Workout World | The Fitness and Exercise Equipment Specialists - Q and A

Q and A - Ajay Rochester

Ajay Rochester - The Biggest Loser host, author of Confessions of a Reformed Dieter and founder of an online support network for overweight Australians called The Healthy Body Club shares her tips on healthy living, exercise and staying motivated.

What is your typical workout regime these days?
A few mornings a week I try to go for an early morning run - and I mean early - usually around 5am. Then I have one or two personal training sessions on the weekend where my trainer is actually teaching me how to run. I've discovered triathlons and I do try to do a mini tri training session once a month. Training when The Biggest Loser is on air is always tough.

Which machines do you enjoy using the most and why?
I love the Precor Cross Trainer because it is not so hard on the body and easy to read whilst exercising. When I grow up and am rich and famous (one out of three is not bad!) I will get the Precor 5.31 Elliptical Cross Trainer in front of my TV! Now that would be heaven!

I've been learning to run on the Avanti 928 Treadmill lately so love that as well.

What advice would you give to Australians looking to buy home fitness equipment?
Buy something you love. If you love spin classes get a bike. If you love to run, get a treadmill. Put it somewhere you will see it and have a routine. Wake up, get on the treadmill, have breakfast. Come home, jump on the bike and get it done! There's some great equipment that takes up no space at all. My place is tiny and so I have an exercise bike - it takes up very little space.

I know a lot of people love to do exercise in front of the telly and that’s a great way to stop the boredom factor. It’s definitely worth investing in at least one piece of equipment because it takes time, babysitting and weather out of your list of excuses to not achieve your goals!

What advice would you give to Australians looking to keep fit at home?
Set out your shoes and gear the night before. Set an alarm in another room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. You snooze – you lose!

Exercise during your favourite TV show. I met a woman who lost 17 kilos on her bike in her lounge room. She did it every night during The Biggest Loser. And the best thing is it’s never weather or babysitter-dependant. Any time is a good time!

Choose the right equipment. Workout World will help you make the right decision for the equipment you need for home. They are a national trusted brand that offers expert advice.

Get some support. Check out my website www.healthybodyclub.com.au. We have so many people working from and working out from home that they go online and support each other.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt when it comes to staying fit and healthy?
Just don't ever give up. Even when you go through a bad patch pick yourself up and start again. Sort out your food. And get some support. That's why I formed HealthyBodyClub.com.au - so women could always find someone to be there for them 24/7, somewhere to go when things are tough and somewhere to go to celebrate and share the highs. Somewhere to get the motivation you need to reach your goals.

When it comes to health and fitness, who inspires you?
John Stephen Akhwari. He is the guy that finished the marathon an hour behind the other 74 competitors at the 1968 Olympics after dislocating his knee. I love his quote afterwards: "My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish." Amazing fighting spirit! It’s exactly how I was feeling during my first Triathlon Pink!

What is the most exciting aspect of working with The Biggest Loser contestants?
The moment they start to believe in themselves - when they realise they can do whatever they set their minds to. And when they start to love themselves! Love it!

What are your tops tips for Australians who are seeking to achieve their personal health and fitness goals?
1. START NOW!
There’s no time like the present. Stop making excuses or waiting for the right time.
2. GET REAL!
Be honest with yourself. Make the changes you need to make.
3. NEVER GIVE UP!
Good day, bad day, there is always tomorrow.

What health and fitness challenges have you set yourself for 2009-2010?
To be the fittest and strongest I have ever been. To do another triathlon (the bigger ones). To play an amazing soccer season. And to finally wear short shorts - without looking like Shrek! Now that's a challenge. To do as many Triathlon Pinks as I can.

What was the catalyst in your life that made you decide to turn your weight around? When did it take place?
I was a single mother, morbidly obese (approx 130 kilos) and I broke five chairs over a week. I knew it was time. I was a heart attack waiting to happen.

What is keeping you busy these days?
Every spare minute outside of being a mum I spend building up my website www.healthybodyclub.com.au. I just love creating a place for women to go where they can be inspired to totally transform their lives. We are running a boot camp in Sydney on April 26t with some special guests (a few past contestants and me!!!). It's so much fun and so good to see them happy and working out. The profits are going to Diabetes Australia. Check out this link to sign up: diabetes.healthybodyclub.com.au

While you are there, have a look at the charity auction we are running, featuring fantastic designer dresses to clothe your hot new body!