Belinda's age defying figure

During my childhood and teens I had chronic asthma which meant I was hospitalized often, once in intensive care.  For that reason, I didn't do much sport - in fact I always I tried to get out of physical education at school!  All that changed when I took up surfing at the age of 37!  Although I started from ground zero mid life I was determined to stand up on that board!  The rest is history and it goes to show physical transformation is possible at any age.

2. Have you always been naturally lean and did you take much care of your diet during your 20s and 30s? ie were you particular about what you ate, how much etc

Good question!  During my teens I carried a few extra kilos.  In my early 20's I began being conscious of over eating.  I made a commitment to myself to stop eating when I felt full.  This meant my weight remained constant over the next 15 years despite not having what I would call a healthy diet - I was a stressed executive and used to live on coffee, lollies, biscuits and one large meal at night when I finally got home!

3. Do you think your family had an influence on your attitude to life? I know your dad's a kiwi and perhaps some of his 'give it a go' spirit rubbed off on you.

Yes my family definitely has had a huge impact!  When I took up surfing everyone was so supportive and encouraging - my sister even joined the girls surf club with me!  Every time I decided to try something new - they did say "give it a go" - never judging, always believing in me.  This has been a huge factor in my ability to be successful in the industry.

4. Your sister still lives in Wellington and in a dance troupe called 'real hot bitches'!, tell us more!  she sounds as colourful as you.

Yes my sister is my hero!  Not only does she have a very successful career but in her spare time takes on all sorts of crazy adventures - like competing as a finalist in the NZ Air Guitar competition!  Her alter ego is "Randi Knights" and Randi is a member of the "Real Hot Bitches" - think Dirty Dancing, Flashdance & Footloose - lots of lycra! You can read more about Randi here:  http://randiknights.com and the Real Hot Bitches also have a website with all their media stuff: www.real-hot-bitches.co.nz/wordpress/

5. What vision did you have of yourself when you were 25 of how you were going to be at 45 physically?

At 25 I had just started working in the cosmetic industry.  Of course the focus was very much on skincare and the face.  I never gave much thought to my body and no one back then (and least of all me) expected this kind of transformation!  But working with and managing women up to 20 years older than myself I had plenty of time to observe how people deal with getting older.  I made a promise to myself not get stuck in a time warp with my clothes/makeup/hair.  After working in the cosmetic industry for so long it was very liberating when I started surfing and I took great joy in my messy surf chic hair and makeup free face!

6. Have you always been open about your age? Women generally don't embrace each birthday, have you always embraced your age and was there a birthday where you felt 'old'?. 

I never gave my age much thought until I suddenly found myself divorced and alone at 39 years old.  I thought I was over the hill and would never meet anyone again. I decided to take some time out traveling and I spent my 40^th birthday at a Spanish language school in a surf town in Costa Rica.  I was surrounded students all in their 20's!  I just couldn't bring myself to tell them I was turning 40 - so I turned 30 instead!  That created more problems that it solved - how had I done so many things in such a short time, how did I have the finances to travel like I was?  It just got too hard and then I realized I was actually proud of my age, life achievements and my new adventures and so I went back to being 40 again!  Since then I haven't looked back. 

7. Being a surfer, you spend alot of time in the sun but surprisingly your face doesn't show any lines and you look super young - what's the secret? good make up? ;)

I worked with Shiseido for 10 years so that got me into good habits for looking after my skin.  And before I took up surfing at 37 I never went in the sun. I have always looked younger in my face (as do my siblings and parents) so I do have great genetics to thank.  Nevertheless, I still have to work hard during photo shoots to keep my face fresh looking and young - it isn't easy when you are very lean, tired (sometimes shoots go for up to 8 hours) and dehydrated! So that's when the makeup, good lighting and photography come in!   

8. You're now a role model for the younger generation, did you have a fitness role model when you were younger?

I really knew nothing about the fitness world when I was younger.  My only role model was my sister who played state touch football, taught physical education and trained for triathlons.  I used to admire her beautiful muscled legs, her energy and determination.  Of course she was over the moon when I got into surfing and we became surf buddies!  

9. Looking at you, it would be hard to believe you have any trouble areas.  Do you have any?  ie bodypart you find hardest to build muscle.  Perhaps lose fat off certain areas.  Which bodypart and how did you overcome it.

Yes of course, everyone does!  My body loves to keep a nice little pouch of fat in the stomach area - like many women!  For me the abdominal area the hardest to get shape and define - especially because I am taller with a longer torso.  When leaning out that is the last place to tone up, and it's hard work!  This year I have started training my abs with very heavy weights, practicing flexing and holding them and increasing my cardio on my off days with the goal of keeping that area in condition most of the year.  I plan to post this training program on the VIP section of my website later this year.

10. What do you think is more important, diet or training? and why

Good question! I believe it depends on the person. I have seen unfit people begin exercising which then led to a change in diet and vice versa. I count myself very very blessed that maintaining a good diet is not difficult - and I can lean out very efficiently.  So for me personally, training is more important, especially with a naturally petite physique - I need to work really hard to build my muscle and maintain good symmetry.  But, for most people, diet is most important. This is the thing they find hardest to manage and what let's them down. For this reason I plan to put my diet plans and tips in my VIP section also.

11. Do you still feel connected to NZ and When do you think you'll be back in NZ and give our surf beaches a go?

YES! I feel incredibly connected to NZ. When I was there 2 1/2 years ago my sister and I travelled the south island and had an amazing time - especially visiting some historical landmarks from our family history.  I can't wait to get back, hopefully next year - and of course I can't wait to surf with her again! 

 

12. What is your goal this year - training, competition and work wise?  got any more covers planned?

This year my goal is to begin working on a video series to share my training techniques.  Also, I am working to launch the VIP section of my site to provide more personalised information and attention.  I will probably do one more competition in Panama later this year and then compete in the US next year.  I just finished several photoshoots so I hope that will open up new opportunities to be featured in magazines and maybe even another cover!