1. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE?

I have not really been one to have a motivational quote, but in recent times I have learnt to embrace positivity by telling myself “Just have a bloody good time!”. With the recent societal concerns its easy to get caught up in it all and forget to look after yourself. I am the type to put so much pressure on myself with what I do and unrealistic expectations that I forgot to be in the moment and enjoy what I am doing.

2. WHAT DID YOU FIND HARD ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE?

Eating right and consistently! I have tried meal prepping before and found that I would cook enough for the week and find myself avoiding that meal the third day in and just leave the rest in the fridge and it ends up in the bin. Another hurdle is that I work in hospitality, which means shift work so eating consistently gets tough when my sleeping pattern is off and I need to force myself to eat.

3. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

What I found was using Ana’s cooking videos as my meal prep inspo and now can master meal prepping about 15 to 20 meals that are all different flavours so that I do not get bored. Sometimes I slip off the bandwagon but I do not let that ruin my groove and eat healthy the next meal rather than the slippery slope of giving up after a break in diet.

4. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

The community vibe within the gym. You know how you go to those mainstream gyms and there are cliques and you envy those groups but are too afraid to socialise and be part of it? Not at Mana, everyone knows everyone and everyone is so welcoming. Jose and Ana also ensure that you meet everyone and become part of the family!

Oh and the bell! If you hit a personal best you get to the ring the bell – the energy and support in the gym is second to none and makes you feel ace!

5. WHAT WAS THE NUMBER ONE HABIT THAT YOU DIDN’T FEEL COMFORTABLE TO LET GO OF?

Not eating what I want when I want. I work in food and beverage in a hotel so I am big on wine and eating food that tastes good. To have to meal prep and eat boring food was something I was not finding easy to do. But again, with Ana’s inspiration you become quickly accustomed to the lifestyle and how easy it is to just grab a readymade meal from the fridge.

6. IS IT STILL HOLDING YOU BACK OR HAVE YOU CONQUERED IT? HOW?

I occasionally slip up especially if it is very busy in the hotel as I will either forget my food at home, eat hot chips from the kitchen or not eat. Each day is a new day and I don’t hold myself back for what I did yesterday. Every day is an opportunity to do right by your body and a slip up will only affect you if you don’t bounce back.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE IN THE SAME POSITION AS YOU WERE, BEFORE STARTING THIS JOURNEY?

Just do it! (Another motivational quote I didn’t think I knew). Before I came to Mana I was umming about whether I needed to start getting personal training as I wanted to become a better rugby player by being stronger, faster and more powerful. I just sent Jose a message and the rest is history. My boyfriend even joined Mana after my love for it and success. Its always scary trying something new and if you want to get better or make a change you need to take action. Coming to Mana is the best decision I have ever made, its part of my life.

8. ARE THERE ANY LESSONS THAT YOU LEARNED?

Eating more food more often does not make you put weight on, if you are exerting that much energy! My issue in the past was exercising a lot but not eating enough to refuel my body. Its so important you eat enough to replenish the stores and build that muscle!

9. TELL US A FUN FACT THAT NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU?

Not many people know that I am a qualified lawyer!

10. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO OTHERS AND WHAT LEGACY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND?

Back to what I said at the start – “Just have a bloody good time!” What I want is to create positivity and great experiences, that's why I chose the hotel industry rather than being a lawyer – I have the power to create happiness. Whatever you do in your life, make sure you enjoy it.