WBFF Bikini Pro Laura Michelle Prestin Talks Simplyshredded.com [Updated 2012]

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Location: Canada
Age: 27
Height: 5’7″
Weight: 125 lbs.

When did you get started with fitness?

I have always been physically active since I was 7 years old and I played competitive soccer, and ran OFFSA cross country and track during my younger years. I also was a swimmer, and at one point in gymnastics for a little bit.
I started actually training in the gym in high school but took it more seriously when I was about 21 years old. When I started modeling it came to a point where I was receiving over 100 emails a day on questions relating to fitness. So I started blogging and becoming more involved with helping other people achieve their goals. I am a personal trainer and constantly read health and fitness articles one after another.

I still do this and that is why I am developing programs to get the body that people want. Recently working alongside with Gaspari Nutrition has made me more involved with the fitness industry more than ever now and I love it.

How do you stay so motivated? What drives you?

Since I was 14 years old I had this notion that it was my job to be in the entertainment business. So for me just being in this business is very motivating because you always need to look your best and this motivates me not to slack. I get a complete high off training, competing, and playing sports. For me life without training on a daily basis would become disorganized with no structure. Having a scheduled workout allows me to balance my own business, student-life, modeling and travel. I love planning out my days incorporating physical activity into them. I not only do it for myself because it is a lifestyle, but my fans really keep me on top of my game too.

You develop a relationship with your fans where you become their motivator and in turn they become yours.

What does your current training schedule look like?

As of right now I have been training with heavier weights then normal especially for my legs and butt.

Workout Split:

Monday: Legs
Tuesday: Back/Abs/Arms
Wednesday: Chest/Shoulders
Thursday: Legs
Friday: Back/Abs/Arms
Saturday: Yoga
Sunday: Rest

On a leg day I love super setting. For example, Barbell Squats combo with One Legged Hip Bridges, Deadlifts with Hamstring Curl combos on the stability ball and Lunges with Jump Squats etc.

What is your diet like?

I don’t measure my food. I usually try to stick to a handful of each type of food. I eat every 2-3 hours and about 7 meals a day if not more. I make sure I have plenty of fiber, protein, veggies/fruits and water etc.

Diet:

Meal 1: Oatmeal or Egg Whites, Banana & Juice
Meal 2: Almonds or a Sandwich
Meal 3: Tuna Salad
Meal 4: Apple, Orange & Yogurt
Meal 5: Protein Shake
Meal 6: Chicken or Fish, Vegetables, Salad & Spinach or Rice
Meal 7: Cereal or Protein Shake

Is there anyone in the fitness industry you look up to?

Not really. I just keep pushing myself to strive to always be the best I can possibly be. My fans push me to and I’m more intrigued by business owners and entrepreneurs in this industry and how they got to where they are now.

What is the biggest fitness myth you encounter in the fitness industry every day?

There are many myths outs there. A popular one is that women who lift heavy weights or weights in general will get bulky muscles like men do. This isn’t true as you should lift weights that are challenging for you. If you lift a challenging weight with a high number of reps you will become a little stronger and look more toned but definitely not ‘bulky’.

Also you can’t go about your workout with just cardio, you need to incorporate weight training in your program as well to gain the full benefits.

When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?

HIIT for sure! Peoples biggest mistake is going on a treadmill for 2 hours you want to do short and very intense workouts to burn that fat

Top 10 tips for people who want to get in shape?

1. Set goals
2. Commit to seeing them through to the end
3. Think positive
4. Don’t obsess about every single thing you eat
5. Don’t overtrain (don’t go 7 days a week 3 hours a day)
6. Try to train with a partner so you keep each other motivated
7. If you get off track, don’t worry tomorrow is a new day. Wake up and start again
8. When you partied hard the night before and wake up still feeling tipsy, go straight to the gym for some cardio and you will feel much better!
9. If you don’t feel like training, train anyway, you will be glad you did
10. Consistency is key!