RECENT INTERVIEW

CAROL WHITAKER FITNESS INTERVIEW WITH CIGI

I was asked to do an interview for an wellness sight. Cigi asked some great questions I want to share....

1. How did you get started? What prompted you?
I started my fitness career over 15 years ago. I struggled with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after years of antibiotics due to Rheumatic Fever in my youth. I wanted to be a strong, vibrant wife and mother so I started researching health and nutrition like crazy. I began exercising regularly, I soon realized that I felt healthier and my self-esteem improved as well – I felt empowered! From there I was hooked! My family was thrilled with my improved health & wellness. I was happier and had more patience; it was literally a divine gift in my life. I did all I could to learn and become the best I could be. I continue to strive each day to improve my physique, it’s fun & highly rewarding when I reach my goals & dreams.

2. How long have you been living this lifestyle?
I’ve been living a healthy lifestyle for over 15 years. As I started seeing my physique change I become more passionate about fitness.

3. How do I begin an exercise program?
Starting an exercise program may be overwhelming to some people, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re a beginner then take baby steps, you can begin with a brisk walk 10 to 20 minutes a day. You will soon have more energy, as you do increase your time and pace. Exercising is a joy to embrace! Once you are living a more active lifestyle you’ll find that you’ll have more energy, will-power and unconditional love for yourself & others.

4. What are the best exercises to maximize fat loss?
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) along with weight lifting. Interval training is going from low to high intensity on any cardio machine every 5 minutes. For example, start out at a slow jog and each minute for 4 minutes increase your intensity, at minute 5 sprint for 1 minute, then repeat 3 or 4 more times. By doing HIIT you will reach the deep fat stores for energy. Strength training is also a must to maximize fat loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle tissue you have the higher your metabolism. Each form of exercise has to be accompanied by a proper muscle building, fat burning diet – otherwise known as “clean eating”.

5. What is your secret to your healthy diet?
I look at my way of eating as a lifestyle – NOT a diet! (I don’t believe in dieting.) I eat a small nutritious meal I know my body wants and needs every 3 to 4 hours. Each meal & snack consists of lean protein (at least 25 grams), a complex carb, fresh fruit & veggies. The subconscious mind will do everything possible to get what the conscious mind says it can’t have. That is why when people say they’re going off of sugar they suddenly feel huge cravings for sugar. By thinking “I desire to eat lots of delicious fruits and vegetables” the subconscious agrees and the sugar cravings stop. It really is all about having a positive mindset, a happy disposition and unconditional love for oneself.

6. How do I get a six pack?
I am very blessed with good genetics to start with; I take after my father who is tall and thin. I’ve had a six pack for 15 years now. I work out hard almost daily it to sustain my six pack. I do my abs only twice a week. I keep my core tight during all weight lifting exercises which creates tight abs without out doing endless crunches. I could easily lose my six pack if I didn’t maintain my healthy LivFit Lifestyle. My routine is to work out 5 to 6 days a week, eat a small meal every 3 hours, drink a gallon of water daily and get plenty of sleep.

7. How to build a lean physique?
Building a lean physique takes time, energy and a positive mindset. I exercise almost daily consisting of HIIT & weight lifting. I alternate upper and lower body parts when lifting weights. I do high reps (15 to 20) with medium to heavy weights. I use dumbbells for most of my strength training exercises. I also have to eat clean; a couple of days of eating “off the wagon” will create a week’s worth of “damage control”. I like to say, “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.” It’s so true! Eating clean truly is 85% of the lean physique equation.

8. How to build shapely arms?
Building shapely arms is an art. I have to eat high protein meals, lift weights 4 to 5 days a week and take the proper supplements to sustain muscle growth and fat burning. I’m big into nutrition and supplements. I take supplements morning and night. I found the greatest benefits in taking BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids), L-Carnitine, L-Glutamine, VitaOne (an excellent multivitamin pack), Liv Sxinney (a weight loss supplement made of Chlorophyll and fulvic mineral), Go (L-arginine supplement) and Calcium & Magnesium. I also drink LIMUPlus for my immune system and digestion. I’ve had phenomenal success using these products in addition to living my LivFit Lifestyle. I’m known for my shapely arms actually, I have people come up and touch them in “awe” at stores, it’s pretty funny…

9. How to live a fit lifestyle?
By maintaining a positive mindset daily with regards to regular exercise and healthy eating. I look at exercising as “my time”, I work out alone in my home gym. When I exercise I study fitness & nutrition during cardio on my bike and I focus on my body, mind control while lifting weights. I love it so much! I also share my knowledge freely with others which is highly rewarding to see them implement what I teach and watch their lives change… I’m passionate about fitness so living a fit lifestyle is easy; it’s a way of life.

10. How to set goals and change the way of thinking to a positive mind-set?
Setting goals creates change. Thinking in a powerful creative way is a gift that only you can give yourself. I teach my clients to begin with writing a list of all the things in their life past and present that causes them to overeat. I then have them throw that paper away, which is releasing it from the subconscious mind. They then replace those limiting thoughts with a new list of “all the good and bountiful blessings” they’ve been blessed with and receive daily. I teach them to love every inch of their body and to think and speak only loving, kind thoughts. I then ask them to write down 5 short term goals and affirmation in the present tense and to place them where they can read them with enthusiasm aloud daily. I teach more techniques in addition as well… Having a positive mindset is imperative to creating the body & life of your dreams.

11. What is your best kept secret that has made you such a success?
I wouldn’t call it a secret, more like an honor… I serve others daily. I gladly offer my fitness tips and tricks to anyone who asks. I also have a blog dedicated the health and fitness (http://liveskinnynow.com/). I began my fitness & speaking career talking to ladies in their homes with their family & friends. As I shared my experiences and gifts that I had learned along the way my world opened up in miraculous ways.