5 Minutes with Pip Edwards and Kayla Itsines
What is your favourite time of the day, and why?
Pip: If it’s a weekend I love the morning, as my favourite thing to do is the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk with a coffee in hand. If it’s during the week, I’m most happy after dinner chilling on the couch, knowing that the day is done, and I can relax and breathe it all out!!!
Kayla: Exercise for me is a form of self care so I prioritise setting time aside to move my body in some way every day. Being a busy working mum, juggling work commitments and my daughter Arna, my days can be long but scheduling 30-minutes every day to workout allows me to switch off, get in my zone and train hard.
What is your favourite form of movement, and why? Do you tend to stick to the same style of training, or do you like to mix it up?
Pip: Pilates is my go-to. My non-negotiable. I love it for the fine tuning and tweaking of my body, the core strength, and the fact that it’s not a “strenuous” workout, but it’s more a connected mental and physical challenge, and one where I see the results all round. I generally do Pilates twice or three times a week if I’m lucky, and in between I like to walk or sometimes cycle at the gym if I need a good sweat. I’m usually pretty active, from playing tennis, to swimming, and walking, so I’m generally always on the go.
Kayla: I love high intensity, plyometric (jump) training because it is a great way to get my heart rate up quickly and I can get an effective workout in a short amount of time. I also love that this style of training allows me to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I’m currently doing my High Intensity program as part of the Sweat Challenge which requires minimal equipment and means I can workout at home which I’m loving!
What is something you’ve achieved recently, big or small, that you’re proud of or excited about?
Pip: If I’m in need of a sweat, I usually like to cycle on the bike on a low resistance so the pace is super fast and I usually only last 12 to 16 minutes max … and the other day I made it to 20 minutes. That was big for me. Cycling isn’t a consistent thing, but when I do it, I like to push myself. My cardio fitness is something I need to work on!
Kayla: Celebrating my 30th birthday and reflecting on the last decade and everything I have accomplished personally and professionally has been really incredible. So much can change so fast and so I’ve really loved spending the time looking back and celebrating those achievements!
Balance is such an individual thing. When you do have downtime, how do you like to spend it? What are some of your favourite ways to unwind?
Pip: I burn some sage, and palo santo and incense and get lost in the scent and usually smoke out my house with it all burning at once. I love to walk near the ocean, and sit and stare at the horizon and breathe to the energy of the swell. I also love to sun gaze in the morning and soak up as much vitamin D as possible. In summer, sun baking and laying by an ocean pool or at the beach is the only time I can take downtime all day long and not feel guilty!!!!
Kayla: If I’ve had a really busy day and I can’t switch off, I like to sit on the couch with herbal tea, a few pieces of dark, peppermint chocolate and watch Netflix. I find watching one of my favourite shows helps me to unwind and slow my thoughts before bed.
