Chances are you know Aussie personal trainer Kayla Itsines (and her rock-solid abs). The founder of the Bikini Body Guide and the Sweat With Kayla app has 5.2 million instagram followers, and counting. What started as an Instagram page sharing body transformations has grown into a global community of women motivating one another through progress pics and inspiring words. We caught up with her on the London leg of her current fitness tour.
When did you start working out?
I’ve always played sport - I played basketball my whole life. When I finished school I did my personal training course, that’s how I got started.
How did the Bikini Body Guide come about?
I didn’t plan it – I didn’t even set out to start a business – I was just doing my own thing and uploading body transformations on to instagram and it came from there. The power of social media.
What drives you every day?
The amazing community of awesome women drive me every day. I want to do cool new things for them – videos or photos. I work out everyday for them.
What’s your top workout tip?
Find a friend - someone that will help you through your journey. I think that’s the best thing about the BBG community – there are so many women out there that will help to motivate you and inspire you.
What’s the one piece of workout gear that you couldn’t live without?
There are a few awesome things that I have. My new white Adidas pureboost shoes – I’m obsessed with all white shoes. I also love my Apple watch and my wireless headphones.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Meeting the girls, hearing their journey. I’ve become good friend with some of them – I FaceTime them every week, we message each other about funny things.
What is your favourite healthy snack?
I eat lots of different things – one of my favourite snack is cutting up raw vegetables – fennel, capsicum peppers, tomato, cucumber.
What is on your workout playlist right now?
Club music! Anything high intensity – I can’t listen to slow R&B when I’m working out!
What is your dream holiday destination?
I’ve already been – it’s Bali. We go to this beautiful resort there every year and they look after us so well.
Do you work out on holiday?
I do a lot of beach walking while I’m away and it’s easy in Bali to have healthy food – fresh fruit and a lot of seafood.
Describe yourself in three words
Humble, positive… and fit, I guess!
What’s your motto or mantra?
Focus on how you feel, not how you look.
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