Nadine Dumas has been a fitness trainer for a number of years, after participating in many overseas competitions and working as a fitness model. We asked her how she got into this business, and what advice she would have for those seeking to improve their lifestyle.
How old were you when fitness became an important part of your life?
I was 25 years old. I was always active growing up and in school, but I never really made it a priority until I was in my 20s. When I was 25, I moved to Cayman as an accountant and fell into the lifestyle of the “usual” weight gain when you move here. That was what sparked my interest in the gym.
The first month I started at the gym, I noticed there were a number of people there training for some sort of local fitness show. After attending that show, I decided to compete, and the rest is history after that.
By my second show I went pro, and within a month I left the island (for the first time), moved back to Canada, started my fitness company, co-owned a bodybuilding federation and competed in nine more shows over the course of three years. I placed in the top five in every one, and in the last one, I took second place in the world in “Best Body Bikini.”
How often do you exercise, and for how long?
I am a mother of a very active 2-year-old, run a full-time online fitness company where I coach 65 to 70 clients at a time, and have a mobile spray-tanning company, so my time is pretty limited. I make fitness a priority though, and dedicate about an hour to the gym five to six days a week for myself. My training consists of a split. I train legs twice a week under the coaching of Chris Spigner at CrossFit 7 Mile (yes, even a coach needs a coach) when we concentrate on more power lifting movements along with conditioning; and then the other three to four days I train myself in upper body and abs. No cardio.
What is your favorite method of exercise?
For myself, I like the traditional bodybuilding style; always have. When I am working with clients, everything caters to them and their needs. Most importantly, diet has to be there. It is one of the most important aspects to living a healthy lifestyle and the way to see progress.
What would you say to people who want to get fit, but don’t know how to get started?
They have to want it, first and foremost. Secondly, they should choose a trainer that fits their lifestyle and goals. I don’t train anyone one-on-one; it’s strictly online and for some, that’s not a good fit. For those that need someone to check in with on a weekly basis, and want to do it on their own, they like the online coaching.
Lastly, they need to stay committed. Results cannot be achieved overnight and does take time and patience. Normally I request that each client commits to three months minimum with me in order to see full results and make this become a daily habit.
If you had one piece of advice about food to give those who are trying to lose weight, what would it be?
Carbs are important … for everyone, and stay committed! It’s very easy with social pressures to give in and let it slip. You are the only one in control of placing that fork in your mouth.
It is very important to choose someone that has experience in working with individuals that want to lose weight, so you do not fall into the trap of diet fads. Diet fads are the absolute worst thing you can do for yourself. In the end, they will only cause metabolic damage, and you to gain more post-“diet.” Losing weight and becoming healthy is all about a lifestyle change and not a quick fix.
How does being fit benefit you in your everyday life?
In regards to owning a fitness company, it shows that I practice what I preach. You would never go to a hairdresser with bad hair, so why would you hire a trainer that does not take care of themselves? I also still maintain a presence outside of Cayman through publications, and if opportunities arise, I need to make sure that I can take them without any type of crash dieting and ridiculous amount of time spent in the gym.
I am able to have energy, concentrate better and be active with my son. I think that when a person feels fit and is happy with their body, it can go a long way. Attitudes change and you become more positive. It’s all because you realize how being committed and dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle can show in your everyday activities.
What is your greatest fitness accomplishment to date?
It was actually when I was 25 and I set a five-year goal for myself. It was to become a pro, compete at world level, become sponsored by a major supplement company and grace the cover of a magazine. I am very proud to say that I achieved all of this before I turned 30. It goes to show that if you want something really badly, you can do it with a lot of dedication and determination.
Just recently I set a 2.5-year goal for when I turn 35, one that includes coming out of “retirement” and taking the stage again in 2014.
For more information on this trainer, visit NadineDumas.com.
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