If there was one phrase to describe Michelle van Zyl, it would have to be ‘entrepreneur extraordinaire’. Not only is Michelle a #TeamTrifocus brand ambassador, she is also a personal trainer and graphic designer. She took some time out to let us in on her fitness and productivity secrets.
Michelle’s Basic Stats
Age: 34
Height: 174cm
Weight: 68kg
Occupation: Business Owner and Personal Trainer
Tell us more about your background in the fitness industry and your journey so far
Sport has always played a major role in my life. So it was clear – from early on – that my career would be fitness related. I have been involved in the fitness industry in one shape or form for the past 14 years. I completed my course in exercise science in 2009. (PS: If you want to become qualified in exercise science, as Michelle is, follow this link to find out more about Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Exercise Science Course.) This was after I decided to follow my passion and become more involved in fitness as a personal trainer.
Tell us more about why you love competing and the fitness lifestyle
I like completing as knowing I’m stepping on stage really motivates me. I am always excited to work towards a fitness goal. In between competing and shoots, I love living a fit lifestyle because it truly makes me feel alive. To be healthy, fit and in shape gives me confidence and keeps me feeling young and energetic.
How has #TeamTrifocus advanced your career and fitness passion?
Trifocus Fitness Academy has helped me keep my fitness knowledge up to date with the latest developments in the fitness industry. It has also given me the opportunity to branch out, in terms of my skills, into different fields of fitness. My continuing involvement in #TeamTrifocus fuels my passion for the industry as I discover new fitness courses.
Which #TeamTrifocus fitness courses have you done/are you doing?
I have just done the Pilates course. Currently, I am deciding on my next fitness course.
6. What is your favourite exercise?
Without a doubt, it has to be pelvic raises using the leg extension machine. Watch my #TeamTrifocus colleague, Anja Jacobs, demonstrate the proper form for the leg extension machine.
What is your favourite body part to train?
I absolutely adore training my legs and glutes.
What type of exercise or training do you prefer doing?
My favourite type of training sessions are intense, hard workouts, sprinting and heavy weight-lifting.
How do you stay in shape?
Although I love killing myself in the gym, I find shorter weight-training sessions – at a moderate intensity – much more effective for achieving my aesthetic goals. My training currently consists of full body workouts which are 30 minutes long. These make up the majority of my workouts. Once or twice a week, I focus my workouts on a specific body part. I will follow this with 30 minutes of low-intensity cardio.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get healthy, aspiring fitness models or someone thinking of competing?
You will most definitely not regret it! Living the fitness lifestyle makes you feel really good about yourself. This makes it so rewarding!
What is the most valuable knowledge you have learned from your Trifocus fitness courses?
The best piece of advice that they’ve given me is that you can never have too much knowledge! The fitness industry isn’t stagnant so it is important to know how it’s changing and how to grow with it.
Which fitness course/courses would you recommend to others, and why?
All the Trifocus Fitness Academy fitness courses are great! I would recommend choosing a course according to what your passion is. For me I think the personal training and life coaching complement each other nicely as you can really use life coaching skills when one’s providing personal training services.
What advice do you have for newbies/people just embarking on their journey in the fitness industry?
Never stop reading and learning. Many people often me how I maintain my shape all year round. To me, it really is effortless at this point. This wasn’t always the case but with time I’ve learned how to manage my healthy lifestyle without feeling deprived or as if I’m not living my life. The key is consistency. So when you know how to create that balance you will be able to keep at it as well as stay passionate about fitness.
What keeps you motivated?
My motivation mainly stems from an internal desire to stay fit and on track. I’m extremely competitive. This means that I surround myself with fit, healthy and motivated individuals who keep me striving to improve.
What is your favourite motivational quote?
“The body achieves what the mind believes”. A fit body, to me, is a reflection of a determined and strong mind.