How I got my dream body

"If you are trying to fly, surround yourself with eagles and not chickens because chickens don’t fly," JANE MUKAMI tells WAMBUI THIMBA how she attained her dream body.What do you do and how long have you been in the US?
I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in November 2000 in pursuit of college education and graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. I work as an IT consultant for a telecommunications company in Atlanta.
Did you ever have a weight problem or have you always been fit?
I was quite big in high school, something I blame on the seven years in boarding where meals were mandatory and physical exercise (PE) limited to once or twice a week.
Just like in most boarding schools, students get tired of the monotonous menu and end up snacking on unhealthy foods like cookies, chocolate and potato chips among others. By the time I left high school, everybody thought my mother, who was petite, was my sister because I was bigger than her. My weight never bothered me because I wore baggy jeans and T-shirts, which was the trend in the mid 1990s. My mother always scolded me whenever we attended formal

Fitness guru, Jane Mukami

functions because I never wore dresses or skirts. My wardrobe was made up of pants and jeans until 2004.
How did you get into fitness?
In 2003, my friend Habida (the singer), who was always in shape from working out, invited me to the gym. I was intimidated watching her lifting weights because I could barely keep up. I left the gym thinking working out and weight lifting was definitely not my cup of tea. However, this thought later changed.
In summer (May) 2008 as I was getting ready for work, I bent to tie my shoes and my pants ripped through the middle. That’s when I had a moment of clarity and began my quest for fitness.
In two years, I had done a three-month boot-camp sessions, worked out with two different trainers between July 2008 and February 2009, did long distance running in early 2009 and even ran two half marathons. I also did a 21-day fresh juice fast in May 2009.
I invested in P90X (a workout video) early last year after watching great commercials on TV and took up weight training classes while still running everyday.
Even after all that, I was not getting close to what I expected. I noticed I looked smaller, but my problem areas (stomach, thighs and gluts) still had cellulite. And even when I stopped, however briefly, my weight crept back.
Totally frustrated, I figured the only permanent solution was liposuction. I consulted with a couple of cosmetic surgeons and it was going to cost $6,000 (Sh480,000) to make my fat ‘disappear’ off my hips and stomach plus about two weeks of bed rest for recovery.

Fitness guru, Jane Mukami

While still trying to figure out the right date for the liposuction, I saw pictures of an old acquaintance on Facebook and her body transformation was amazing. I contacted her to find out ‘the secret’ and she referred me to her trainer Rashid ’Roc’ Shabazz. After the first consultation and workout with Roc, I decided to put liposuction on hold and try out his methods for three months. Needless to say, it’s been an amazing nine months.
Tell us a bit about your trainer?
Roc is an International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) pro bodybuilder. He is in a class of professional bodybuilders such as Arnold Swarzenegger, eight times Mr Olympian Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. He has been to the Olympia two times and was placed as high as sixth. He is the Phoenix Professional Champion and placed second at the Orlando Pro last year. He has over 20 years experience and trains ordinary people, who want to get in shape, as well as competitors/bodybuilders and professional athletes. You can visit his website: www.therealroc.com.
What have you had to cut out and/or include in your diet ?
Some of the foods I’ve had to avoid are: Sugar, salt, alcohol, fried foods, beef (unless it’s very lean), baked foods and desserts. Some of the things I now include are at least a gallon (four litres) of water a day, oatmeal, fish, chicken and ground turkey. I now eat six small meals throughout the day instead of the typical three to keep my metabolism up. Seven to eight hours of sleep every night are mandatory and sometimes I take a nap in the late afternoon. Sleep is important for building a healthy body.
I also take supplements like multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and zinc. However, my body transformation is 100 per cent natural and not chemically or drug induced.
I would like to demystify the myth that weight lifting for women is synonymous to looking like a man. On the contrary, it makes women build muscle, which burns fat faster and gives your body a tight and toned look. Women can never build muscle like men due to the different levels of hormones in our bodies.
What foods do you miss the most?
My weakness has always been sweet foods like cake, ice cream, pies and cookies. Once in a while, I indulge in a small portion just to pacify the craving.
What physical and mental changes have you noticed?
I’m stronger and more energetic. My mind is more alert and I’m able to address life’s daily issues with less pressure and stress. I’ve also noticed that I no longer suffer from menstrual cramps. My body looks good not only in clothes, but even in a two-piece bikini suit.
You entered a competition last month. Tell us about it?
I had to start at an amateur level to enable me enter the competition by The National Physique Committee (NPC) in Georgia. There were different divisions; bodybuilding, fitness, figure and bikini. I went by my trainer’s expertise and entered in the bikini division. The division required one to have a small amount of muscle, curvy shape, great condition without striations and a balanced symmetry.
I decided to compete just to challenge myself, never imagining I could win. Imagine my surprise when I came second in my class. This competition enforced my favourite quote: "If you’re trying to fly, surround yourself with eagles and not chickens because chickens don’t fly."
I consider my trainer Roc, his wife Gina and the RocStarzz — my workout partners — the eagles in my fitness journey. They made me ‘fly’.
What motivates you to keep going?
The reason I wake up every morning, as strange as this might sound, is because I look forward to my workouts. I might be soaked in sweat and sore when the workout is over, but I feel invincible. I feel good about myself. It’s a high that words cannot describe and it starts my day off just right.
My boyfriend, who is my number one fan, keeps me on track by motivating me and helping me watch what I eat.
What is a typical day like for you?
I wake up at 5:20am from Monday to Thursday and get to the gym at about 5:50am. Workout ends at about 7:15am and I get to work at 9am. I head back to the gym at about 5:30pm or 6pm for a 30-minute cardio, which involves sprinting on a treadmill and I go to sleep at about 10pm. On Saturdays, I train at 11am and my evening cardio is at 7pm. On Friday and Sunday, I have a morning and an evening cardio session. I also spend Sunday preparing and packing my food for the week.
How is Kenya different from the US when it comes to fitness and diet?
The US has higher cases of obesity and anorexia compared to Kenya, but it is more medically savvy as well as on higher pedestal when it comes to fitness. Fitness in the US is a business and trainers have to be certified.
What do you do for fun?
I love going to the movies. I also like dancing and participating in community service. This month, I’m taking part in Dr Ian’s Makeover Mile, which brings health and fitness awareness to the Atlanta community. April 30 is the March for Babies, which raises money to support children born with defects.
I also support Nuru Centre, a Kenyan non-profit organisation based in Atlanta that educates and cares for orphans in Molo as well as the people of Molo. Habitat for Humanity and Hosea Feed the Hungry are other activities I plan to participate in later in the year.