Muscle Evolution Muscle_Evolution_-_December_2014 | Page 94

Photography by Naco Rautenbach BOOYSEN M.E SPOTLIGHT 92 Muscle Evolution NAME: Nicolene Booysen CITY: Cape Town PROFESSION: Full-time medical student TRAINING SINCE: 2012 COMPETING SINCE: 2012 HEIGHT: 161cm COMPETITION WEIGHT: 49kg OFF-SEASON WEIGHT: 53kg COMPETITIVE ACHIEVEMENTS:  • 2012 IFBB Cape Classic Beach Bikini - 4th • 2012 IFBB Muscle Mania Beach Bikini - 3rd • 2012 IFBB Fitness Extreme Beach Bikini 5th • 2012 IFBB KZN East Coast Classic Fitness Bikini - 3rd • 2012 IFBB Western Province Provincials Fitness Bikini - 5th • 2014 IFBB Battle of Titans Fitness Bikini - 4th • 2014 IFBB Western Province Provincials Fitness Bikini - 1st • 2014 IFBB SA U/63kg Fitness Bikini 1st – chosen to represent SA at worlds and Amateur Olympia How did you get involved in the sport, and what motivated you to step onto stage for the first time? Before my husband introduced me to weight training I was a cardio bunny. He taught me the difference between being skinny and being toned. After watching a few IFBB competitions, I decided I wanted to take my training to another level so I signed up with a trainer who provided me with a meal plan and training programme. I was extremely nervous for my first competition but the thrill of seeing my body change and being up on stage outweighed any nerves. I’ve been hooked ever since! What will keep u coming back to the stage? Being a medical student, I see the effects of living an unhealthy lifestyle both on patients and their families. I want to grow old being a healthy, independent, self-sufficient individual. Competing not only keeps me in shape but it also challenges me to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. What does a typical days meal plan look like? • Breakfast: egg whites and oats with a cup of black coffee • Tea time: tuna salad • Lunch: chicken/steak with brown rice/sweet potato • Tea time: rice cake with peanut butter • Post workout: protein shake • Supper: chicken/steak with veg When it comes to diet what is your top tip for women looking to take their physiques to the next level, or looking to take the leap and start competing? Because we all spend more of our day eating compared to the amount of time