Meet Top Model Hawaii Consultant and Magnum Athlete, Suzanne Adonis Lanting. Exercise and healthy living has turned this Top Model’s life around. In this interview, Suzanne shares her inspiring transformation story with us. Suzanne’s enthusiasm and positive energy will surely motivate you!
- Hometown: Oahu, Hawaii
- Current Location: Waipahu, Hawaii
- Height: 5′ 1″
- Weight: 118 lbs
- Age: 40
- Favorite Style of Cardio: HITT, Plyos, Hiking and Running Outdoors
Social Media and Website
http://www.topmodelworldwidehawaii.com/
For those unfamiliar with you, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved in the fitness industry?
At the age of 10, I became involved in jazz, street, tap, ballet, and dancing. And until the end of my senior year in high school, I was also involved in gymnastics and would perform on the islands. Once I became pregnant with my first child my active life stopped. Before my first daughter was a year old, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I never knew how sick I was until I saw photos of myself being in the 80 lbs plus range! I had muscle wasting and suffered from a variety of symptoms, and was really unaware of what was happening to me. At the time, I was very close to heart failure and thank God, I finally got a proper diagnosis, and I was able to be treated. I was treated with radiation which left me requiring thyroid and hormone therapy for the rest of my life. Now, I get labs done every 3 months to check my levels and adjust the dosages of medications if needed. During that time, I unintentionally gained weight. It was the start of a long journey which got me to where I am today! Staying fit and having a healthy lifestyle has enriched my life on so many levels; it has also opened up many amazing opportunities for me and it has enabled me to inspire others.
Tell us about your transformation, and what were some of your biggest challenges when you first started training?
My transformation started after I had my second daughter. I was able to lose about 70 lbs within the year. Since I was stuck at home 24/7 because I breastfed for 7 months, I did all of my workouts at home even if it was only in 5-10 minute increments. I made no excuses and always managed to get in some type of workout. When my daughter was about 5 months old, she went straight to a sippy cup! (Laughs) This allowed me to get to the gym and really workout. My challenges have been the same like any new mothers, my feet would hurt all the time from the extra weight, and I was uncomfortable in my own skin. I didn’t fit into any pre-pregnancy clothes, but I refused to buy any ‘bigger’ clothes. Each week, I took progress photos which really motivated me to keep going! I eventually entered a local bikini competition after I had lost all that weight. I entered the competition not to win, but because I was so happy with my results, and I wanted to show other women that anything is possible! I ended up getting in the best shape of my life, and have never felt so amazing in my own skin!
What’s the one food you couldn’t live without? And how do you handle cravings?
I love food; all kinds of food! (Laughs) But if there was one thing, it would probably have to be any nut butter! No joke; I think I could eat just nut butter all day, every day! (Laughs) How do I handle the cravings? Well, I know too much of it will make me gain unwanted fat, so knowing that and having some self-control is the key for me not going overboard. Right now, nut butter is in my meal plan, so I’m one happy camper! (Laughs)
How did you become involved with Magnum Nutraceuticals? And tell us a little bit about the demos and what you love most about them?
My husband and I own Hardcore 808 Nutrition Co. and about 3 years ago, we were going through some changes within our company and needed to do something different. We wanted to bring in a line of supplements that really set themselves apart from what we were already carrying. At that time, things weren’t in our favor and we couldn’t bring Magnum in. Our company was actually suffering, and it came to the point that we were considering selling it! Magnum President, Markus Kaulius and I had been following each other on social media for quite some time, and I was very inspired by his own transformation and his positive energy. My husband and I finally made the decision to bring Magnum in and from then on, everything has been a real life changer! Markus ended up reaching out to me and offered to sponsor me as an athlete. Needless to say, I was flabbergasted because I’m just a girl from a little island and held no professional titles whatsoever.
Markus had another brilliant idea, which led to sponsoring my husband and I as ‘power’ couple. I spoke with my husband, and at first he was reluctant because he had never competed in anything; it took a lot of convincing. (Laughs) But he finally gave in! I love the fact that Magnum chose us because we live and breathe this lifestyle, our beliefs embody theirs and it’s not about how many trophies we have earned. Being a part of Magnum has truly impacted our lives and business as whole, and taken it to a new level. They know how truly grateful we are because we always tell them so. (Laughs) We love being a part of a company who truly stands by their integrity and guarantees the best results or your money back! That’s how much they trust their own products; how many other companies out there can tell you that? My husband and I also love how the Magnum Team is always so supportive of each other. Markus takes it a step further and is heavily involved on social media. He goes live on Facebook weekly to discuss pertinent topics on training, nutrition and supplementation. I enjoy doing Magnum demos because I’m able to reach out to a variety of people and educate them about Magnum products. Magnum has so many excellent products and something for everyone, so I’m rest assured that there’s at least one product that will suit each person I meet.
What Magnum products are you currently using?
Suzanne’s Magnum Stack:
Morning (fasted cardio)
- Tonic
- Heat
- HI5
- Opus
- Acid (Before breakfast)
- Primer (After breakfast)
Mid Morning
- Tonic
- Lunch
- Heat
- Acid
- Greens
Pre Workout
- Limitless
- Carne Diem
- DNA
Intra Workout
- Opus
- HI5
Post Workout
- G
- Quattro
- Greens
Evening
- Acid
Before Bed
- G
- Tonic
- Carne Diem
- After Burner
- G-Spring
What does your current training look like?
Suzanne’s Full Routine:
Monday: Glutes/Abs
- Barbell Sumo Squats 4 x 15-20
- Barbell Sumo Squats High Pulse 4 x 15-20
- Barbell Sumo Squats Low Pulse 4 x 15-20
- Cable Kickbacks 4 x 15-20
- Angled Cable Kickbacks 4 x 15-20
- Side Leg Cable Lifts 4 x 15-20
- Barbell Hip Thrusts 4 x 15-20 (Superset)
- Smith Machine Reverse Kickbacks 4 x 15-20
- Low Sumo Squats (Pulses) 4 x 15-20 (Superset)
- Reverse Cable Rope Pulls 4 x 15-20
- Abductor Machine 4 x 10
- Weighted Cable Crunches 4 x 15-20
- Flutter Kicks 4 x 15-20
- Hanging Leg Raises 4 x 15-20
Tuesday: Shoulders/Chest
- Smith Machine Shoulder Press 4 x 12 (Superset)
- Plate Front Raises 4 x 12
- Side Lateral Raises 4 x 20 (Superset)
- Arnold presses 4 x 20
- Bench Push Ups 4 x 15 (Superset)
- Pec Dec Machine 4 x 12
- Should Press 4 x 10
- Side Lateral Raises 4 x 10
- ¾ Front Raises 4 x 10
- Front Raises 4 x 10
- Upright Rows 4 x 10
- Cable Chest Fly’s (Low/Mid) 4×15
- Dumbbell Flat Bench Press 4×15
- Dumbbell Flat Bench Fly’s 4×15
- Dumbbell Incline Chest Press 4×15
- Dumbbell Incline Fly’s 4×15
Wednesday: Glutes/Hams
- High/Narrow Stance Leg Press 4 x 15-20
- Wide Stance Leg Press 4 x 15-20
- Leg Curls 4 x 15-20 (Superset)
- Kettle Bell Stiff Legged Squats 4 x 15-20 (Superset)
- High Stance Single Legged Press 4 x 15-20
- Lying Leg Curls 3 x 7/12/15 (Superset)
- Cable Kickbacks 3 x 15
- Kettle Bell Squat Swings 1 x Failure
Thursday: Back/Arms
- Pull Ups 4 x 12
- Wide Lat Pulldowns 4 x 12 (Superset)
- Straight Arm Rope Pulldowns 4 x 12
- One-Arm Seated Row 4 x 12 (Superset)
- Wide Seated Row 4 x 12
- Bent-Over Rows 4 x 12 (Superset)
- Barbell One-Arm Row 4 x 12
- Back Extensions 4 x 12
- Concentration Curls 4 x 12
- Hammer Curls 4 x 12
- Dumbbell Curls 4 x 8/10/12/15
- 21’s x 4
Friday: Glutes/Arms/Abs
- Single Leg Pushdowns (Using Assisted Pull Up Machine) 3 x 12-15
- Lying Leg Curls (Using Dumbbell) 4 x 15 (Superset)
- Single Legged Bench Hip Thrust 4 x 15
- Alternate Side Leg Squats (Using Low Box) 4 x 15 (Superset)
- Reverse Glute Extensions (Using Ball) 4 x 15
Giant Set:
- Alternating Bench Step Up (Kickbacks) 4 x 15
- Bench Jump Squats 4 x 15
- High/Low/Wide Stance Kettle Bell Pulses 4 x 15
Superset:
- Rope Pulldowns 4 x 15
- Bench Dips 4 x 15
Giant Set:
- Overhead Rope Extensions 4 x 15
- Barbell Skull Crushers 4 x 15
- Barbell Sit Ups (Using same barbell from bench) 4 x 15-20
One Giant Set: (1 x Failure)
- Hanging Leg Raises
- Planks
- Bicycles
- Ball Transfer
- Ball Crunches
- Incline Leg Lifts
Saturday: Full Body Circuit
I usually do a full body circuit of 4-6 rounds.
Sunday: Lower Body Conditioning (Using Bands)/Cardio
Giant Set:
- Walking Lunges 4 x 40
- Right Sided Lunges 4 x 40
- Left Sided Lunges 4 x 40
- Kickbacks 4 x 40
- Duck Walk 4 x 40
- Backward Duck Walk 4 x 40
- Right Sided Skips 4 x 40
- Left Sided Skips 4 x 40
- Frog Jumps 4 x 40
Cardio:
- 20 Minutes Fasted HITT
- 40 Minutes Post Training
What’s your favorite exercise and why?
I love doing legs and of course glutes! I tend to naturally pack on muscles fast in my legs, so I’ve changed up my training. Currently I’m focusing on a variety of compound movements, supersets and conditioning. I must say, I do glutes three times a week, and sometimes I’ll add in a few exercises in between training other body parts. (Laughs) I love working on my legs and glutes because what woman doesn’t love great shapely legs and a nice round booty?
What’s your secret to your incredible abs?
As they say, “abs are made in the kitchen”, and I agree 100 percent with that. I also incorporate ab workouts whenever I can. I spend at least twice a week for 20-30 minutes focusing on them. Other times, I will do some ab exercises in between workouts to get my heart rate pumping.
Suzanne’s Typical Diet:
I’m currently preparing for the Olympia, so my meals change up with the help of Ulbrich Fitness and Team A to Z.
- Meal 1: 5 Egg Whites, 1 cup Fruit or 1 scoop Magnum Quattro and 1 tablespoon Peanut Butter
- Meal 2: 1 scoop Magnum Quattro and Magnum Greens
- Meal 3: 3 ½ ounces Protein Source and 3 cups Green Vegetables
- Meal 4: Same as meal 3
- Pre Workout: 1 Rice Cake, 1 tablespoon Organic Honey and 1 tablespoon Peanut Butter
- Post Workout: 1 scoop Magnum Quattro and 1 scoop Magnum Greens
- Meal 5: (Magnum Chocolate Love Pudding) 1 scoop Magnum Quattro, 2 ounces Avocado mixed in water. I freeze this for 10 minutes or eat as is; it’s my favorite treat!
Do you prep your meals and if so how long does it take you?
When I prep my own meals, it takes me a couple hours, and it just depends on how fancy I want to get. (Laughs) But for the most part I like to keep it pretty simple. I don’t mind cooking in bulk and then I freeze the rest after I weigh it and it’s packed. I cook fresh vegetables every other day. When I prep for my husband, he prefers his food fresh, so I cook at least every two days. So pretty much, I’m in the kitchen almost every day! (Laughs) When I’m not prepping for anything specific, I use Clean Eats 808 to prep my meals! They’re a local company and do customized meals. We carry their pre packed healthy meals at our store; they have some amazing healthy options.
What’s your favorite flavor of protein powder?
I actually love them all! (Laughs) I even love Magnum’s Pure & Simple because it’s a wonderful unflavored protein powder with the same high quality ingredients which I can add it to anything for extra protein. But I’m a chocolate girl, so Chocolate Love it is! (Laughs)
How did you and Peter meet? And what do the two of you enjoy doing together?
We have a pretty crazy story to be honest. (Laughs) We’ve known of each other for over 20 years; at one point, my best friend used to try to ‘hook’ us up. Back then, I was like no way! (Laughs) Let’s just say, fate brought us together. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we would ever end up together, but we did! Our lives have truly changed drastically for the better! We’re so different, but so alike in so many ways, and we get along amazingly well! We love family time; hiking, going to the beach, working out, traveling, riding our Harley’s and just lounging around together. We also really enjoy hanging around people who emit positivity and are humble. We also really enjoy working together at the store. I know not many couples are able to do that, but we’re one of those couples that can stand each other; it’s amazing! (Laughs)
Tell us about your children, and are they involved in your healthy lifestyle as well?
Taylor is 21 and she has a 2 month old beautiful boy, Jaystin. I’ve just started helping her get into tip top shape. She’s currently breastfeeding and supplements with Magnum Quattro and Greens. Sevin is 19 and he teaches surfing. He plans to attend college this fall and enjoys surfing, Taekwondo, and working out. He started working out with my husband and got into amazing shape. Since our schedules have changed, the two of them try to get workouts in together when they can. Siena Rayne will be 5 in August; she is my little energizer bunny who has a crazy amount of energy! (Laughs) Siena Rayne started gymnastics a year ago and advanced to the 6 year old class at the age of 4. She’s a fitness addict too! I have videos of her working out since she was 1 and they’re quite hilarious. At the moment, all she wants to do is gymnastics, workout, climb posts and walls, go for hikes or run; this is all day every day! (Laughs) I feel that it’s so important to set healthy standards at a young age with children because they will most likely follow in our footsteps. For us, being active and choosing healthier food options is so important!
What do you love most about living in Hawaii? And what do you recommend is a ‘must see’ if someone comes for a visit?
We’re surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean, so a drive to the beach is fairly short. There’s a diverse ethnicity here and the people are very friendly. Everyone pretty much knows each other, and they are very family oriented. I would definitely recommend outdoor activities to take in the beautiful island. Hiking Koko head is an amazing experience which has over 1k steps up the mountain; it’s quite grueling going up, but the view from the top is breathtaking! Luaus are great to experience and to learn about the Hawaiian culture. I would also recommend trying some Hawaiian food from Helena’s, and Portuguese donuts ~ malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery or taro donuts from Kam’s Bakery. And of course, you must come visit Hardcore 808 Nutrition Co.
Photo credit: Ron Perron and Gabe DeLiso
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Beastly Blessings!
Lisa