Screen Shot 2017-06-14 at 17.27.29Wonder Woman (aka Diana Prince) – a gloriously badass breath of fresh air wrote one Guardian reviewer and I have to agree! Gal Gadot is magnificent in the role and totally owns it. Not only is Gal stunningly beautiful but she also looks fit, strong and athletic (and loads of fun to hang out with) – like she can actually do the fighting and stunts that are required for this role.

*SPOILER ALERT* The movie begins with Wonder Woman’s origins story (set on the paradise island of Themyscira) surrounded by strong, athletic Amazon warriors who are a combination of accomplished actresses who auditioned for the roles and real-life badass athletes (check out the incredible story of Ann Wolfe recruited from the athletic world. Seeing the Amazons riding down the beach in full armour to counter an attack on their shores was a sight to behold and the following fight scenes were incredible!

But the masterstroke of this story, directed by Patty Jenkins, is that although the swordplay and fighting skills are hugely impressive, the secret weapon is the accentuation and celebration of Diana’s feminine trait of empathy. The driving force for the iconic crossing of ‘no man’s land’, to rescue the people who are starving and enslaved on the other side, is driven by empathy and the need to help, despite being told it was impossible – because she can.

Seeing fit, strong, accomplished, powerful women on the big screen is hugely important, for both sexes but especially for women. I was fortunate to grow up in New Zealand, play a lot of sport (which meant I was fit and strong from very young), then work in the physically demanding racing industry from my late teens to mid-twenties. The benefits of this culture is that even if you were a girl, you were expected to do and be able to do anything the boys could physically do, no excuses! Xena Warrior Princess (played by the fantastic Kiwi actress Lucy Lawless) was also an idol of mine with her kick-arse approach to life. These days I work in a gym with female colleagues who are fit, strong and great role models but unfortunately I know a lot of women don’t have this kind of women in their lives that they can relate to, so it is hugely important to see this on the big screen.

I know what we see in the movies is choreographed with stunts and the actors have trained specifically for the roles but the ideas can be carried over to our own training. When we stop focusing just on the aesthetics/what we look like and instead focus on learning new physical skills and getting stronger, we really start to appreciate what our bodies can do. Then, as long as our nutrition is 80%+ on point, the aesthetics will come in the form of an in-shape, healthy body.

I believe it is very important generally to stay as fit and as strong as you can in day-to-day life, to be able to enjoy life to the full now and also age in a healthy and productive way. Now relating this back to the London Bridge/Borough Market attacks, I know there is certain things you can’t protect from; a bomb going off in your near vicinity, somebody attacking you with a knife unexpectedly or a someone in a vehicle deciding to knock you down. But if you are fit and strong, you are in a much better position to be able to protect yourself (and others) or run from danger if necessary.

This is especially important for women, do you want to be confident? Then get lifting! Women who lift are strong, they walk with confidence and this confidence spills over into all areas of their lives. It doesn’t matter what your starting point is, sort out any injuries or niggles first with a Physio, Chiro or Osteo, then get a trainer and learn how to lift properly. Build up to being able to sprint, take up a martial art or self-defence and empower yourself. Take responsibility for being able (as much as possible) take care of yourself and others in the event of an emergency. Afraid of getting big muscles or ‘looking like a man’? Well you won’t, women don’t have the right hormonal profile, read more on that ‘here‘. I’ve been massively knocked down with injuries and burnout in the past, but now that I’m back to (almost) being as strong as I’ve ever been, (even in my nearly mid-40’s) I know which is the better option to choose!

These are the kind of things my clients learn when working with me, how to transform their bodies and their lives – to be healthier, happier. Contact me today “here” to learn more about how I can help you look fabulous, feel fantastic and love the body you are in!