All too often we accept what we're told and stick to what we know. It's safe. It's comfortable. It feels warm and fuzzy. We can't fail. We won't be embarrassed. And, most importantly, we’ll achieve the things we’re ‘meant' to achieve.
But what happens if we don’t conform? What if our lives don’t follow the path society expects it to follow? What if we choose to take a risk in the hope it will pay off?
I grew up cycling, roller-skating, playing the violin, taking dance lessons, swinging around on trees and generally being hyperactive. I was happy-go-lucky, healthy and lucky enough to have laid-back parents that encouraged us to do all the fun stuff (apart from being hyperactive!), a garden to play in and a little sister to do everything with.
I also went to a wonderful school that placed huge importance on extracurricular activities - sailing, hiking, producing our own musicals and sports were an integral part of school life. We were coached by ex-Marines and ex-professional sportsmen and women and I did things I never thought I could or would be capable of doing. At 18, I left school with a very strong sense of self and armed with some of the most valuable lessons I’ve ever learnt:
After graduating, I started working in PR and exercise fell by the wayside. For a few years, at least. The very things that had defined and grounded me - exercise, feeling challenged, the buzz of adrenaline from winning a match or finishing a race - had been replaced by long days at work, constant deadlines and partying. 20 per cent Ab Fab, 80 per cent hard work!
With time, work and life stresses increased and I started reflecting on my current situation. I started to question why I wasn’t feeling myself and realised exercise connects me to myself, and to other people. And it makes me, feel like 'me'.
After a lot of thought, I decided the time was right to leave behind a successful 10-year career in PR, reconnect with my passion and become a Personal Trainer. And the mindset I inadvertently picked up at school allowed me to follow that path, and have the confidence to walk away from the safety of an established career and salary, and do a job I love everyday.
I’ve skied some of the steepest slopes in Europe, climbed up rock faces overhanging the sea, hiked for days being self-sufficient, played netball and hockey for my county and university, paddled a kayak marathon in 24 hours, done a few Tough Mudders and triathlons, and run the London Marathon. None of them were easy, but all of them were incredibly fun.
The mental and physical strength gained from achieving something totally outside your comfort zone is something everyone can improve from. I believe in performance over aesthetics and want to help you explore what your body and mind are capable of.
Once you’ve got comfortable being uncomfortable, you’ll never look back.
But what happens if we don’t conform? What if our lives don’t follow the path society expects it to follow? What if we choose to take a risk in the hope it will pay off?
I grew up cycling, roller-skating, playing the violin, taking dance lessons, swinging around on trees and generally being hyperactive. I was happy-go-lucky, healthy and lucky enough to have laid-back parents that encouraged us to do all the fun stuff (apart from being hyperactive!), a garden to play in and a little sister to do everything with.
I also went to a wonderful school that placed huge importance on extracurricular activities - sailing, hiking, producing our own musicals and sports were an integral part of school life. We were coached by ex-Marines and ex-professional sportsmen and women and I did things I never thought I could or would be capable of doing. At 18, I left school with a very strong sense of self and armed with some of the most valuable lessons I’ve ever learnt:
- To challenge yourself. Otherwise you’ll never know your true potential.
- The things that seem impossible, are definitely possible. You just need a plan, and stick to it.
- Just when you think you’ve got nothing left to give physically, you’ve always got about another 50-60%. Learn to tap into that and unleash it when you need to.
After graduating, I started working in PR and exercise fell by the wayside. For a few years, at least. The very things that had defined and grounded me - exercise, feeling challenged, the buzz of adrenaline from winning a match or finishing a race - had been replaced by long days at work, constant deadlines and partying. 20 per cent Ab Fab, 80 per cent hard work!
With time, work and life stresses increased and I started reflecting on my current situation. I started to question why I wasn’t feeling myself and realised exercise connects me to myself, and to other people. And it makes me, feel like 'me'.
After a lot of thought, I decided the time was right to leave behind a successful 10-year career in PR, reconnect with my passion and become a Personal Trainer. And the mindset I inadvertently picked up at school allowed me to follow that path, and have the confidence to walk away from the safety of an established career and salary, and do a job I love everyday.
I’ve skied some of the steepest slopes in Europe, climbed up rock faces overhanging the sea, hiked for days being self-sufficient, played netball and hockey for my county and university, paddled a kayak marathon in 24 hours, done a few Tough Mudders and triathlons, and run the London Marathon. None of them were easy, but all of them were incredibly fun.
The mental and physical strength gained from achieving something totally outside your comfort zone is something everyone can improve from. I believe in performance over aesthetics and want to help you explore what your body and mind are capable of.
Once you’ve got comfortable being uncomfortable, you’ll never look back.