DREAMS ARE WHERE YOU WANT TO GO... WORK IS HOW YOU GET THERE!

My Facts 'n Stats:

Lauren Ellis; 28; I have been involved in sport my whole life really. Swimming, Lifesaving (Ocean & Freshwater), Athletics, Paddling (Ocean & River), Running... and now, what to me is a very different direction... Figure Comps.

My Background // My 'Story"

I have a passion for life! I have learnt early enough that you only have one chance at it... so do whatever you choose to do and do it at your best.

I love to travel. I have worked hard to get myself out there and enjoy the world. Whether it has been for pleasure, work or representing a team, I have had the pleasure of meeting amazing people and seeing most memorable sights.

My family has always been loving and supportive of the things I choose to do in my life. Sometimes they may not understand but they know we all need to experience life in our own ways in order to become who we are as individuals.

"Strong Mind... Strong Body"

Profession

Personal Trainer &/or Fitness Professional

My Body Proud Beliefs:

Accomplishments:
IFBB Regionals (KZN), Miss Figure, 5th place ;
WPF (Now WFF & WBBF) Regionals (KZN), Miss Bikini, 2nd place ;
WPF Nationals, Miss Bikini 7th place.

I came in halfway through the season with FAME World Tour, South Africa Nationals as my first visual taste of what I was in for. I was lucky enough to be given a behind the scenes tour. Wow! I loved it but I was hellishly nervous and still felt clueless.

The dieting sucks, the training is awesome and it's always a challenge. I have discovered that when I feel accomplished in something, I then search for a new challenge. I think I got a bit more than I bargained for this time.

My Most Proud Moments // My Claim to 'FAME':

1. It may seem silly but I got my first invite to a comp. It feels great to know my efforts are being recognized.

2. So far I have managed to get my kit sponsored and a percentage of my supplements. Hmmm, a challenge to get full sponsorship is a happening!!

Timeframe &/or Plan to Reach My Body Proud Goals

To get a sponsor... it's in the pipeline. Now I gotta get the comps going and cause some upsets!

I Am Looking for Advice On:

My motivation happened by fluke really. And now that I think about it, it was a blessing in disguise...

In 2003 I suffered from a thrombosis under my armpit which put me out of any medium type training and competitive sport for 3-4 years. Any activity caused painful swelling and the warfarin I was on was not much more pleasant.

So travel and partying filled the gap but sport never left my mind. I just had to get into it again. I decided to give my backpack a rest and came back home to South Africa and got back into paddling.

I dominated with my paddle partner and we were favourites for the season. Everything was running so smoothly but then it started! The shooting pain, the pins and needles and eventually the dead arm. Ag... it wasn't that bad, it's not like my arm was falling off.

I paddled my last race in July 2008. I actually put my paddles down to give up (I don't give up, so it was a tough choice. However my partner wouldn't let me give up). We finished 2nd to a team that rightly deserved it. I am devastated not to be competing in a sport/s that I truly enjoy but then I wouldn't be where I am today, now would I!

I initially laughed at the guy who encouraged me to enter my first comp... Now I am the one encouraging others. Their laugh sounded just like mine!

The Blessing: My confidence has increased, I look great, I feel great and others feel encouraged through seeing my mental and physical transformation. Not only do I feel motivated to constantly improving myself but to help others find it within themselves too.

Status

single

My Philosophy on Nutrition, Physical Fitness &/or Focused Thinking:

Strong Mind. Strong Body

Only you can get yourself out of bed. Only you can make yourself smile. Only you can.... Need I say more. It's all in your power. Stop making excuses and DO IT!

My Dietary &/or Training Routine:

It's great to be a part of a community where people are 'Body Proud'. It's a relief to know that I'm not alone in the sacrifices and commitments I make to get not only my body but my mind to the stage it's at. So in many ways this is like a support system for me.

I am Grateful For:

Having the confidence to walk out on stage in the bikini and heels. Have never been a spotlight kinda girl.

My Advice to You to Help You Reach Your Body Proud Goals:

"Strong Mind... Strong Body"

What a better way to find out where one's strengths and weakness lie! Are you ready to discover and admit to these things about yourself? This profession/sport/hobby(whatever you want to call it), is all about PERFECTION! What is 'perfection' to you?

Some want to lift heavier weights, shape for that perfect symmetry, get the best pose. We can't forget what the mind wants and needs. Courage to take that first step onto the stage and parade yourself around with utmost confidence and spunk. Endurance and dedication to maintain that diet and training(waking up before the crack of dawn to get a session in).

A very good friend of mine told me: "If you want to come last, you will come last. If you want to come 3rd, have that cheat meal. But if you want to win, you will do whatever it takes (in a sportsmanlike fashion) to be Number 1!!"

Think about it!

A Few Words about my Hero / Role Model / Trainer / Sponsor / Coach

I have been training with a male colleague. I find this more beneficial because though he has way more testosterone than I do... I still want to kick his ass in training. And this benefits him 'cos he doesn't want me to catch up. So we are constantly pushing each other. We are both Personal Trainers so we get to learn more about the male and female mindframe in training and competitions alike, which helps us relate more to our clients.



Well I have been training on my own now for about 2/3 months. It was great at first 'cos no talking distractions. But now I am missing the competitive aspect of it. There is no one else able to train on my time schedule....I'm losing the motivation... help... anyone?

I learned about this site from: (Be specific please)

Fame website