In The Gym with Leigh Hickombottom

FFFC:  Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey FFFC! My name is Leigh Hickombottom. I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 8 years in print.  I’ve been in such mags a s Oxygen, Musclefitness Hers Muscle Mag and a few more. I’ve written 4 book to date. @ of which are fitness related to help you reach your fitness goal the way I did after each Pregnancy. I have 4 girls and accept no excuses as to why you are not living the healthiest lifestyle possible.

FFFC:  How did you get interested in fitness?

I was raised In texas and parents who kept myself and my twin active in all kinds of sports and creative activities. So it was natural that I stay on that healthy track that my parents guided me to live.

On top of that I had my eldest daughter early in age and I heard of women saying I would not get my body back.. so that was a huge motivation, to show them what is actually possible. I became in even better shape after each pregnancies. Proving what hard work, determination, will to succeed and visionary thoughts were cable of bringing me better results than desired each time.

FFFC:  How did you break into fitness modeling?

I met with a supplement company and started off as one of their spokesmodel for their fat burners. Because of this I was seen in ads in woman’s mags and came across my mentor and publications owner Bob Kennedy. It was more exposure from there.

FFFC:  Any advice for other women aspiring to be a fitness model?

Believe in yourself. Believe and accept your uniqueness. It’s the differences and authentic originality that sets one model apart from another. Everyone will not like your look but it just takes one right person to believe and see the art of the total package of you. Lastly self-Love. Love yourself first because how you feel is radiated through a camera lens to those who are professionals. If you Love and believe in yourself, others naturally have no choice but to admire and see that.

FFFC:  What prompted you to make this your career?

My love of fitness, inspiring others  and my desire to have my children’s role model be me other than an outsider prompted this making it my career. I truly love and am honored to be able to inspire others to be the greatest form of themselves.

FFFC:  What do you like most about what you do?

I like that I am able to touch someone and get them to see that they are beautiful and mold themselves according to their own beauty guidelines. The fact that I am able to help someone heal on a deeper level than just weight loss or sculpting is so very rewarding.

FFFC:  What is your favorite exercise routine?

Today I love training legs and my fave routine would be my silly workouts using my own body weight found in videos on my Instagram page.

FFFC:  What do you consider the most useful workout equipment?

For me the treadmill and the stairmaster both I would say.

FFFC:  What do you think is the biggest misconception about this field and what you do?

From women, the 2 biggest misconceptions are “ I will look like a boy if I lift weights”. And “I will sweat my weave out.” Both are so false. The bulking look does not happen by using light weights to tone and I can attest that weaves will not sweat out in 2 weeks of working out.

FFFC:  What are some fitness fads you wish would go away?

The Yo- Yo diets seem to live strong. Like 10 lbs in 2 days and other ridiculous fads. Those usually drop water weight not fat first. Quick fixes bring on quick weight gains after those fad diets are done. Not to mention are very rough on the heart. I am about healthy longevity and lifestyle. So much more rewarding with lifelong results.

FFFC:  I see you authored the book “Logistics of Leanness” – what inspired you to write it?

There it is. Yes “LOL” and “LOL Defined” were inspired because I wanted to give women and men my personal proven secrets that helped me get my body back after 54-60 lbs weight gains from total opposite eating habits than my better choices. I wanted readers to see that weight loss, weight gain and maintaining were all possible. Most people assumed I ate health during my pregnancies. I did not choose those health options that I would normally during pre-Pregnancy state. I do not recommend eating unhealthy pregnant or not. But this was done in order to prove a point to naysayers and excuse holders..

FFFC:  What general tips do you have for the average woman balancing family, career with health and fitness?

Because I have 4 kids I know what is possible. You are your limit, so no excuses.

1. Drink plenty of water

2. Exercise at home or at the gym 3 days a week. If you have kids involve them in your workout. They love it.

3. Make time just for you even if it’s for an hour a day.

4. Visualize the end result of what you wish your body to look like ( not from another person’s body you admire. Genetics are different person to person.)

5. Gratitude for the body you have goes a very long way.

6. Self Love. Love all of you and know that you are already beautiful and Loved.

FFFC:  What new or special projects do you have coming up?

I am writing another book, busy with my baby project(shesique Magazine), and possible going to do a little radio fitness segment soon.

FFFC:  Who is your fitness inspiration?

It has always been my father. He was in amazing shape, dedicated and went about healthy ways of maintaining his body. Not to mention he had a vibrant positive personality.

FFFC:  How can our readers find you on the web or inquire about your services?

Readers can check out my social media:

www.facebook.com/lhickombottom

www.instagram/leighhickombottom

www.twitter.com/lhickombottom

My website is www.leighhickombottom.com and there is a contact page there. Thank you for the interview.

LightLove,

L Hickombottom