Champion Figure Competitor And Model Kelly Rennie Talks To Muscle & Strength

What is your athletic background, how did you get involved with figure and modeling, and what do you love most and least about it?

From a young age I've always been active with exercise and sports. Gymnastics as a youngster, progressing to Muay Thai Kickboxing as well as playing and enjoying the tough sport of Rugby for 5 years. Since then I always attended the gym regularly and did the odd class but never took it too seriously. My twin sister competed in a British Natural Bodybuilding Federation and also winning the World sports model agency competition my career in the fitness industry has taken off.

I love all aspects of being a UK fitness model and figure competitor. I love a challenge plus it keeps me motivated to stay in shape and be healthy but most of all I love being an inspiration to others. I don’t really think there is anything I don’t like about what I do to be honest.

What are your future goals, dreams and plans?

This year is another year full of goals. I am going to compete again in two different federations to get more experience and hopefully after a great off season training regime I can repeat my winnings.

My partner and I are about to open our second gym which is really exciting. I will be working full time promoting and teaching at PrimeMover. This has been a true dream come true being able to own a business and best of all helping others achieve their goals in weight loss and fitness.

I am also about to launch a new look to my personal website www.kellyrennie.com providing workouts, nutrition, recipes, lifestyle blogs etc. I am really excited as I have been working on it for months and feel as though there is a need this type of information.

How often do you perform cardio?

I perform cardio every day except for rest day of course. I generally go for a 45 minute power walk or cross trainer at the gym. If I'm not doing steady cardio I hit the HIIT workouts which I absolutely love. They keep me focused motivated and help me push my body to the next level.

I don’t train cardio any longer than 45 minutes, if I'm wanting to step it up before competition I split it up and do 30 minutes in the day and 30 minutes at night. I find this way is better as you are speeding up the metabolism throughout the day.

What does your post-workout nutrition and supplementation look like?

If I train in the mornings, I always have a protein shake ready for afterwards which includes BCAAs, glutamine and some Omega oil. If I train at night, I make sure I have my dinner afterwards which is full of fish, chicken or turkey.

How do you prepare meals? Do you cook daily or cook for the week?

I prepare my meals every night. It is part of my routine now and I don’t really think anything of it. I try to make it as simple and healthy as possible. I don’t believe in using a microwave either, so I grill my turkey or chicken and back my fish. I eat hard boiled eggs and egg whites which are prepared the night before for my mid morning meal. My favorite meal is the sweet potato which I have for lunch. I generally cook a large batch of this as it lasts for a few days in the fridge.

What are your favorite cheat meals and foods?

We have a local café that we visit every weekend. I usually get them to make me an omelet and if it's cheat meal day I have a slice of coffee and walnut cake with a cappuccino. Other than that I love Thai food as well...

What are your thoughts on the Paleo Diet?

I actually gave up grains over a year ago, so you could say that I eat towards a Paleo Diet. I absolutely love it and have found huge health benefits cutting out the grains and feel amazing. And don’t worry most people then assume I don’t eat carbs but of course I do, just in the form of vegetables, bananas, and potatoes and also supplement with maltidextrin but just no grains...

Tell us about your workout music?

I always make sure I have some good workout music on my iPhone, keeps me motivated and helps me train better. When I’m doing my HIIT workouts I use the music from www.global-bootcamp.com, it is bootcamp type/interval training. It's honestly the best I’ve ever heard and the workout seems to be over in no time.

If someone wants to connect with you, where can you be found?

www.kellyrennie.com or www.facebook.com/kellyrenniefitnessmodel.

Favorite activities and hobbies you enjoy when away from the gym?

I love snowboarding. Although I haven’t been up the past few seasons as I've been just too busy. Relaxing at home and watching movies in the weekends. I also love traveling to new places and enjoying the sunshine.