Fitness model shares her secrets

Ri Anne Hall, winner of the 2009 Fame Pro-fitness Model contest in Montreal and mother of two, caught up with Health24 recently to share some healthy eating and fitness training tips.

How did you get involved in fitness modelling?
I have always loved beauty, health and fitness, and at the beginning of last year (2008) I decided I needed a goal to work towards - and I enjoy fitness and beauty competitions. So I researched the various fitness organisations in SA and the shows they put on, and that way I learned which divisions to target for my physique.

What is your competition history?
In March 2008 I placed 1st at The Natal Fame Female Fitness Model, 1st Place Bikini Model

June 2008: I placed 4th at the Fame World Champs in Fitness Model - Toronto

September 2008: I placed 1st in Fame SA Fitness Model, 2nd in Bikini Model

June 2009:1st place in Miss Fame World Fitness Model - Montreal

Have you always been interested in fitness?
Ever since I was four years old, I have competed in swimming galas. In 1993 I represented SA at the World Championships Lifesaving in Spain and came second. My father was my coach and he taught me all about training hard, and the discipline that goes along with achieving your goals. I am so grateful to have had a healthy upbringing that included various sports and achievements.

What does an average training week look like?
I train four to five days a week, alternating my workouts with cardio, upper body, lower body and abs. I focus on high repetitions and sets.

What is your favourite exercise?
I would have to say bicep curls and abs – but legs are the hardest.

What tips do you have for people who have just started out training?

• Start a food diary of everything you eat for a week and take it to a nutrition expert to analyse.
• Keep moving - anything is better than nothing!
• As for training, it’s ideal to train three to four times a week to tone, and alternate those days with 30 minutes of cardio at least three times a week .
• Eat small balanced meals often to regulate your metabolism.

What is your motivation?
To achieve my goals, and to help inspire and motivate others. I really am passionate about health and fitness - I suppose if you enjoy something it’s easier to do it. Still, it does take a lot of hard work discipline and hard work, but you do get out what you put in, and I have never felt better.

What is your ratio of cardio to weight training?
I love the combination of the two and usually aim for three to four days of cardio with two to three days of weight training.

Do you use supplements? If so, which ones and why?
Yes I do. I am sponsored by Muscle Science and use a complete range of vitamins, supplements and protein shakes.

Women worry weight training will bulk them up – what advice do you have?
I find that the best formula for getting fit without bulking up is to ensure you have a balance of high repetitions combined with cardio and abdominal training, and have a balanced diet.

How important is a healthy diet?
I believe that a healthy diet is very important and keeping healthy is 80% diet, 20% exercise. So it makes sense to eat healthily.

What tips do you have on diet?
I feel healthiest when I stick to my eating plan as I used to battle with a spastic colon. So I find that I’m at my most comfortable when I eat regular meals and cut out wheat.

I believe you are what you eat and it shows. It just takes making the decision to live a healthy balanced life, and incorporating a form of exercise to help feeling and looking your best ever! The best investments you can make!

What are your weaknesses?
Smoothies, Greek Lamb wraps and the odd block of chocolate is always good!

How do you prepare mentally for a competition?
I focus on my goal, keep my head down and enjoy the transformation of my body. Mostly I pray a lot and thank the Lord for giving me the strength and discipline, and for all His blessings in my life, because without any of it - I would be nothing. I also enjoy inspiring and educating others around me on training and nutrition.

What do you do outside of fitness modelling?
I am a devoted wife to my husband Brad, and two sons , Kellen (5) and Rhees (3). I am also a qualified beauty therapist and PRO, and would ultimately like to use my World title and experience to start my own health and fitness consulting business.

What do you do for fun?
I love spending quality time with all my friends and family , My hubby and two boys, my Mom and Dad(I have a big family), and four brothers who are older than me. They are all married with kids, so we are quite a group when we get together. I also love going to our beach cottage in Salt Rock, shopping and sipping cappuccino smoothies!

(Amy Henderson, Health24, July 2009)