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Spotlight On Figure Competitor: Anja Nel
Category you compete in: Figure or Body fitness
Date of birth: 5 October 1988
Hometown: Welkom, South Africa
Career: Certified Financial Accountant (SAIPA)
Competition history:
My first competition was WPF Free State in 2010, where I placed first in Miss Bikini. I was then selected for the SA-team, where I placed 3rd on SA’s.
My second competition was IFBB Free State in 2011, where I entered in the Body Fitness division. I placed first and was selected for the SA-team. I placed forth on SA’s.
My third competition was WPF Free State in 2011, where I entered in the Miss Figure division. I placed first and was selected for the SA A-team. On SA’s I placed first again and was selected for the A-team to represent South Africa at Worlds in Italy.
I was approached by Bert of Propixel8 for a photo shoot at one of my shows and did a photo shoot with Roger Wells in December 2011 and have my next photoshoot with him is 22 September 2012, where I will also compete in Body Beautiful SA (going for gold)
Next competition: Body Beautiful SA 2012, 21 and 22 September
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing?
I am more disciplined, always on time for everything and very organized. I train twice a day, 6 times a week. Meals are always pre-packed where ever I go. People always ask for advice, diet and training tips. I am a happier and more energetic person. My knowledge expanded and learned a lot, not only about training and diet, but the human body as well.
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
Be organized and you’ll find time for everyone and ever
ything, even 8 hours of sleep. You need the whole supporting structure, so plan your day and devote time to everything and stick to your planning.
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why?
Monica Brant, she is the Arnold of woman competitors (“,) Best figure competitor and a good rolemodel and inspiration. Just to have the feeling of winning Miss Olympia figure.
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you.
Nicole Seymour (Warburg), she inspired me to start and work towards my goals. My training partner, without her I don’t push myself over the limit. The days when I need motivation she’s there and the days she needs motivation…I’m behind her pushing her. If she does 20 reps, I do 21 (“,). We both love a challenge and it has a positive effect on both our fitness careers.
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without.
Muscle Marinade, my pre-workout
Tell about a typical training day for you. What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
I start off doing 10min of low intensity cardio to warm up.
12 sets of 25 reps for abs (different exercises everyday)
Every other day I’ll do 4 sets of high rep calve exercises.
Then I’ll start my weight training (I do one muscle group a day). I keep my reps between 15 and 20 and do different exercises everytime till I reach a total of 20 – 24 sets.
I’ll round of with 40min of high intensity interval cardio (usually on the treadmill or spinning bike)
I’ll finish of with 5min of low intensity cardio just to get my heart rate down and some stretching on the muscle group I worked out.
I keep my intensity high through my work-out for optimal fat burning 
and never train longer than 90min.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
To all the people who told me: “Never say never”
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