‘Ryan has transformed
MY BODY & MY LIFE’
The MIC star and her boyfriend on her amazing transformation
Before she met personal trainer Ryan Libbey, Louise Thompson went to the gym mainly to hang out with her mates and gossip. Fast-forward 18 months and she has an #instagoals body, and abs you could grate cheese on. Not that she scoffs much cheese these days. We spoke to an extremely loved-up Louise and Ryan to find out the small tweaks she’s made to her lifestyle that have resulted in such an amazing transformation. And whether dating your trainer means you can never have a sneaky treat without him marching you off to the treadmill. Thankfully, she tells us that the answer is yes, and she has ditched him at the gym on more than one occasion. Phew.
How did you feel about your body before you started working out with Ryan?
Louise: I’ve always been quite body confident. I was sporty when I was younger, but when I went to uni, I was in the worst shape. I had a gym membership, but it was more of a social thing. What was your lifestyle like before? L: At uni, I would buy two large pizzas and
devour them. It was usually when I was hungover, and I would walk around in halls all day with my hood up.
What was the catalyst for you to make a change?
About a year-and-a-half ago, I had been through a very bad time with Alik [Alfus, her ex] and I was training for the London Triathlon. Ryan’s brother-in-law was helping to organise it. Ryan happened to message that week asking if I wanted to train, which was exactly what I needed. We worked out and that made me feel better. We became friends and later down the line...
Ryan: That was a workout that paid off!
How long was it before you started to see a real difference in your body? R:
[Looks at Louise.] Since I’ve known you, your transformation has been incredible. If you look at pictures a year ago, you look so different. You’ve achieved so much in a short space of time. I am more aware of transformations as I’ve seen a lot. And rarely do you see it like that. Potentially, Louise is very genetically blessed. She is very lucky. She was sporty, anyway, and then with just a few tweaks, her body responded really well.
L: Looking back, I can see the difference between now and then. I don’t think I had an issue before, but the real difference is in the way that I feel. I feel a lot keener and a lot more alert. I wake up earlier every morning with so much more energy.
Does Ryan ever get cross if you just want to lie in bed and watch Netflix? L:
Sometimes I just don’t feel as well as other days. Like, today I feel quite pumped, because I have just done a #SMARTROW rowing class and I am overexcited. I’ve also had lots of Glacéau smartwater and a little bit of food, so I feel like I could conquer the world. [Pumps her fist]. But on other days, I just don’t want to have to do it. [Makes mock sad face at Ryan]. Ryan is a lot better at consistency. He will push himself and train every day. But for me, it completely depends on my mood, because if I’m not feeling motivated, then I am bad.
What happens on a bad day? R:
Louise just says, “Right, I will see you at home.” She just goes.
L: There have been two incidents where I’ve left the gym. It’s better that way, to take a little time. We never have big blow-up rows.
Do you ever argue about how hard he is pushing you? L:
It’s a strange thing, because obviously he is the professional and I am learning all the time. But I do think that I know best all the time. We do have the odd argument when I think I know what I am doing and I will go in too fast and too hard – usually when I’m annoyed about something. Ryan will say, “You are doing that slightly wrong.”
R: And then it can go one of two ways…
L: And it’s really hard to take direction from someone you spend all your time with, and who you’re in a relationship with.
Do you just eat kale and drink protein shakes these days? L:
We eat what we want, but I don’t eat bread and pasta any more, or anything that doesn’t provide me with some nourishment. If it has some vitamins, some minerals or protein, that’s fine.
R: Louise likes to order a lot of sushi. It’s like a sushi party then. [To Louise] You can literally sit there for an hour.
L: I’ve taught Ryan to treat himself more – to eat some carbs and sugar – and he has taught me the opposite, so we completely balance each other out. [To Ryan] I’ve made you more fun and you’ve made me more boring!
Louise – how do you feel about your body now? L:
[To Ryan] You have actually transformed my life! Though, that sounds really strange. He is like my god, I need a shrine to him.
R: Her abs are phenomenal. I’m jealous. Louise is actually really balanced, as well. Without getting too technical, all her muscle groups are equal. I would describe Louise as very athletic. And spirit-wise, she is very upbeat and happy all the time. She doesn’t look green and groggy – she looks fresh. For me, the transformation is obvious.
Will you do a couples workout DVD? L:
We’d love to! We love filming our funny videos together. We are in a privileged position, with him being very strong and me being so small – we are opposite sides of the spectrum. So, anyone watching is either closer to him or closer to me. That is a life goal – to achieve the DVD.
‘Louise’s abs are phenomenal, I’m really jealous’ – Ryan