Figure O.E; Kat Millar, Sept 10

1. Occupation
Personal Trainer and Wellness coach. I specialising in Weight loss and train clients one on one as well as offering training and nutrition coaching online via email. I also deliver Weight Loss seminars and Workshops.

2. When do you move to UK and why?  Where do you live and work?
I moved from Auckland to London in September last year. I've always wanted to experience living on the other side of the world. I got a 2 year visa and I'm half way through it, time is flying!

I'm loving it - enjoying seeing how the health and fitness industry is over here and I'm learning and growing a lot! I live in Putney which is lovely, right on the Thames which is great for running. I currently train clients at LA Fitness, St. Paul's, London.

3. How many shows have you competed in?
I just did my 6^th show - the first time I've competed in U.K. I always thought I'd only ever compete once to experience it, but it gets quite addictive! I decided to do one here to see what it's like compared to NZ and to see if I could bring home a trophy or a medal. I wrote ‘I'm taking a trophy home' on a piece of paper and stuck it to my mirror and looked at it every day for the last 3 months. Now I have a trophy sitting next to it.

Contest history -

2010: NPA/Natural Physique Assocation, United Kingdom 3rd place -Trained Figure

2008: NABBA North Harbour, NZ, 2nd place - Novice Figure short
2008: Coromandel Classic, NZ, 2nd place - Novice Figure short
2007: NABBA, North Harbour, NZ 3rd place - Novice Shape
2006: NZFBB PIBBA, Auckland, NZ, 1st place - Novice Figure Short
2006: NZFBB, North Island, NZ, 2nd place - Novice Figure short 

 

4. What's the gym like you train and work at? Do you notice if they do anything different in the way they run things.
It's a faster pace here; and more of a pub culture of course! Many of my clients are bankers and have high levels of stress, postural problems and time issues, but I think that's common everywhere. I find that people are very similar wherever you go in regards to common issues and desires; such as wanting to be the best they can be and feel healthy and good about themselves.

I've been running 12 week challenges at the gym and really enjoying seeing people improve in their health and fitness. Some of my clients have lost a phenomenal amount of weight, which of course is very rewarding and I've met some great people.

It was certainly tough at first getting started here; leaving my comfort zone and really putting myself out there to meet people and prove myself, because no one knew me. But I've grown so much and I'm learning every day. There are many great opportunities here if you look for them and the REPS conventions are fantastic with some World class speakers. I invest a lot of time in money in buying books on personal and professional development.

     

5. What's the bodybuilding scene like in UK?  What organization did you compete with?
It was called NPA - Natural Physique Association. It was a great show. I'm still getting to know the bodybuilding scene here, but it seems similar to NZ as far as numbers of entries, standards and quality. There are more federations to choose from here and usually out of London so it's a good excuse to see more of the U.K.

I've had many comments from people asking me how I could endure 2 winters in a row (NZ then UK), then my first summer in London not have any alcohol! I did it cos I knew it would be tough and those challenges are what grows you. But despite walking past at least 7 pubs on my journey home each night, I'm finding it easy not to be tempted since I want my goals so badly.
   
6. How was the contest day run, same as NZ?  What differences did you notice?
Very similar to NZ. Comps are on a Sunday here. I'm glad I'd competed before so I had an idea of when to start pumping up/sugar loading etc. because there were less people out the back to help and let you know when to be ready etc.

Also here they don't have pre-judging during the day and finals at night - it was all done in one show on a Sunday at 1pm.

The class was called ‘Trained figure' so they're looking for muscle, but a lean look. You'll get marked right down if you look like you should be in the physique class.

In other federations here they also have ‘bikini model' which I think is similar to the NABBA ‘Shape' class, you should have good proportion/not too much muscle. as well as ‘fitness model' - with the cool flips etc.

The routines are 90 secs here, compared to 60 secs in NZ.  

8. Did you find there was good comraderie backstage/in your class?
Yes the women were lovely and I loved their accents!! We shared chocolate and helped each other.

9. Were you allowed sparkles on your bikini?
No, only plain coloured bikinis for the judging rounds for some reason, and then a quick change over into something more sparkly for the routines. Bit of a rush trying to fix tan etc!

     

10. Do you find food and supplements expensive compared to NZ?
There are more choices with ordering supplements on websites, I order loads of stuff online and get it delivered to the gym. My latest love is ‘Protein bombs' - whey powder tablets you chew up. Great for movie-watching! I buy for my clients so get bulk deals also and there are some great products such as flavour-less powders where you add your own flavour drops - which are also great in black coffee and egg whites!

11. Is there a network of bodybuilders and/or kiwis you socialise with for support for your training and comps?
I'm starting to meet people - kiwi champ Anita Albrecht competed in the same competition. I also met Annie Uelese and her partner back stage who I recognized from loads of comps back home. Through facebook I've met new people and found a great coach down the road from my gym who helped me with my routine. Generally most people don't seem to know much about the sport though.

12.  When's your next show? 
NPA National Championships, 23^rd October

13. Any plans on coming back to NZ?  Do you miss us....what do you miss most about NZ?
My visa expires in a year, so September 2011 I'll pack up here and do some travel and come back to NZ summer. The main things I miss is running on the beach and driving. The commute here though is great and I listen to professional growth audio books on the tube and I'm also writing a book on Body Transformation during my underground journeys!

I do miss Titirangi and walking up Mt. Eden and of course my friends and family. But I came here for a change, so I'm just making the most of it and enjoying all the great things that London has to offer.