One-on-one with local bikini bodybuilder Cindy Willemse

What got you started in the sport?

I’ve been training hard for a few years. My turnaround came this year, in July, when I decided that it was time to change and wanted more out of my physique.

What are your biggest challenges in the sport?

To remain positive and mentally focused on the task at hand. This includes maintaining good health when dieting and water dropping. And, of course, staying away from the peanut butter jar before competitions.

What made you decide to enter your first competition?

My boyfriend recommended that I start training as if I was prepping for a competition. After speaking to my trainer, Rudolf Koen, who actually inspired me and asked me why I didn’t enter a competition. I went to see another pro athlete and she gave me the extra motivation to do my very first competition – the Rossi Classic (which ended up being one of the biggest competitions, with almost 300 athletes).

What are your future goals?

I am competing in the toned bikini division next year, so I’m busy gaining some muscle. We are also looking at starting an academy (obviously working hand-in-hand with big professionals within the industry) for all the women who want to be fit, healthy and look the best they can. My other passion is helping and inspiring people, therefore, I’m doing a course in counselling.

Being a widow, I faced many challenges and believe that I have a different understanding of life. I get sad if I see how people struggle (with situations) when the answer is actually in front of them. Encouragement is sometimes all one needs to make a breakthrough.

Take me through your typical day routine.

Morning: Wake up at 4.30am: I start my day with cardio training, a shower, and I prepare breakfast and pack meals; then I drop off my daughter at school and go to work.

Afternoon: I pick up my daughter from school and take her to her afternoon activities, during which I will be doing weight training.

Evening: during the evening I prepare supper, spend some family time with my loved ones and, if necessary, do a bit of work (I have two businesses), and then I’m off to bed.

Take me through your diet, pre-competition, during competition and off-season.

My diet changes the week before competition. My water intake becomes less each day, and the last two to three days my carbs increase (carbo load).

My food intake when prepping for competitions is very plain and simple. I eat egg whites, oats, chicken, fish, rice, and broccoli, which becomes your next best friend.

During the off-season I try to stick to my diet, but I am a bit more flexible. Should I walk inside a food store and hear biltong chilli-bites calling out my name, instead of ignoring it, I will go and get myself a couple of sticks. When prepping for competitions, I stick to what I have to eat, and thus, no chilli-bites.

What would you say has been the most difficult time in your career thus far?

My health. If it wasn’t for that, I would’ve been able to participate in more competitions. Over the past eight weeks, I have, unfortunately, had very bad luck with my health, due to something as small as a root canal that ended up creating a lot of havoc for me. Eight weeks of taking antibiotics and two operations compromised my immune system, but I’m recovering well.

How do you measure your progress?

We try to do a body assessment every second week.

How do you stay motivated?

I pray that God will renew my mind and help me stay focused, but most of all to keep me humble. I also try to remind myself of the reason I started, with the picture I have in my mind of what I would like my body to look like. My boyfriend, Schalk Pienaar, encourages me, as does my coach, Christa Foxcroft, and my trainer.

What can’t you gym without?

My I-pod and gloves.

What are your two favourite exercises in the gym?

Hanging leg raises and reverse grip lateral pull-downs.

What are your three favourite meals?

Off season: one – ice cream, two – ice cream, three – ice cream with chocolate sauce (okay – busted). I have a sweet tooth.

In which competitions have you competed and what were your finishing positions?

I’m still a ‘newbee’ in the sport.

My very first competition was in September 2014 – the Rossi Classic – I was in a call out but did not place; I think I was physically too hard for the bikini division.

My second competition was the Chaz Classic in which I placed second. I went through to the WPF SA Champs. I was also selected as a finalist for Bikini SA at Carnival City. Being a Bikini SA finalist I had the privilege of participating in the IFBB Arnold Classic Amateur Olympia Africa. Sadly, due to my health, I had to withdraw from all three competitions, even though I was in super shape for each one. As the saying goes: ‘The only difference between a good and a bad experience is your attitude’, so I’m very enthusiastic about next year.

Who’s your role-model in the sport and why?

I don’t have a role-model in my sport.

Who’s your role-model in life in general and why?

My dad – his determination and courage to fight through any situation. No matter what you achieve in life, always remain humble, sincere and stay true to who you are. (Enrico Schoeman achieved the Guinness World Record for the longest drive through a fire tunnel in a motorcycle with a sidecar attached).

‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog!’

What are your hobbies?

Eish… training, spending time with my family, reading, business (exploring new ideas and ventures)

Anything else you would to add?

I don’t make use of any stimulants, it’s all is natural. – @SabeloBoksburg

Quick statistics

Name: Cindy Willemse

Age: 34

Height: 1.72m

Competition weight: 60kg

Normal weight: 64kg

Lives in: Boksburg

Occupation: Businesswoman