I had managed to lose about 16 kilos on my own but hadn't seen the change in body composition I wanted.
My primary physical goal when I joined SMP was to lose body fat and gain muscle and strength.
My mental goal was to gain back the self-confidence and self-love I had lost. I first learned of Hattie when she was on the cover of Oxygen and I found her to be really inspirational yet relatable.
I'd never counted a macro in my life nor had I trained in Hattie's style. I'd never done a front squat or tempo work or anything like that. I remember it taking me up to half an hour to pre-plan my food for the next day at the beginning, now I can do it in 5 minutes flat.
I really wanted to lose body fat and see visible muscle.
I wanted to look strong and fit but I never wanted to compete - I actually told Hattie that the very first time I spoke to her! Truth was I didn't believe I'd ever be able to get in shape enough to compete so that as a goal was never on my radar.
I never, ever, thought I would look and feel the way I do now. I thought my body would always be the same shape because those were my genetics and how I'd always looked... right? Even my mum says she can't believe how much my shape has changed. While with SMP I've lost well over 10kg of body fat, gained a crazy amount of muscle and immeasurable self confidence and knowledge. I haven't had a DEXA scan for a while but the last one I had 5 months before my comp I was sitting at 14% body fat. I would have been much leaner on comp day. I've also learned skills in not only diet and training, but in mindset, that I will have for life.
In terms of my comp results, I entered two Bikini divisions at the Queensland AWNBS titles and placed in both taking away a 2nd and 4th place.
I genuinely believe I'm not the same person I was a year ago - physically or mentally.
My mindset is totally different. Before, I always saw the obstacles and the problems that would stop me from achieving the things I wanted. The victim mentality... poor me! Now, I've learned to back myself and know I can achieve anything I work hard for and believe in. Not only in terms of how I look but in all aspects of my life. A lot of people who are really close to me have said they still cannot believe I actually competed - "YOU... stood on a stage... in a bikini... in front of hundreds of people?!" You're damn right I did, and I loved it! It's my mental transformation that I am most proud of.
Self-doubt and a fear of the unknown... were my biggest challenges
I had no self-confidence whatsoever when I joined and I wasn't sure I was up to the task. I'm a very process-driven person and I trusted Hattie immediately, so I just told myself to follow the process she had given me one day at a time. Slowly but surely the results started showing and still now, I take things one day at a time... just following the process.
What I've learned is that there is no fun or growth to be had inside one's comfort zone.
I lived in my comfort zone for 27 years and I didn't achieve or have near as much fun as I have since I took the leap to join SMP and decided it was time to back myself to do and be MORE.
I've learned the valuable difference between motivation and discipline.
A lot of people ask me how I stay motivated. The truth is, no one feels motivated every single day. Motivation gets you started, but discipline keeps you going. I've learned a level of self-discipline that is stronger than the "I don't feel like it today" thoughts we all have from time to time. As Hattie says - if you only travel on sunny days, you'll never reach your destination.
This was life changing. Hands down, the best thing I have ever done for myself.
I've never been amongst such a supportive, loving, uplifting and understanding group of people in my life.
You can ask or say ANYTHING in the group, and so many people will offer support and help. We all truly want to see each other achieve greatness. It's so refreshing. If only you could see the love-fest that is check in day in the forum! The feed is flooded with compliments, praise, and support. It's really amazing.
She knows her stuff and all of us girls follow the same processes she uses for herself. Nothing is too much to ask, and there is nothing you can throw at her that she can't work around to get you an amazing result. Not many people know that I was on an injury management training plan for the entire 5 months leading up to my first competition. I was really limited in what I could do at the gym due to 2 bad injuries but Hattie made it work and got me into the best shape of my life in a healthy way. Hattie genuinely cares about every single girl she coaches and goes out of her way to provide us with opportunities we want. She's funny and approachable and an open book... she shares her personal perspectives and stuggles. She invests a lot of her own time and effort into continual learning and always shares her knowledge back to the group. What I believe sets her apart from other coaches is the work she puts into our mindsets. It's not all about body fat percentages and muscle mass... in fact, I'd say the mindset coaching is more important to her and to us. And also the fact that no two girls' plans are the same. Everything is completely customised to you and your goals. There are no cookie-cutter macro plans or training programs here.
I will compete again, probably in Season B this year. Follow my journey on Instagram - @bec.bea
If you're looking for a place where you will be welcomed with open arms, challenged and supported to grow to your true potential, SMP is for you.
Back yourself. Come prepared to show up every single day and put in the hard work, and you will get the results you want and more.
YOU can apply to join The Sports Model Project here
https://ben499.typeform.com/to/P1Ftiu
Love and light
Hattie xoxo
#1 Miss World WBFF Fitness Diva
Jump the queue here.
