5 minute read
Cover Model Interview
ATHLETE: SOPHIE GUIDOLIN sophieguidolin.com.au // @sophie_guidolin HAIR & MAKEUP: EFI TZAGARAKIS efitzagarakismakeup.com // @efi_t_makeup PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSICA APAP jessicaapap.com // jessicaapap_photographer
Bullies and Barbells
Nutritionist, Trainer and mother of four, Sophie Guidolin has made a life-changing transformation over the past 12 months – and it had nothing to do with her body. STRONG Australia’s Editor-in-Chief, Katelyn Swallow, caught up with her to ask one ‘simple’ question: how did she manage to get so happy and how can we all do the same in 2020?
MY ROAD TO FITNESS After having my sons and gaining a lot of weight, I fell in love with the way exercise and proper nutrition could transform my body and mind. I wanted to help others to feel the best they could, too, so I studied the necessary credentials and began competing in bikini and fitness competitions – where, to my surprise, I won every federation I competed in. One of my most significant career highlights would have to include being awarded my IFBB Bikini Pro Card after 10 years of hard work and despite being told to take steroids and switch coaches, as well as giving birth to my twins in that time, too. Turning pro proved that you don’t have to buy into the politics or be coached by anyone special – you just need to show up and do the hard work, again and again. I think finding my purpose has also been a highlight. Throughout my career I have evolved from a 22-year-old mum to a 30-year-old boss babe. I’ve spent the past year reflecting on what success means to me and aligning my lifestyle to my own values and what I want from my life. This has brought immense happiness internally – I feel more in charge of my life and decisions. I no longer feel stuck, and I now embrace change: life happens for me, not to me.
“Weight training has become my outlet again – I no longer rush workouts to get back to the office.”
A LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT For a long time, I was chasing the mainstream idea of success: I had the huge gym and office, numerous staff and I worked a massive week. I had my dream home and my dream car. I grinded until I couldn’t grind anymore, and I gave more than I ever took. But then I wondered why I never felt any happier. After seven years of almost no days off, I found myself bed ridden for nine days straight – wondering why on earth I was working so hard when the work-life balance was so greatly lacking. I wanted to spend days at home with my kids and travel with my husband, without it being a work trip or to compete. I started making changes to turn my ‘successful life’ into the one I wanted – I signed up to a local gym five minutes from my home, where I could train without interruption. I put the boys on the school bus so I wouldn’t be stuck in traffic for an hour, and I reduced my staff dramatically. I moved my office into my home and now manage most of my business remotely. While every day looks different, a few aspects are always the same: I aim to cook and move at least once a day. On top of my personal daily goals, I manage my health and fitness app THE BOD and my recipe book sales, as well as working on many exciting new projects and launches. Oh – and I’m a mum to four kids!
MY DEFINITION OF STRONG My definition of strong is mental – an aspect that I think is often overlooked. We can curl a small army, but we forget that our brain will give out well before our body. After burning out at the end of last year, my mental health and self-care are now a priority for me. Weight training has become my outlet again – I no longer rush workouts to get back to the office. Taking this time to fall back in love with exercise has allowed my mind the space to be a better boss, mum and partner.
SELF-CARE STRATEGIES I follow a few psychologists on Instagram, who share great content that I really connect with, and I unfollow anyone who makes me feel bad about myself. I don’t watch TV and I read a book a week.
A THOUGHT ON BODY IMAGE Body image, to me, is the perception of yourself as a whole. I have stood on stage and been compared to other women and walked away without a trophy. I’ve been called every name under the sun online, and I have stretchmarks, scars and pointy ears. My resilience and perseverance despite the criticism of others have made me love me. I love that I’m weird and quirky, I’m a bit of a tomboy, and most of my friends are male, and that I’m smart and know my worth. I love that I’m a good mum and give everyone the benefit of the doubt. None of the things I love about myself are physical – they are about the person I am and the value I bring. For women who are struggling to love themselves, focus on your worth beyond your looks, as this is when you can begin to love your physical appearance without criticism.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGES I think that anyone who says online criticism doesn’t impact them would be lying. It’s hard. When you read the same hurtful comment over and over, it requires a lot of energy to not take those words on board. After eight years on Instagram, I am only now learning to block anyone immediately if they are making hurtful comments. I’m personally blocking about five to 10 accounts daily to protect myself. I think certain people thrive off putting other people down, to give themselves a sense of superiority and satisfaction. It’s an unfortunate trait, but I can only hope that these online bullies will one day realise that we’re all real people, with real feelings.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY My training philosophy is to get as strong as possible, which will in turn increase muscle mass and burn more calories at rest, ultimately reducing body fat. By focusing on fitness goals and smashing personal bests, your body responds without stress, and it makes the experience much more enjoyable. S
GUIDOLIN’S DAY ON A PLATE MEAL 1 – chocolate snickers oats MEAL 2 – coffee and cake, with fruit salad and yoghurt MEAL 3 – lasagne or spaghetti MEAL 4 – slice of banana bread MEAL 5 – family dinner, ranging from stir fry to pizza
