Tell us about your journey to fitness? Where did it all start?

I swam competitively from the age of 7 to 17. I swam 7 times a week including circuit Training twice a week within two of the sessions. It taught me a lot about discipline and commitment. I knew I would never make it as a professional swimmer but it didn’t stop me training with anything less than 100% effort.

If you're interested in starting your own fitness journey, Sundried's Activewear is suitable for people of all abilities. 

What do you do for fitness?

I train 4-5 times a week either in the gym or at home. I do a weight training program, split into the following sessions - chest and triceps, legs, back and shoulders, abs and a HIIT session. I also swim once a week when my son has his swimming lesson. 

What is your proudest achievement?

Definitely my two children! On the Fitness side it has been the recovery post my second child to the fittest and strongest I have ever been at the age of 38. After my second child I had Diastasis recti (ab separation), severe lower back pain, core muscles I could not engage and muscles that felt like jelly. It was a long and painfully slow recovery process, but it had to be done correctly. I couldn't do any jumping exercises until over one year postpartum and I could barely lift any weights. 

What are your goals?

To continue to become fitter and stronger. To improve flexibility, to do pull ups and walking handstands. And most of all to keep enjoying my fitness journey.

How to you overcome setbacks?

The key to overcoming setbacks is to be kind to yourself and to be patient. Setbacks are tools for improvement. Take the negative and change it into at least two positives. Take the time to understand the reason behind the setback, is it mental or physical or something else. Take the time also to recover properly and trust the process, don’t try and take any shortcuts or the next setback will be even bigger.

What advice would you give your younger self?

• Find a sport or exercise you enjoy doing rather than what other people think you should do/is popular.
• Consistency is key, motivation will come and go but if you stay consistent through these times you will always progress.
• Results do not happen overnight, train hard and be patient.
• Confidence is necessary, it is not conceited. You need to be confident in your own strength and abilities. This has been the biggest game changer for me 
• Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, be the best that you can be, and remember that social media is a highlights reel.

Who inspires you?

My biggest inspirations have been my virtual trainers Kayla Itsines and Kelsey Wells. After I stopped swimming competitively I lost my way a little with fitness. For years I dipped inconsistently in and out of mainly cardio based training until I came across Kayla Itsines on Instagram. She changed the way I exercised and really helped me commit again to becoming fit and healthy. I used her training for years even before and after my children. I now mainly train with Kelsey Wells on the app Kayla created, as I fell in love with weight training and physically to start with I couldn't do the more HIIT style training after my second child. 

Do you follow a specific nutrition plan?

I have been gluten free since 2009, I don’t have the official celiac diagnosis due to the doctors not telling me to start eating gluten again before the test, but the likelihood is that I am celiac. Even after 11 years of gluten free eating, if I eat the smallest amount by mistake it makes me ill. I also avoid refined sugar as for me I found it really is highly addictive. I ended up with a very unhealthy relationship with it as I couldn't eat it in moderation. This doesn't mean I don't eat treats, I used to have a cake business and I love baking so my focus is baking healthier treats for the family. Other than that I eat mindfully, I actually love healthy food, but I don't deprive myself if I want something not so healthy. It's all about balance. 

Why work with Sundried?

I love what the brand stands for, they are passionate about the environment. Their Eco Charge collection is made of recycled coffee grounds and their Eco Core range is made from recycled plastic bottles. Not only is it committed to reducing waste and helping to save the environment the products are beautiful, comfortable, wear well, and are extremely affordable.

To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.