We love finding out about the philosophies of Aotearoa’s experts on health, nutrition, wellbeing and fitness! This week we asked Auckland-based yoga and barre instructor Sophie Rimmer the NZ Real Health 10 Quick Questions:
1. In a nutshell, what do you do for your job?
I teach Yoga and Barre to the wonderful people of Auckland.
2. How did you get into your line of work?
I used to dance professionally so I wanted to find a new career path where I was still able to move around and avoid sitting still as much as possible. I wriggle a lot!
3. What’s the best thing about your job?
I love meeting so many different people. I love how Yoga connects people in the community.
4. What do you do to keep fit?
I love Vinyasa Yoga, Xtend Barre and walk. Not a big fan of running, but I notice my walk turns in to a sprint if I’m running late for an appointment or class.
5. What’s your philosophy on nutrition and diets?
Moderation, I think Dr. Libby hits the nail on the head with her philosophy of Zigging and Zagging. Meaning majority of the time I Zig eat well, but occasionally I zag if I’m heading to a birthday celebration – I’ll enjoy a glass of bubbles and slice of cake.
6. What does keeping healthy mean to you?
Everything, I love to feel energised and present with people, if I am feeling low energy, tired, I can not be my fullest truest best authentic self in my relationships with others.
7. What motivates you to stay on track with your own nutrition and training?
Freedom within my discipline; if I am really full on, teaching lots of additional classes or events in my timetable then I will be flexible in my work out offering myself a restorative yoga practice to preserve energy and never leaving myself depleted or at risk of injury. Knowing I have the flexibility to adapt, makes me enjoy my work out even more as I have the intelligence to know what my body needs and when. So I am more likely to roll out my yoga mat and have a healthier practice.
8. What’s your best health or fitness tip?
Surround yourself with positive people. Who take positive action in their life. If we surround ourselves in a toxic or extremely negative environment, we tend to follow or imitate this behavior. For example if you have a group of friends who are super extreme in their partying ways, then adapt your social get togethers for breakfast or brunch dates instead so that you can remain on your chosen healthy path.
9. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to take?
Yoga mat, my cat and my future hubby.
10. Any favourite inspirational quotes?
“Be yourself, everybody else is taken!”
For more information on Sophie and her classes, visit:
Images / Supplied