This week I speak to health and fitness expert Hayley Madigan, director of popular blog Fitness Fan.
After graduating from the University of Chichester in 2011 with a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, Hayley started work as a personal trainer at Fitness First in Portsmouth.
She now works as a PE teacher alongside training for various fitness challenges, and also helps to run Fitness Fan.
What do you think have been the most prominent fitness crazes of 2015, and have you personally tried any of them?
I believe that there have been many fitness crazes of 2015 but ones that have enjoyed trying out and highly rate are:
- Tabata style training (20 seconds work – 10 seconds rest – repeat 8 times – short and sweet!)
- PHA Training – Peripheral Heart Action Training – Lower body exercises straight into upper body exercises and repeat.
- HIIT Training – Short bursts of maximal effort followed by short recovery periods
What do you think have been the most prominent health food crazes of 2015, and have you personally tried any of them?
I love reading about popular health food crazes and also giving them a try for myself, this year I believe the ‘IIFYM’ diet has been huge!
I now personally follow this diet and I have had amazing results; it stands for ‘If it fits your macros’ and is a simple guide for any individual.
“This year I believe we have gone supplement mad!“
It allows you the freedom of being able to eat anything you like as long as it fits your prescribed daily macros – macros are the amount of carbs, fats and protein in grams that you can consume on a daily basis.
Everyone’s macros are different because we all have different requirements due to our genetic make-up, metabolism speed as well as overall goal that we wish to reach.
Additionally, this year I believe we have gone supplement mad! By supplements I am referring to protein powders, protein treats – bars, cookies, brownies, etc, and other protein enhanced products.
I am definitely one for enjoying the odd few supplements daily! It has massively helped with cravings as well as increasing my protein content. I am loving Whey Hey protein ice cream and Dr Zak’s Protein Bread at the moment.
“I love lifting weights and believe all women should do the same as the benefits are incredible!”
What is your favourite way to keep fit?
Strength training by weight lifting – I love lifting weights and believe all women should do the same as the benefits are incredible!
What does your training for Tough Mudder UK involve?
When I was training for Tough Mudder UK I was completing long endurance running as well as HIIT training sessions with a few bodyweight circuit classes as well as a few upper body strength training.
Tough mudder requires a lot of bodyweight strength by requiring you to pull yourself up and over obstacles and hang from high heights. Not only do you need great upper body strength, Tough Mudder requires a good endurance ability as most courses are over 12 miles in length.
What first inspired you to get involved in health and fitness?
I have always kept myself fit and healthy especially from a young age as I loved every sport and was very competitive.
I played football for my local ladies team and after turning 18 I got into weight lifting and strength training.
As I went to University studying a Sports and Exercise Science degree I learnt more and more about the benefits of training and leading a healthy lifestyle.
However, it wasn’t until I was 25 years old (and at the beginning of 2015) where I began to consciously choose healthy food options and started to notice my body change for the better by tracking the food I ate.
“I have always kept myself fit and healthy especially from a young age as I loved every sport and was very competitive”
From May 2015 I went on a prep diet in preparation for my first ever natural bodybuilding bikini category competition.
I have never looked back and love the life I lead now as a newly crowd WNBF World Champion and Professional athlete.
Apart from competing in Tough Mudder UK, what are your other future fitness goals?
My future goals are to continue competing with the WNBF (Worlds Natural Bodybuilding Federation) as a Pro Bikini competitor and become an established professional athlete by gaining sponsorship as well as being able to work in the industry that I love.
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