I was lucky enough to interview athlete Delyse Botes. Whilst she has always been passionate about fitness and a healthy lifestyle she decided in 2012 to get back into the competitive side and since then there is no stopping her. She shared some of her tips and what her goals are that she has set herself.
What is your fitness/training background? "I have been training since 1996. Always loved sport, I was a show jumper and a endurance off rider! I like working for something, setting goals... see how far I can push myself!"
What made you decide to compete? "I have not had any competitive sport for two years and due to me love being fit and the opportunity with the 'kiddies' being bigger I decided 2012 that I want to do my first comp in July 2013. Just wanted to do one....but one was all I needed to be hooked."
What kind of training routine do you follow? "Weights six days a week. Ten weeks before competition I will add three days of cardio and one yoga session."
How often and how long do you train? "Six days a week. Never longer than an hour. When I do my cardio I will split my workouts morning and evening."
What is your favourite part of the body to train and why? "I don't have a favourite part, either way I am always in pain and push as hard and heavy as possible."
What kind of diet to you follow? "Very high protein and low carb."
What is your short term and long term goals? "Short term goal (worlds comp) to be placed in the top 5. Long term goal....to be old and very strong."
What are your competition achievements so far?
SA Extreme (1st IFBB)
WBFF SA (1st figure and 2nd and 3rd in Diva)
Provincials (1st)
Nationals (1st)
International Motivator (1st)
Arnold's Europe Classic (8th Masters and 8th Body Fitness)
Do you have a coach and nutritionist? "My coach is Federico Focherini (Italian) International Coach. I do not have a nutritionist."
What would your suggestion be, to women looking to start training and perhaps compete?
"Go for it...never hesitate...you are a winner just by standing on that stage! Have fun."
Hope this inspires you to get moving this winter remember summer bodies are built in winter!
