Meet Taylor, one of our talented FAT HIIT coaches.
This is the type of story we love! From ‘I’ve heard about FAT', to 'I've been training with FAT over lockdown' and now to 'I'm part of the FAT team'. Taylor's energy and enthusiasm will always make you feel welcome, supported and happy during a session. Here is a quick interview talking about her journey, vision and most importantly who she is as a person! Enjoy :)
How did you hear about FAT?
I used to manage the lululemon Ponsonby store, where part of my job was knowing what's what about the Auckland fitness community. FAT was always a team favourite and high on our 'must-do' recommendations.
Last year, FAT online workouts were the foundation of our flat's lockdown routine.
Then one day a friend sent me Kevin's 'we're hiring' IG post and before I knew it, I found myself on the other side of the class, coaching the crew.
Describe yourself in three words
Passionate, adventurous, happy.
What is your 'movement' background?
It's a mixed bag - many years of sports, dancing and running, and I even gave surf canoes a crack. I love anything outdoors, like taking my paddleboard out at sunrise or doing an overnight hike with friends.
I'm a big fan of running events – the energy of the start/finish line is my happy place. I used to run a weekly Wed night 5km through lululemon and at one point, I was hitting a different Auckland run club every weeknight. FUN, I know.
And now I'm loving HIIT. I'm not the fastest. I'm not the strongest. Movement to me is connection. It's creating meaningful and valuable experiences that go beyond the workout. And now, it's also about encouraging people to believe they are stronger and more capable than they realise.
What are your top three pieces of advice for a healthy routine?
1. Replace 'have to' with 'get to' – e.g. "I get to go train outside after work."
2. Remember health is more than just physical. Sit in the sunshine, call people you love, drink water etc etc
3. Good music! If you like to run, make a playlist where the song's BPM matches your cadence—a game-changer for getting in the zone.
What are your 2022 fitness/lifestyle goals?
Move every day, even if it's a quick walk. My day job is office-based, so I'm trying to make a conscious effort to get outside daily. I want to get better at surfing (Sam and I like to go out to Muriwai if anyone wants to join us). Also, my arm could be twisted to run another marathon in October, TBD.
What is your favourite and least favourite exercise?
Fave: Burpeeeees
Least: Bear crawls
What advice would you give to a FAT first timer?
Show up with an open mind, and don't forget to say hello to the person next to you. Come for the workout, and you'll come back for the community. And head's up—sometimes there's more than one half-time challenge.
What inspires you?
My friends, family. Anyone I meet who instantly gives a welcoming, authentic energy. Bravery. People that do Ironman events.
What do you want to learn in 2022?
I'm still figuring out 'balance' and how to remove the guilt from resting. 2022 is about trusting more, worrying less, and enjoying life's 'in between' moments. Happy days!