As she expertly juggles motherhood and a demanding, full-time career, Diana finds fitness, wellbeing, strength and sanity in her early-morning workouts.
When she looks in the mirror, 38-year-old Diana likes to see a woman who is healthy, strong, fit and agile. That can be difficult as a mother of three who mixes the demands of a full-time job in logistics management with the endless tasks involved with household management. Oh, and she’s also half way through a Master’s degree.“I work full time, have a partner and three teenagers at home,” she says. “Once I get home each day, it’s all about cooking dinner, cleaning the house, getting washing done, shopping for groceries, doing some study, and getting everything ready for the next day. I’m a full-time housewife, a full-time employee and a part-time student. So exercise is my outlet. It’s how I fill my cup.”
Five years ago, Diana felt she’d come to a stage where she needed a new fitness challenge. She had plateaued, so required something different to push her body to a new place, to lift her out of an exercise rut and take her fitness to the next level.
Having typically focussed on cardio, Diana signed up for an eight-week online program by Melissa Le Man. It introduced weights-based workouts into her routine as well as a meal plan. It also recommended various supplements to boost energy and results.
“That’s how I discovered Elite Supplements, and I’ve remained a customer ever since,” she says.
“An eight-week challenge resets your body quite a lot. You’re changing your exercise routine and your diet, so it made a big difference.”
Part of her success, Diana says, was the fact that she learned to be comfortable with a different form of exercise. Previously she’d thought weights might make her “bulk up with muscles”.
“I also learned that supplements really do make a big difference along the way in terms of fat burning, energy and general wellbeing,” she says.
Q. What does your workout schedule look like, now?
A. I used to do a lot of running, and I still run every week. But now my workouts focus mostly on weights. Every day I get up at about 4.30am and workout for 60 to 90 minutes. I follow a program that concentrates on different muscle groups every day - legs one day, back another day, etc. Some workouts are quicker than others.
Q. Do you go to a gym or do it at home?
A. I used to go to the gym before work, but as a result of COVID we created a great set-up in our shed with a proper barbell with plates, a bench, squat rack, etc. It’s very functional and I find I can do most things I did at a gym.
Q. Which supplements help you meet your fitness goals?
A. I used to be under the impression that protein would make me muscly and bulky, but now I realise its value and I love it. So I take protein, and I also take a pre-workout that helps increase metabolic rate. And trust me, at 4.30am I need the pre-workout supplement! Without it I’d probably go back to sleep. I also buy supplements for my partner who is extremely fit. He uses a different type of protein as well as BCAA. So every time I place an order with Elite Supplements, it’s for both of us.
Q. So you both use different brands. Why is that?
A. The brand I prefer is Nutrabolics which is one of the brands Elite Supplements offers. I use their Carnibolic for energy and their Supernova pre-workout. I also get the intra-workout BCAA called Anabolic State. And for my protein I use Prana On, the Power Plant protein. Some other proteins didn’t agree very well with my tummy and I find the plant-based ones very gentle. My partner likes Gold Standard Whey protein and Xtend BCAA. We’ve found it’s very important to try a few, find out what works best for you, then stick to it.
Q. What keeps you coming back to Elite Supplements?
A. At Elite Supplements it’s easy to order, they always have what I need in stock, and the service is excellent – my order always arrives within the next few days. When I find a place with great service, I stick with it.
Q. Have you ever had to get in touch with the team?
A. Sometimes, over the last five years, I have called or sent an email. They have always been very responsive. If a product has changed or disappeared, they always offer excellent advice on a replacement that suits my specific needs. And it’s lovely to get an actual person on the phone! For me, that’s very important.
Q. So your relationship with exercise, and with supplements, has been through a big change?
A. Absolutely. My routine changed a lot and I’m very happy with that. I’m thrilled with the results. I’m not scared of supplements, I appreciate them for how they help me achieve my aims and be healthier. I understand supplements better and have found the ones that work best for me. That’s an important part of the process, and the people from Elite Supplements helped me through that process.