INT R ODU CI N G
Introducing Ash Crate. Ash is our new fitness writer and each season promises to impart a few tips and inspiration, so we can all be a little more active. At The Training Room, in Collingwood Street, Hamilton, Ash and her team of PTs (personal trainers) have created a space that is unlike any other gym.
“Whoever said the small things don’t matter has never seen a match start a wildfire” - Beau Taplin
physically is one thing, being a part of a woman's journey to feeling mentally and emotionally strong is a better feeling than any.
I am 23 and have had my own struggles with my weight. Like many people trying to lose weight, I developed body dysmorphia and realised if I continued my unhealthy habit with food I would likely develop bulimia and/or mental health issues.
I am looking forward to helping you discover your strength!
So I took a step back. I re-evaluated what my original health goal was and set out to learn more about my body. I started studying Personal Training and seeing a nutritionist. It worked, and I started fuelling my body and training because it made me feel good, not just because I aspired to be 500g lighter the next morning.
Winter – it’s a time when the excuses are easy: it’s too
Realising I was rarely satisfied in my weight loss journey, I found Powerlifting, a sport built around strength and strength alone. It was then that I started getting stronger every week, my deadlift, bench and squat numbers were getting higher every week, I was feeling accomplished every week and in turn feeling satisfied. I realised this is what health is about. Not only was I getting physically stronger but my mental and emotional strength was heightened, and I felt great! Subsequently my body fat went down and muscle mass went up until not only was I feeling strong in every aspect of life but I felt happy with the way I looked. In the background, however, stood the naysayers with the usual ‘you’re a girl you can’t lift that’ or ‘if you keep going heavy you’ll get bulky’. The sass in me thought nothing but BACK OFF! It was then I realised I had to help others feel the same and fight with women for their right to be and feel STRONG, so I built a business based on strength. Teaching women how to be strong
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Ash
wet, too cold, the days are too short…. So your first challenge this season is to commit. Commit to doing something for you, for your physical and mental health. • Challenge yourself to do something for 30 minutes five times a week. If this seems a lot at first start with three times a week and build from there. • Find a training buddy or PT to keep you accountable and to share your joys, achievements and challenges. • Measure — don’t weigh. • Think ahead and forward plan — winter is a time when us humans love to snack, so there is even more reason to spend a few minutes preparing easy go-to snacks for your week ahead. • Life is about balance so don’t beat yourself up about a few cheat moments.
