Nerelee Montague

We know Mums are capable of amazing feats. Many put their family's interest ahead of their own and can multi task a hundred activites whlie leaping a building a in a single bound... well ok maybe not leap a building.

So we thought we'd profile the amazing figure of Nerelee Montague who now has the pressure of aiming for the Women's World Champs (Sept 06) on her very capable and massive shoulders.

In preparation for her most recent Capital Champs in Wellington, the 5'2" Mighty Mum was up at 3am doing 1hr cardio! And then she had to go and to open and work the Lifestyle gym in Upper Hutt where she works on reception. After her work at 3pm she's off like a speeding bullet to pick up her kids (8 and 3 year old boys) and take on her role as Mum.

At 33, Nerelee's figure is impressive and one which we hope will figure prominantly at this year's Women's World Champs in Spain. In this profile we find out more about Nerelee and what would make her perfect Mother's Day!

Do you have an 'off season' weight you don't go above? I try to keep my off-season weight within about 6-7 kilos of my usual contest weight. I compete at around 47-48kg so I try not to cross that 55kg mark.

Your contest weight? 47-48kg How tall are you? 5'2" - that's why I like the long heels:-)

How many years have you been training? Roughly around 10 years now, with the odd forced break here and there.

What are your achievements so far?.
2004 - Winning the open U52 class at the Wellington champs then
going on to take out the overall physique title.
2005 - Winning the open figure class at the Wellington champs and also taking out the overall figure.
2005 - Winning the open figure short title at the Nationals.
2006 - Winning this years figure title & overall plus best female poser award at Capital Champs.

What's the highlight of your sporting career so far? Winning the first Overall title was a buzz.
I was excited at getting selected to go to the Worlds with Nabba last year, but was forced to pull out due to an injury. I think competing in Spain will overtake these however as my BB career highlight.

How do you feel being awarded a spot to go to the Worlds? Honoured, Priviledged, Excited, Blessed are words that spring to mind.

How do you juggle looking after children, training and family commitments? I have an extremely supportive husband. He helps
out in all areas, particularly with the kids; in fact he took the boys over to Sydney for the 2-weeks leading up to this last comp so it
gave me time to focus on training and contest preparation.
Otherwise it is a fairly hectic time, I pick the kids up after school do the housework as well as holding down 2 jobs.

What do your children think of all your muscles? And seeing you on stage. Caleb (the 3 year old) is a bit young to take much notice
but I think Josh quite likes it. He is a big pro-wrestling fan so I think he thinks it quite cool for his Mum to have muscles like
Hulk Hogan (although not quite as big).

Have you been tempted by preparing and cooking your children's food while you're dieting?
Yes and no. After so many comps you sort of get used to it. Funnily enough it's usually the basic foods like
bread or cereal that temps me the most.

How do you stop yourself from taking some of their snack foods/treats?
By keeping busy. It's usually down time that is the hardest time during the diet.

What is a typical day in your pre-contest diet and training programme?
Up at 3.00am for an hours cardio (have a stationary bike at home).
Work from 5.30am to 1.30pm at the gym.
Weight Training from 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Pick up the kids go home prepare food etc.
Early evening either more stationary bike at home or go to the gym for a Thai-Fit (kickboxing) class.
Bed time is usually around 9.00pm.

Diet consists of 6 small meals in which 3 of them are Protein Powder meals
(Horley's Ice is great). Solid meals are high protein, low carb, low fat.

How far (in weeks) from contest do you start dieting? Usually around 8-10 weeks.
My training regime involves a 5-day split as per follows...
* Day 1 - Chest & Calves
* Day 2 - Biceps & Triceps
* Day 3 - Quads
* Day 4 - Shoulders
* Day 5 - Back & Hammies

I try to keep the weights reasonably heavy, even whilst dieting to stay nice and full. I like to use the pyramid principle.

You have awesome shoulders, what's your secret?
In regards to my delts, strength wise I have to say they are my weakest muscle group, I am just blessed with good genetics.

My preferred training method is to use the pryamid principle. I might do one light set with around 15 reps and then next set will be a moderate weight with around 10/12 reps then I finish with two to three working sets where I tend to go to failure. Each musscle group only gets trained once a week but in saying this because my shoulders are quite dominant they tend to get a good going over with any upper body workout, for example when doing a bench press exercise my shoulders tend to take over. My shoulders seem to be always sore.

Supplements you live by? I'm sponsored by Horleys so they are the only product I use.
I take both Ice and Ripped Factors powder.
Creatine in the off-season.
Ripped Factors Capsules whilst dieting.
Any if I get the bad cravings I munch out on a Dutch Chocolate Card-Less Bar.

What's the most challenging/hardest part of pre-contest for you?
I would have to say energy and tiredness. I'm pretty wiped out by the end of the week.

Do you have a training philosophy? Intensity - Consistency - Technique (you need all 3 to progress)

What advice would you give to other Mums who want to compete and facing the challenges of cooking for a family?
Be organised, eat before you cook and never, ever cook the family your favourite meal:-)

My perfect Mothers days would consist of...

- Sleeping in til 11
- Breakfast in bed
- Home made cards from the kids
- A nice relaxing day - not having to do housework.
- Go out for a nice 'all you can eat' dinner with the family.
- Maybe a nice foot massage from my husband to top it all off.