Natalie sheds 45kgs
Natalie James has shocked herself and her family after almost halving her weight since 2015.
The mother of three started training at Spartan HQ in Pukekohe after her husband Stephen started boot camp but she also wanted to be a positive role model for Danica, 8, Mila, 6, and Finn, 4.
‘‘I was in a rut being a mum,’’ James said, ‘‘my husband started going to boot camp with Spartan and he suggested that I see a trainer. ‘‘I put it off for a few weeks and then finally got the courage to do it. The hardest bit is getting yourself in the door.’’
Once she started it became a habit - and the Pokeno woman hasn’t missed a session since. Her perseverance has seen her weight drop from 110.6kg, to her current weight of 65.5kg. James said the key to her extreme loss had been working with Spartan personal trainer Jaleigh Shaw.
‘‘I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without her guidance and help. She’s been awesome. I wouldn’t go to the gym any other way.
‘‘I’d been to a gym before in my early 20s, but didn’t put as much effort in as I should have and it was just a bit boring, but to have someone there to push you and guide you makes it easier, and more fun too.’’
Shaw said her workouts with James were weight-training oriented. ‘‘We train three times a week for 30 minutes. She does heavy lifting twice a week and then high intensity boxing or circuits at the end of the week. Nutrition wise, we gave her the tools and she listened. She now knows how to do it herself. It’s been a complete change of lifestyle.’’
As well as train with Shaw three times a week, James also takes a class once a week and goes once or twice by herself in the week to do cardio.
And of course diet has played a huge part. ‘‘I completely changed everything I ate,’’ James said.
‘‘I cut out the crap and it’s about quality over quantity.’’ Shaw said she had seen James’ mindset change over the last few years. ‘‘She has taken the tools and just stuck at it and never skipped a session.’’ James said she couldn’t believe her results, after starting the process with no set goals.
‘‘I didn’t set any goals because I didn’t think I could achieve anything. I came along without any expectations and now I can’t believe I actually did it.
‘‘I have heaps more energy with the kids, more confidence and I’m feeling heaps better about myself. I can go shopping and buy stuff and have it fit. There’s no going back.’’