If you haven’t heard of “Laura London” yet… then hold onto your seats because this 44 yr old Mom of 3 is taking the fitness world by storm with her amazing transformation and her devotion towards inspiring Mom’s everywhere that getting into great shape is possible.
I caught up with Laura last week for an interview…
As you can see from Laura’s photos she’s put in the hard yards and the dedication and is walking proof that if you want a goal you can be the best you can be at any age.
Question 1
Mandy: Laura, you’re in amazing shape, have you always trained and / or exercised on a regular basis?
Laura: Thank you Mandy. It wasn’t until I was in my early 30’s that I even realized I was athletic. My brother was a Haemophiliac, so we never played any sports growing up.I started working out after my third child was born. I was tired, overweight and out of shape. I bought a magazine with before and after transformations in it. I decided I was going to do that too! I joined a gym, wrote down goals, made an exercise log, and wrote down everything I ate. I posted motivating pictures and quotes around the house. I stuck to this program giving it 100%. The changes in my body were amazing.
Question 2
Mandy: What inspired you and what was the turning point for you in your life that lead to your kick butt transformation?
Laura: I had injured my back about 7 years ago and fell out of exercising. I put on weight and was out of shape. The turning point for me was when I saw my friends around me getting in shape. I was embarrassed because I had been in such great shape years before.
I was now 43, my hormones were out of control from poor food choices, I had put on weight where I never had it before. I got off the couch and started walking. Then I joined the gym and started to lift light weights. I cleaned up my diet and ate only good clean whole foods. My body was responding and slowly I increased the weights. My body was getting stronger and I was feeling so much better about myself. I lost 15 pounds and have not looked back since. I am in the best shape of my life and doing things I never thought I could do!
Question 3
Mandy: When did you make the decision to compete in Figure Competitions?
Laura: I had met a trainer at my gym who I recognized from Oxygen Magazine. I told her I would love to compete but that I didn’t do gymnastics. She told me about Figure Competitions where all you do is pose. I thought, I can do that!
She took me under her wing and showed me how to pose, where to get competition suits and how to train and eat to compete! I was hooked after my first competition. I came in first place! The confidence I have gained in myself has been life changing. I am doing things I never even dreamed possible.
Question 4
Mandy: As a mother of three, how do you find the time to keep up with your training and eating regime.
Laura: Balance is the key. After I get the kids to school I go to the gym and do my workout. I schedule it in my day so it gets done. When I am getting close to a competition I sometimes go twice a day. The eating regime is the toughest part. I always plan the day before, what I am going to eat so there are no surprises. I am famous for bringing my “Little Green Cooler” packed with food wherever I go. I eat 5 to 6 times a day. Each meal consists of a protein, a carb and a veggie. I also keep a food journal and write down every day what I eat. It really helps to plan so you stay on track with your healthy eating plan.
Question 5
Mandy: What hints and tips would you give to busy Moms (or Mums – that’s how we spell it in Australia) like yourself to stay motivated and get organized with their training and eating program?
Laura: Planning is the key. We all want to be healthy and eat well so taking the time to plan out your meals and exercise really helps a lot. I will plan out a whole weeks worth of meals from breakfast to dinner. This way I know exactly what to eat and what to buy at the grocery store. Making things easy helps. Post it on the refrigerator so you see it every day.
I also take a cooler with me in the car so I have food with me if I know I won’t be home for a meal. Throw in an apple, some almonds a Greek yogurt or cheese wedge. This way you know you will eat well. Also plan a time for yourself to exercise. Three times a week is ideal. Make it fun! If you like to dance try a Zumba class, maybe yoga is more your thing or hire a trainer so you have to show up!! Find what works for you.
Question 6
Mandy: Laura, would you mind giving us a sample day for you in regards to your eating plan and general day to day life?
Laura: This is a typical day of really clean eating if I am competing. If not competing I will add in a few more carbs during the day and have a free meal once or twice a week. A girls gotta live!
Meal 1
½ cup Oatmeal
5 Egg whites
Cinnamon
Meal 2
1 Scoop Protein Powder with water or Plain Greek Yogurt
1 cup, Blueberries Strawberries or medium apple or 1 slice Ezekiel toast with natural peanut butter
Meal 3
6 oz Grilled Chicken
½ Sweet Potato or ½ Cup Brown Rice
2 Cups Steamed Broccoli
Meal 4
4 oz 93% lean ground turkey burger
1/8 cup walnuts or 10 almonds
1/3 cup brown rice or quinoa
Meal 5
6 oz Orange Roughy or Tilapia
Large Spinach Salad with 1 Tbsp dressing, or 2 cups steamed broccoli or asparagus
Meal 6
3 egg whites with 1 Tbs Paul Newmans Pineapple Salsa or a protein shake
Question 7
Mandy: Would you mind sharing with us an example of what your weekly workout consists of in regards to resistance and cardio?
Laura: My workout plan is:
Monday – Legs – Quads and Glutes
Tuesday – Shoulders & Abs
Wednesday – Biceps & Triceps
Thursday – Chest, Back & Abs
Friday – Legs again – Hamstrings, Calves and Glutes
Saturday any body part that needs more definition
Sunday rest!!!
I do 20 to 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week. I like to do high intensity training (HIIT). I also like to change up my cardio by taking boot camp classes or going on a long bike ride.
Question 8
Mandy: What’s been the most rewarding moment or experience for you in regards to your transformation and maintaining such great shape?
Laura: The most rewarding experience for me has been when other people, women/mom’s and men come up to me and tell me what an inspiration I am to them. To know that I have made an impact and touched someone else’s life, makes all the hard work worth while.
Question 9
Mandy: You’ve already achieved so much… What lies ahead for Laura London… What goals do you have for the future?
Laura: I have qualified to compete in Figure Competitions at the National Level now. In June I will be going to Chicago to compete for a professional card. I am working on getting my own web site started and plan to do fitness modeling. I am also going to be part of an exercise infomercial coming out later this year. Most of all I will continue to help and motivate women to be the best they can be at any age.
Question 10
Mandy: What tips would you give to Moms (Mums) who want to reduce fat, tone, lift and sculpt their bodies?
Laura: You really need to combine three things. Cardio, diet, and weight lifting. These three things combined are the key to great results. Start off slow and keep going. Read books and talk to others who have been successful. I always say knowledge is power. Take control of your future and enjoy your journey. Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live!
Question 11
Mandy: Do you have role models that you look up to for motivation or encouragement, Laura, not just for your fitness goals but in life in general? And what’s your most favourite / inspirational quote?
Laura: I met Jennifer Nicole Lee and spent some time with her this year. She had been a real inspiration for me. She is a mom who was overweight and lost 70 lbs. She is a World Bikini Champion, fitness model, author, speaker Ab Circle Co-Creator and travels the world helping other women to do what she has done. She gives so much passion and life to everything that she does.
In life, my father and brother have been huge role models for me. They have taught me so much, but the most important gift they have given me is integrity. To be honest and true to yourself and others at all time. To stand up for what you believe and to always think of others.
Mandy: Thanks so much Laura for taking the time to speak with us today. Now after that, I gotta go train!
[wlsp_jvftbasecontentluvthisbanners]
