Nicole Yardley

Nicole's Stunning Transformation!

Congratulations Nicole Yardley NEW YOU GRAND CHAMPION 2009!

Who would have thought a visit to the local fish and chip shop would transform my body from an inactive piece of blubber to a stronger, leaner more muscular physique....

Looking at my before photo, it was hard to believe that I once was a conditioned athlete and coach. The joy of competing in various sports gave me so much pleasure. All this abruptly changed when I became the mother of twins. A twelve hour labour followed by a C-section left me in shock. I had abdominal separation followed by a painful recovery. My body was feeling a bit better when the twins were 7 months old. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered I was pregnant again. After the birth of my third child I hobbled out of hospital 100 plus kilos. I managed to get 20kgs off over a couple of years but couldn't seem to sustain any further weight loss.

While waiting for my order at the Fish and Chippie, I came across an article which mentioned Ideal Bodies Online. I made a note of it as I gobbled down my food. Mornings were a frustrating experience for me. I was constantly trying to find clothes that would conceal my expanding waistline. The only one who loved my jelly belly was my son. He called it his “pillow”. It became a favourite resting place for him when watching movies on the couch.

Hitting Rock Bottom...

Although childbirth brought on many physical hurdles, things hit rock bottom when my marriage broke down. My anxiety was at an all time high. I'd panic, wouldn't eat for days and then overeat. Salt and vinegar chips and a big block of chocolate were my quick fix to soothe my problems. As a participant in ‘Celebrate Recovery’, I'd been examining how I dealt with stress and disappointment. Feeding my anxiety with junk was not the answer. I prayed, decided to stop talking and start doing. Guidance and a realistic plan of attack were essential. After baulking for three months, I entered the New You Challenge. I was pumped and ready to go. Unfortunately my computer had other plans. After downloading my program my computer crashed. To cut a long story short I've been off line 7 of the 12 weeks! Still determined to follow through I'd check my e-mails at the local library, shopping centres and internet cafes. On the eve of starting the program I injured my forearms. This limited my upper body program for the first four weeks. Other obstacles included sick children, home duties, stress, time management a chest infection and wanting to give up. In spite of all these trials, Sue continued to be very encouraging and patient. Her expertise on nutrition and training were invaluable to me. I also benefited greatly from The Ideal Bodies Online library in the Forum. I read many informative articles on conditioning and weight loss by a diverse group of experts.

It has truly been a bumpy ride to the finish, in fact; it’s been an imperfect journey in every way! However, it has been the catalyst that has brought out the best in my fitness.

Thanks go to Kristin and Nadia for their knowledgeable help. But most of all, a heart felt thanks to you Sue for your support and excellent program; it was priceless.

NIC'S TIPS

Pray – Believe Christ cares for you.
Plan – workouts, meals and snacks.
Persevere – The race is not for the strong or the swift but for those who endure till the end.
Nutrition:

Drink at least 3 litres of water daily
Eat protein with your food every three hours.
Eat good fats like avocado, almonds and linseed oil daily.

NIC'S TRAINING

Monday - legs/chest/back
Tuesday - 25min cardio
Wednesday - legs/arms/shoulders
Thursday - 40minute cardio
Friday - legs/ chest/ back
Sunday - Rest

NIC'S NUTRITION

7am - rice porridge with vanilla rice protein powder.

10am - Low fat plain yogurt with mixes berries

1pm - grilled salmon on a bed of English spinach, mixed lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, grated carrot, steamed broccoli, baked pumpkin and ½ avocado. Drizzle with balsamic, olive oil and squeeze of lemon.

3pm - thick rice cakes with almond nut butter

6pm - minute steak with 2 cups of green veges

9pm - small tub of diet jelly