects.  Psychology might be the most important part of the whole thing.  My perception (and our member results suggest) that we do a pretty good job in this area, although perhaps there is a place for behavioral change specialists in the personal training industry.

W10 Gym

What do you say to clients/athletes who aren’t making progress as quickly as they would expect?

The most important part of any trainer/gym and client/member relationship is setting expectations.  All too often people do not align their behaviors to their goals.   We’re very clear about what people can/should expect given the time they have available and what they’re actually prepared to do.  We do this visually with our ‘six pack spectrum’ and our ‘get slim spectrum’ (essentially the same thing), which helps hugely.  If you’re not prepared to change you behaviors, you have to modify your goals or expectations.

How do you deal with clients who are not motivated when they come to train?

We either turn them around and show them back out the door or we give them an ‘extended’ warm up (think airdyne + burpee pyramids), depending on the reason that they are lacking motivation. 

Who are the top 5 experts in fitness and strength in the world?

Difficult to say definitively as there are so many different areas and people whom you can take bits from. 

What are your top 5 nutrition tips?

We all know the basics right, but working with regular folk we never seem to need to stop re-emphasizing these.  Stay hydrated, eat nutrient dense foods, get adequate fibre, get adequate protein, limit or eliminate wheat.  At a base level we keep things simple, as that’s all that most people need, but we do enjoy delving into more involved nutritional programmes when appropriate. 

Rest period before the next set!

Top 5 tips for results?

Make a firm commitment, have a clear goal(s), immerse yourself in a solid support network, involve a good coach, and stick to the programme.

Do you specialize in a particular area?

We specialize in helping people get the results that they want from their programme.  This means something different to everyone but we definitely help people meet their expectations.

One of the elements of our industry that we believe to be underdeveloped is proper youth training - do you train younger members of the public?

We train a few young people.  With younger athletes we focus on developing quality movement and technique, whilst doing the best we can to convince them the nutrition and recovery are as important as training!  With young people in general I thing that the key is in education, which I firmly believe starts with us as parents.  Young people will adopt beliefs and behaviors and whatever we are trying to instill in them needs to be an extension of the example they are set. 

What would say is the most important factor in training the youth?

Education.

What is wrong with the big conglomerate gyms of today?

Where do I start?  Every aspect of these places is top notch, except that is for the actual gym.  There are exceptions, but my experience for the most part is that the training culture and training standards lag far behind those of small independent set ups.  The bottom line is that as soon as your reason for doing this becomes about the bottom line, you are very unlikely to deliver on the training and results front.  A successful training business has to be built on a passion for what you do.

What’s next for you and your company?

We’re in the process of trying to finalize a move to bigger premises, which we’re hoping will become a reality later this year.  We’re also setting up a community based social enterprise project, which we’re hoping will raise awareness of exercise and healthy living in our community, something we’re very excited about.  Beyond that, let’s see!

For more information about W10 visit their website:

www.w10performance.com

FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/W10Performance

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/W10Performance

Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/w10performanceonline

The Interview Series continues with... Simon Watson of Watson Gym Equipment!!

Today’s interview is a bit different. 

We have had Rachel Guy and Derek Woodske, two people from an athletic standpoint… Now we have the person that supplies a lot of the kit they use in the facilities they train at! Simon Watson is the founder and owner of Watsons Gym equipment. I have been down to see Simon many times to pick up kit, once he even spent about an hour showing myself and my mother round the outstanding factory that they design and make the kit from. They even have a room dedicated to their STUNNING dumbbells!! Something EVERY gym should have! What struck me about Simon is the passion he has for the kit he builds; he started it from scratch and is unlike other producers or suppliers he has been involved in every step! I buy a lot of kit from Simon, simply for the service and quality you get. Second to none!!! Here he is answering the questions from OC Fitness interview series:

The Watson Gym logo based around the back double bicep pose!

 Can you give us a bit of background about you and your business?

I started Watson Gym Equipment back in 1999. It was just me for the first year doing everything. Designing and building the equipment, delivering and installing – everything!

We’ve obviously expanded a lot over the years and the key has been finding the right people who have passion for what they do and are keen to expand with the company.

My role is now mainly working on where we want to be and how we are going to get there. Part of my time is still involved with the design of new products, which I really enjoy.

What’s your inspiration for doing what you do?

Hearing great feedback from customers has always inspired me. It’s great seeing emails from customers saying how happy they are with equipment they’ve bought from us.

The thought of ‘doing our bit’ and contributing to the fitness industry inspires me to keep coming up with new ideas that will appeal to anyone who loves training.

Fully kitted out M10 in Nottingham run by Mark Coles

What’s the most important factor in your own development as a professional?

Setting Goals.

For a long time now I’ve set very specific, measurable goals and had a plan of how to achieve them. I make a point of asking myself constantly  ‘is the thing I’m doing right now moving me closer to my goals?’ if it’s not then I get myself back on track. I find without this it’s too easy to drift into ‘busy work’ that isn’t really important.

I think constantly learning is very important, I read a lot of books and never drive anywhere without some form of educational CD on, driving is dead time so you may as well use it in the most useful way possible. I recently got my Pilots license and I learned all the theory for the ground exams while driving to and from work, saved me a huge amount of time!

What is it do you think about your kit that sets you apart from the other competitors?

I think doing our own thing and really focusing/specializing in our niche is what has kept us ahead.

Our focus has always been on how we can improve the lives of our customers rather than looking at what competitors are doing and putting any focus on them.

The Watsons Dumbbell range is getting a lot of attention, what makes them so special?

There are 4 main points that make our dumbbells special:

·      They are machined from Solid Steel so they are far more accurate and a lot smaller for a given weight than the usual Cast Steel

·      They have a unique design that ensures they never come loose which is a big problem with most dumbbells on the market

·      They can be supplied in any increments required (Charles has 4-45kg in tiny 0.5kg increments)

·      They can be totally personalized with custom end plates making them a real focal point of any gym

Example of the STUNNING custom end plated dumbbells

Do you think that one of the reasons you are so successful is due to your customer service? Is it something you pay particular attention to?

We genuinely care about the experience people have when they buy from us and we rely on customers coming back time and again to build our business. We sometimes make mistakes as everyone does but I think we go the extra bit when it comes to putting things right.

How would you describe your management style?

Having started the company with just myself doing everything means I know exactly what is possible and how long things should take, which comes in handy!

I make sure all the Watson staff know what is expected of them and then pretty much leave them to it. I’m probably quicker to criticise if something is done wrong than I am to recognize all the great work they do which is something I need to work on!

Are you still into fitness yourself?

I have a gym at home and train pretty regularly.

What was the biggest obstacle when you started?

Finding enough time to get everything done that needed doing which led to getting processes/procedures in place so things work without my input.

Getting orders built quickly enough to keep up with demand has always been an issue. We are continually becoming able to produce more equipment each month but the rate at which the orders are coming in always keeps us slightly behind.

The beautifully designed 'Jungle' Half Rack

What’s next for Watsons Gym Equipment?

Basically a lot more of the same unusual, specialist machines and accessories as well as a range high quality Olympic Power Lifting and Weight Lifting bars.

What are your top 5 nutrition tips?

I’m no nutrition expert but I know from personal experience this works:

·      Loads of water

·      Loads of quality protein from as many different sources as possible

·      Loads of varied vegetables

·      Fish oil

·      Good multi vitamin

What is wrong with the big conglomerate gyms of today?

They seem work on the ‘stack them high, sell them cheap’ way of thinking so people end up actually getting very little from them in terms of real results. There also seems to be a lot of trainers in these gyms that actually have very little experience and understanding of putting together a good programme for a client and motivating them to see it through.

It’s nice seeing how the industry is moving towards the private gyms/performance centers run by experienced, knowledgeable staff who have a passion for what they do and get great results for their clients.

Thanks for taking the time to answer these, really appreciate it.

OC

If anyone wants to get in touch with Simon for kit (which I highly recommend you do) here are the details you need:

www.watsongym.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watson-Gym-Equipment/145901917101

http://www.youtube.com/WatsonGym

Interview With Aussie Trainer, Model and Figure Competitor Rach Guy!!

Interview With Rachel Guy

Rachel is know in the industry for her no BS attitude and hard work, just have a look at the videos of her training below and decide for yourself if you train as hard as her! My guess is not. In my search for the best trainers to interview, from a female perspective Rachel’s name came up over and over again. Not only does she work hard on her own fitness but her qualifications, results and expectations of her clients put her right up there with the best. Hope you enjoy this one!

 Can you give us a bit of background about you and your business?

I graduated 2005 from the University of Birmingham, UK and started working as a Physiotherapist. Wasn’t my calling in life! Several years later I find my self in Sydney, having been and gone through university again, working as a strength coach and fit pro. Today, I own Athletic Fox Pty Ltd, which reveals the truth in Female Strength Training, Aesthetics, Nutrition, Supplementation and the Beauty Business! I also have an online training system about to launch and we also run training “fox camps”; seminars, products, apparel, eBooks and general education for females. I currently write for Mens Fitness; Shape, On Duty and The Line Magazines; in addition to being a published fitness model in Oxygen, Ironman, On Duty and Muscle and Fitness Australia. I am a presenter on The Takedown MMA TV show, Course conductor for FMA Strength Training and Head Strength Coach of Wimp2Warrior MMA. I also still train clients!

I also have another business venture launching in July. It goes without saying – I have to be exceptionally strict with my time management!

What’s your inspiration for doing what you do?

Changing lives, making people happy and living my passion and dream. My clients inspire me more than anyone or anything else. It’s the reason I do what I do.

How did you get into it?

I never wanted a career! I just wanted to be a mum and a wife! I thought by the time I hit 26 I would be married with 2.4 kids, a house 2 dogs and 3 cats! Anyway, 26 has come and gone and here I am at 29, having the time of my life with an incredible career, travelling the world living my dream and passion. – Although I do have 2 baby rats (yes as in rodents!) and an exceptionally patient man who deals with me and my wildly “busy” nature! Lol

What’s the most important factor in your own development as a professional?

Questioning everything, trialing things on myself and reading and learning from every possible source. Trainers who just learn from one “guru” are doing themselves and their clients a massive disservice.

Who is your clientele?

Varies from hot young foxes, yummy mummies, bikini hotties and high flying corporate girls to general pop, MMA specific with Wimp2Warrior and well trained guys.

Online its just girls thorough Athletic Fox.

What is your method? How do assess your client’s needs?

No BS, work hard, old school. No frills, heavy weight training. Cardio – yes! Treadmills – No! Prowlers – Yes! Zumba – not a fan!

Most of my female clientele all want the same thing: a sexy, healthy tight bikini body with confidence and curves in the right places. Box Gaps and Booty are popular this year!

Females need more mental and emotional support than guys. I have a private forum with Athletic Fox so all my foxes can talk to each other, offer support, motivation and share recipes etc.

Where do you go from there?

-  Client specific progressive, periodised weights training sessions; cardio, nutrition and supplementation guidelines. 

Do you deal with all aspects of your clients? Nutrition, Training, Psychological?

Yes. I outsource to colleagues, chiropractors, doctors, psychologists, NLP practitioners and hypnotherapists if I think necessary. I have even referred to Sharman and a medical intuitive. It is hugely important to have a big network of fellow health care and medical practitioners.

What do you say to clients/athletes who aren’t making progress as quickly as they would expect?

I know if someone is being honest with a training and food log. I have been in the industry too long to have the wool pulled over my eyes! If someone is not progressing there is always an underlying issue. I refer out to lab / testing specialists to get the issue identified and treated immediately.

Do you specialize in a particular area?

Yep – building sexy bikini bodies! J

You’re a female famed for training hard, what do you think is the biggest mistake females make generally when embarking on their quest to a bikini body?

5 top mistakes I see:

1)   Lack of correct education for training and nutrition

2)   Too much cardio

3)   Not lifting heavy enough weights

4)   Not training hard enough

5)   Not eating enough food

Who are the top 5 experts in fitness and strength in the world?

I can’t name 5, as I believe there are far more as fitness and strength are massive topics! However, I learn a lot from Derek Woodske, Francine Savard, Layne Norton, Charles Poliquin, John Beradi, Bret Contreras, Mark Buckley, my colleagues Daine McDonald, Travis Jones and Rawdon Dubois; UK boys - Calum Gore, Chris Tombs, Dan Forbes and Gavin Attorre. This is just a very small collection of my network of people I turn to for help. I don’t believe there are a “top 5 experts” unless you specify the exact field.

What are your top 5 nutrition tips?

Everyone knows we should all eat more veggies and some fruits so I am leaving that one out!

1)   Organic, Free range, Grass Fed Meats

2)   Never cut out entire macronutrients.

3)   Gluten Free

4)   Portion Control, exercise moderation

5)   Eat dark chocolate & drink red wine

Your favorite 5 exercises?

1)   Squat

2)   Hip Thrust/Glute Bridges

3)   Push Press

4)   Cleans

5)   Lateral Raises!

Top 5 tips for ensuring results?

1)   Work with a trainer either 1:1, semi private, online or in a group

2)   Have a very specific goal and tell the world about it to help you stay accountable

3)   Surround yourself with supportive people who are not afraid to say NO to you or pull you into line

4)   WORK HARD! There is no substitute.

5)   Enjoy the ride! The experience is often better than the end result!

What is wrong with the big conglomerate gyms of today?

Nothing is essentially “wrong” with them, I just don’t feel they offer the support to their members. Lack of real education is the major downfall.

What’s next for you and your company?

Finalise my online training platform with Athletic Fox, I have about 5 seminars to prepare for and 8-10 ebooks and open a gym towards the later half of the year. I won’t be competing this year but I have shoots through the year so it’s a fair bit of pressure staying in relatively decent shape when working very long hours. I am taking time off for the whole of June, hitting the US in Sept and back to Abu Dhabi/Dubai in December.

Last one:

What’s the motto you live by….

I have a few:

“Work hard, play harder”

“Do or do not, there is no try”

“You can’t fly like and eagle if you are surrounded by turkeys”

My favorite by Louis Simmons – “To be great, it takes planning, work, dedication, courage and aggression. If you lack one of these, you will fail, and you will have no one to blame but yourself."

Thank you so much Rachel, for those of you that want help directly from Rachel here are all her details. Ladies if you want online programming from here in the UK while she sun’s it up in Oz look no further!

Thank you for having me. I can be contacted via:

www.rachelguy.com.au

www.athleticfox.com

www.faceboook.com/RachelGuyFITPRO

www.facebook.com/AthleticFox

www.twitter.com/AthleticFox

www.youtube.com/RachieRach1983