FACES OF COACH: Meet Yulia, our HIIT coach!

How did you hear about FAT?
After moving to Auckland last year, my flatmates brought me along to a Social
Saturday session and I’ve been hooked ever since! Movement, kōrero, and
drinks at Williams became one of our treasured flat traditions.


Describe yourself in 3 words?
Curious, fun, and open


What is your Health and Fitness background?
I was in the dance studio every day from ages 5 to 18. I found group fitness
classes as a teenager and loved how similar it was to dance. Good tunes, sweating with others, and a fun instructor will always be my favourite way to
move.


What are your top 3 pieces of advice to build a Healthy routine?
1. Relax. This can be especially hard to implement within our hustle
culture, but focusing on lowering my cortisol helps me to show up better
in all areas of my life, including work. Personally, I limit caffeine, alcohol,
and focus on good quality sleep.
2. Daily movement. Recent studies suggest every little bit of movement
adds up, so when I can I take the stairs or take walking meetings. My
daily exercise can vary from yoga, to weights, to running – whatever my
body is feeling.
3. Moderation! I don’t subscribe to hard and fast rules. I set up as many
good routines as I can and leave some room for grace because hey, life
happens!


Do you have any 2024 fitness/lifestyle goals?
My 2024 goal was to beat my half marathon PB which I achieved back in May.
My next goal is to complete my yoga teacher training.


What is your favourite and worst exercise?
I love anything that involves jumping! Think tucks, burpees, air-jacks. I think
it’s the dancer in me. My worst exercise is any overhead press…. my upper
body is my Achilles heel.


Which advice would you give to a FAT first timer?
Don’t take it too serious! Treat FAT as play and know that it’s hard for
everyone! Introduce yourself to a new buddy (everyone is SO friendly!) and
enjoy the process of sweating, laughing, and playing together!

What do you want to learn in the coming months?
I’ve just finished up some data collection for my PhD and I’m in the process of
learning about the physical activity patterns of older adults!