From Gymnastics To Bodybuilding With Leslie Staten

Leslie Staten was active as a kiddo and then got into weight lifting and crossfit.

Meet Leslie Staten

Learn more about Leslie Staten and her journey!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!

I’m Leslie Staten and I’m an Illinois girl living in Austin, Texas absolutely loving life. If I’m not forcing love onto my German Shepherd, I’m finding some kind of new trail to bike or hike with my boyfriend- who is determined to make an extreme sport athlete out of me. I am currently in school to become a Physical Therapy Assistant while working as a personal trainer.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO HEALTH AND FITNESS? WHAT DID YOUR JOURNEY LOOK LIKE?

I was a gymnast and cheerleader until I was 18. The first job I ever held was at a local gym in Springfield, Illinois as a front desk attendant. My best friend and coworker finally convinced me to take on the weight room with her and the rest is history. I fell in love with the endorphin rush and how strong I was beginning to feel. I mixed in crossfit with typical strength training, but could never get myself to even come close to enjoying cardio. I ended up hurting myself pretty badly with crossfit and coming to realize it’s absolutely NOT about how heavy you are lifting, it’s about doing things the right way and listening to your body.

HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE OR EDUCATE OTHERS ABOUT LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

I believe that there is a difference between educating and preaching. I try so hard to be a voice of knowledge for those who may be working on a healthier lifestyle and aim to never be the girl forcing something that works for ME on someone else. Everyone is different and every BODY is different. It is so crucial to recognize that when stepping up as a mentor in this field. 

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO EDUCATE OTHERS ABOUT LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

We only get one chance at this thing called life, and its 100 percent up to us to decide if we want to make the most of it as LONG AS WE CAN. My motto is “do something today that your future self will thank you for.” Not only will YOU feel better, but it will give you an outlook on life that is much brighter. 

WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THOSE LOOKING TO START LIVING A HEALTHIER LIFE?

Don’t be afraid of the beginning. I still remember my first day in the free weights section of my gym and being completely transparent with y’all, I cried and tried to talk myself out of it. I was petrified of the judgement I thought would be thrown my way. But, the truth is, everyone there is learning too.

Make realistic goals for yourself daily, and let yourself feel accomplished for crossing them off the list. Your daily goals will create your future achievements. Don’t restrict yourself to a crazy diet. Have that slice of pizza and go enjoy your night out with your friends with your favorite drink in hand. Those moments will be your best memories, do you really want to risk passing them up because you are worried about some number on a scale? Speaking of scales, DON’T TOUCH THEM. They aren’t necessary. What genuinely matters is how you are feeling. Muscle weighs more than fat, therefore when you are working your hardest, oftentimes you will see that number rise.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY OF EATING AND WORKOUTS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I follow the 80/20 rule, meaning I believe in balance. Complete restriction of the foods you love will create extremely short term success. I make a point to move everyday in some way even if it is a rest day. 15 minutes of simple yoga can help those sore muscles relax in ways you can’t even believe! I start my day with intermittent fasting and stick to a 16:8 split. This means I normally stick to only black coffee and water until about noon, and will use the window of 12-8 to get what I need into my body. 

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Protein is so important. Your post-workout routine is just as important, if not more important, than the workout itself. Make sure you are making the most out of that sweat sesh! And don’t be afraid to ask questions or fear failure. Failure creates champions. You will always receive push back from people who are incapable of dreaming big like you or believe in comfort zones. But give it time. It won’t be long before they are calling you up asking how you did it. 

If you would like to follow along with Leslie Staten’s journey, you can find her on Instagram.