Ashlee kept a close eye on us from the sideline for a couple of years before finally getting involved.
She recently attended all four of our virtual “HOMEWORK” workouts during lockdown.
We are delighted to have her on board, get to know her a little better!
How did you hear about FAT and how was your first session?
I had seen FAT on social media before and I work close to Silo Park so have kept a close eye on their movements for a good couple years now (laugh). I am a classic creature of habit so never thought about a change until a friend of mine who I work with kept bugging me to come along. I finally gave in mid December and have been slowly adding a few classes into my schedule since.
First session was great. I love that it’s outside, super social, inclusive, caters to all levels and has a good variation of traditional/ functional movements. There is a good focus on stretching and movement which is good for me as I am notoriously bad for not stretching after class..
What are your 2021 fitness and/or lifestyle goals?
About the same level of activity, but more of it outside and embracing the social element that sport and exercise offers. This is definitely a plus for FAT in terms of group fitness. I also started the year doing a Great Walk (Queen Charlotte Track) with my best friend and have another one lined up towards the end of March which I am really looking forward to.
Last year, aided by my best friend/ flatmate I also got back onto my road bike. I really enjoy the long rides which we often do on the weekends, so definitely more of that and maybe even consider a challenge like Taupo if I am brave enough…
I can’t stress how important it is to spend time outside especially when you are sitting inside at a desk all day. It keeps you grounded, helps with balance and clears the stress.
How do you motivate yourself to exercise?
Exercise for me is like part of my rhythm, it clears the mind, gives me energy and also helps me switch off after a long day. I genuinely cannot function without it and actively think about how I am going to fit it into my schedule each week. In saying that, sometimes after a really long or tough day I might not have the energy to do anything, so I just don't. Previously I used to get more hung up on things like that and feel guilty, but I have gotten a lot better about listening to my body and not just going to the gym for the sake of it.
How was your HOMEWORK experience during lockdown?
Great! The music playlists provided via Spotify (https://www.fitnessalltogether.co.nz/fat-playlist) really brings the FAT vibe in, which I love, and the Zoom technology worked really well!
The classes are shorter but I was definitely exhausted after all of them.
I am also not a very creative person when it comes to thinking of exercises, but there is plenty of variety without the need for any equipment, so thanks to Eli and Elliot for putting together some great sessions.
What’s the last podcast you listened to and book you read?
ZM’s Flech Vaughan and Megan, I listen to it pretty much every day and my favourite book at the moment is Sapiens: A brief history of humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
What is the craziest thing you've ever done in your life?
In my final year of school I decided I wanted to continue to enjoy Rowing but not in a professional capacity. So I started investigating doing an OE, made some enquiries and all of a sudden three weeks later I had signed up for a whole year overseas at 18 teaching rowing up at a school in the UK. I was petrified, but also didn't have enough time to think about it and say no. It was absolutely the best thing I ever did.