Tell us a little bit about yourself – including something we may not know about you.

I moved to the island 3 and a half years ago from England after graduating from university with a degree in Music! I have taught music in 4 prisons, both here and in England – and no, it’s not too scary!

 

Of all the fitness facilities on island, what made you give us, 7 Mile Strength & Fitness a try? 

My good friend Emily Farren brought me to you (and the impending doom of getting fit for my wedding!). I was working with her and all I kept hearing was her saying how excited she was to go to the gym…and at first I thought she was completely insane…then I went for a consult with my Coach for Life – the fabulous Mere – and realised what she was talking about!

 

What was the hardest part when you started out and how did you overcome that?

I think the hardest part about starting anything new for the first time is believing you can do it even when you don’t see results as quickly as you’d like. It took me a while to actually commit to coming at least twice a week because I’d make excuses about why I couldn’t come. When in reality, I was just being a little lazy or feeling a bit afraid of doing a new workout.

 

Tell us something you’re really proud of – can be inside or outside the gym.

My journey with my mental health, body image and relationship with food. To cut a long story short, I was a restrictive eater, horrendously depressed and only exercised to get rid of what I ate – which was usually only 1000 calories per day. I was exhausted all the time and couldn’t figure out why. Fast forward to this year, a lot of therapy, some antidepressants and some amazing support from friends and family, and ESPECIALLY support regarding food from the 7 Mile Coaches – I don’t see food as an enemy, I’ve lowered my dosage of antidepressants and now I view exercise and going to the gym as a way of making me strong. Increasing my overall health. Helping me to become the best version of myself, because, let’s face it, who DOESN’T love lifting something really heavy and dropping it (safely…) and hearing the CLANG of barbells and weights??

 

When you see _____ in a workout, it makes you want to sing!

ROWING – WE LOVE A ROWER!

 

When you see _____ in a workout, it makes you want to cry.

Wallballs. Or the assault bike. In fact, if they’re both in the workout – I’m probably not coming!!

 

What have you learned about yourself since joining our 7 Mile family?

I am a lot stronger, both physically and mentally, than I thought. I’m naturally quite a lazy person, but week on week I really find myself trying to do my very best in class. We all have our off days, but on the whole I enjoy it so much that I just naturally find myself trying hard!

 

If you could star in your very own Broadway Musical, what would it be about and what would you call it?

So…I’ve actually written an idea of a musical called Cake! The Musical – using songs by the Beatles but clearly changing the words. The cake shop is in Penny Lane and there is an army of doughnuts that get shot and explode with jam or custard…obviously. However, if I was going to star in my own musical, it would probably have something to do with a girl getting to live her dream of being a performer – until I was about 16 my goal was to be a West End performer…so the musical would be like my dream coming true! I’d probably call it ‘A Brit on Broadway’!

 

How was your first Throwdown experience? I loved your comment – “I never win anything!”

The throwdown was SO fun and I would encourage everyone to take part in the next one! Having such an excellent partner like Tim Rossiter really helped…his hanging knee raises saved the day!! It’s really great to be able to see people from the gym competing in CrossFit workouts – because the one thing I really love about classes is that the only person you’re competing against is yourself, so there’s no pressure to finish first or be the fastest. Everyone can work at their own pace. Whereas in the Throwdown, it was SO exciting to get to compete…and it’s so true…I never win anything sport related…so this was even more special!!

 

Favorite song?

I have 2 favourites…because they’re slightly different categories:

Favourite to sing: Skylark – Ella Fitzgerald’s version is just beautiful

Favourite to listen to: Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra (my first dance with my husband at our wedding!)

 

If you could write your own WOD, what would it look like? 

ROWING

Sit ups

Deadlifts

Squats

And a mandatory rest after each round. Mandatory rests are the best. Rest time is the best time.

 

Would you recommend 7 Mile Strength & Fitness to others and if so, why?

Yes, yes I would! The whole 7 Mile culture is centred around being a part of a huge family. Everyone is supportive. Everyone is at their own level of fitness. There’s no judgement and only positivity. On top of all of that you get to be coached by some of the best and most knowledgeable coaches I’ve ever met, who are driven to make sure you are getting everything you need and getting your body stronger and fitter week by week!

 

Thank you Laura!  We are so proud of you.